Shaker Kitchen Cabinets

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Known for its simplicity, efficiency, meticulous craftsmanship and durability, Shaker furniture first appeared on the scene toward the end of the 18th century in the eastern United States. The religious movement that became known as the Shakers (officially, the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing) established numerous communities and became known for their fine handcrafts, including furniture. Their work in turn influenced later movements over the next two centuries. Today, while actual Shaker-made furniture is the stuff of "Antiques Roadshow" dreams, the look it inspired is as current as it's ever been in settings from vintage to modern - the classics really do never go out of style.

The Shakers did not go in for excess adornment, and neither do Shaker cabinets. Drawers and doors consist of a plain panel framed in plain wood, perhaps recessed, perhaps flush. The Shaker style was an early adopter of frameless construction, presenting a seamless surface of door and drawer fronts, with hidden hinges and no visible cabinet frames; today, depending on the desired look, Shaker-style cabinets are available with both traditional or frameless construction, or a hybrid of the two.

Whatever historical period strikes your fancy when you're designing your new kitchen, Shaker should be on your short list when you're looking for clean, uncluttered lines; because it sticks to the basics, it avoids many of those touches that can make cabinets look dated when tastes change - including yours.

If you're looking for a Japanese, Arts & Crafts or Mission quality in your new kitchen, warm-toned Shaker style cabinets in indigenous American woods like cherry, maple or even pine, with a mellow or dark stain, are a perfect choice; choose hardware with an old-fashioned, handmade look, but keep it simple.

The same cabinets, with a painted and glazed finish, work well in a contemporary country theme; painted or enameled, or with a clear finish on wood, they're right at home with glass, stainless steel, and other 21st-century touches.

The main thing to keep in mind working with the Shaker style is the simplicity the Shakers themselves celebrated. While it's a style that can be taken in many directions, less is definitely more here; resist the urge to over-accessorize.

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