Shaker Kitchen Cabinets Add Functional Charm to Your Home
The clean, simple design of Shaker kitchen cabinets has long been a favorite of homeowners. Whether used in older homes or modern showplaces, there is always room for the Shaker style.
The History of Shaker Cabinets
Shaker kitchen cabinets were first produced around 1790. They were created by the Shakers, a religious group that strives for simplicity in their daily life and solid craftsmanship in their work. Shaker kitchen cabinets are built with neatness and function in mind.
What Makes Shaker Cabinets Special
The simple lines and streamlined function of the shaker kitchen cabinets make them a good choice for nearly any home. True Shaker cabinets boast dovetailed wood joints, which are extraordinarily sturdy without the use of nails or glue. Custom built-in furniture is also a hallmark of the Shaker style, where everything has its place and expected function.
How to Spot Shaker Kitchen Cabinets
There are some special features and qualities that make Shaker kitchen cabinets stand out from the rest:
- Simple, non-decorative handles
- Plain cabinet facing made with domestic woods, such as cherry or oak
- Wood that is unfinished or lightly stained to enhance the natural beauty
- Multiple drawers and shelves with a place for everything
- Small yet useful details, such as apothecary drawers or mail slots
- Built-in cabinets and drawers that make excellent use of otherwise "dead" space
- Sturdy dovetailed joints that make nails and glue unnecessary
The basic and unadorned Shaker kitchen cabinets offer a dignified beauty that is second to none. Custom Shaker kitchen cabinets, built in the old style with traditional tools, might take longer to obtain than more modern designs--but for those who want the best in simplicity and function, they are definitely worth the wait.
About the Author
Shannon Dauphin is a freelance writer based near Nashville, Tennessee. Her house was built in 1901, so home repair and renovation have become her hobbies.
