Shaker-style kitchen cabinets are a simple and elegant design characterized by flat surfaces, smooth edges, tapered legs, and specific hardware. This particular type of cabinet was popular in the late 1800s when it was introduced by furniture makers in England who drew inspiration from an English organization known as the Shakers.
Shaker-style cabinets have been very influential for more modern styles of cabinets, including Arts and Crafts, Mission Revival, and Mid-century Modern.
Although shaker-style cabinets are popular in the United States, they are also common in Canada and Europe, like England. The Shakers were an English group that broke away from the Quakers who believed worship should be done in private. This led to the Shakers developing their rituals that involved dancing and shaking.
American cabinet makers copied European designs for many years until William Blakely founded the Roycroft furniture company in 1897. He was greatly inspired by the work of English designer Christopher Dresser. The latter had developed his style after he became exposed to primitive art like that of Africa and the Pacific Islands. This new style was characterized by organic shapes, clean patterns, and simple lines that eventually evolved into what is now known as Mission Revival furniture.
People who appreciate shaker-style cabinets like reflecting a simpler time in history when things were not overly complicated. Shakers believe in fairness to all people and nature, which is why their furniture reflects this simplicity. They are also known to be neat and orderly, which can be seen in the simple lines of shaker-style cabinets characteristic of the Shakers.
Shaker-style cabinets are not common in modern homes. Still, they have had a lasting influence on many different cabinets styles, including Arts and Crafts, Mission Revival, Southwest Contemporary, and Mid-century Modern.
Shaker-style cabinets are known for their simple lines, which can be seen in the straight edges of drawers and doors flush with smooth surfaces. While there are no decorative designs on these cabinets, they often have tapered legs that end in a point or curved feet resembling paws. The hardware used on shaker cabinets is also simple, with generally curved handles and pull knobs being the only decoration.
Shaker-style cabinets do not have any embellishments like carvings or surface decorations which sets them apart from other shaker kitchen cabinets styles. Still, what they lack in decorative features, they make up for with a sleek, clean design that is simple and elegant.
