Did you know that by remodeling your kitchen, you might eat healthier, spend more time with the family, and even throw more parties? Of course, you might just be sick of looking at your current, outdated design.

Whatever your reason for embarking on a renovation, one thing’s certain: the cabinets you choose will make or break the space. And you can’t go wrong with classic shaker cabinets. There are more than a few reasons why Shaker-style cabinetry has remained in our collective design consciousness for well over two hundred years.

Read on to find out just what they are.

What Exactly Are Shaker Cabinets?

Believe it or not, but the origin of Shaker-style cabinets lies in an ancient religious group called the Shakers. The Shakers came to the United States in the late 1800s, fleeing persecution in central Europe.

Like many new immigrants to America, the settlers started in New York City. But eventually, over the next century or so, they relocated to countryside areas in Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, New England, and Ohio.

The Shakers were famous as much for their strange spiritual beliefs and strict ways of living as they were for their expert craftsmanship. They could craft almost anything out of wood, so long as it suited their passion for the austere and sensible. They fitted out their kitchens and the kitchens of others with practical cabinetry, and hence, the Shaker cabinet was born!

The features of Shaker cabinets include:

• Using the least possible amount of materials
• Five-piece drawers and doors (though one piece is increasingly common today)
• Simple, modest proportions
• A lack of flair or decoration, outside of a recessed groove
• Using quality hardwoods

It’s due to this dedication to quality and simplicity that the Shaker cabinet has yet to fall out of style–well over two centuries since its invention.

Why You Should Choose Shaker Cabinets

From their minimalist lines to the flexibility of layout and finishes, Shaker cabinets help you make the most of your kitchen space–whether it’s large or small. And best of all, they never go out of style.

Make Them Your Own

The fact that Shaker cabinets are clean and uncomplicated also makes them ideal for those who prefer DIY design. This simplicity offers you a clean slate to personalize your kitchen. This means a custom look is within your reach, even if you’re on a budget.

For example, homeowners often agonize over finding the perfect pulls or knobs. Choose Shaker cabinets and despair no more: almost any type you choose will look stylish–from handcrafted wrought iron for a country farmhouse feel to channeling that retro 60s vibe with glossy chrome.

Simple Construction

Traditionally, a carpenter or manufacturer crafts Shaker cabinets using the frame and panel construction, or rail and stile, method. The cabinets feature a recessed center panel and hidden hinges.

Nowadays, many cabinets are also manufactured using single-piece, solid wood construction to save time, cut back on material wastage, and reduce shrinkage and expansion.

Shaker-style cabinets are also some of the most widely available RTA kitchen cabinets. Ready-to-assemble cabinets are almost always more cost-effective than custom cabinets. They also save you precious time on your renovation because they’re effortless to install.

And this all means you can start using your new kitchen sooner!

Classic, In a Contemporary Way

Because Shaker cabinets are so simply designed, they fit well in contemporary and rustic homes. Pair them with granite counters and polished brass hardware for an opulent feel, or top glossy painted Shaker cabinet doors with a wildly current stainless steel work surface.

Best of all, instead of having to update your kitchen every decade or so, it’s likely you can simply refinish your cabinets when the time rolls around for another remodel. And if you’re fitting out a home for resale, a classic Shaker will be attractive to any prospective buyers.

They’re Low Maintenance

Whether you’re going with dramatic black shaker cabinets or cabinetry in classic Hampton Gray, you’ll be pleased to hear that Shaker cabinets are among the most straightforward cabinets to care for on the market today.

Shaker cabinets feature square edges and minimal surface detailing. This means dirt, dust, and food won’t get caught up in the doors, and they wipe clean with a simple wipe of a damp, slightly soapy sponge or cloth.

If you’re a family with young children or boisterous pets, choose a wood laminate for a scratch, stain, and ultra-easy-clean kitchen.

Paint or Stain Them

Are you coveting a set of dove white shaker kitchen cabinets for your new black-and-white kitchen? Perhaps you prefer a classic dark-stained wood look to tie in with the rustic charm of your Craftsman-style home. Whatever color or cabinet finish you’re after, you can have it with Shakers.

If you’re not ready to paint your unfinished shaker cabinets in bright hues, stick with neutrals or a natural stain finish that shows off the wood grain. Then you can pair them with pops of color in your backsplash, countertops, lighting fixtures, or wall decor.

If you’re concerned about cracks forming over time in painted cabinets, consider wood laminate panels instead. They’re cheaper, too!

Excellent Value for Money

Whether you choose frameless or framed cabinets, Shaker cabinets offer excellent affordability for those on a budget or just looking to save some money for other high-end purchases.

Because these hardwood cabinets favor utilitarian styling, they use fewer materials, making the overall outlay cheaper. They’ll also potentially save you when it comes to future remodels since you can simply restyle your existing cabinets instead of replacing them.

Shaker Cabinets: The Savvy Choice

If you’re a cost-conscious homeowner seeking simple, elegant cabinetry for your kitchen renovation, you can’t go past shaker cabinets. They’re not only affordable and low maintenance, but they also adapt well to existing home decor. Add your own personality to your kitchen with creative hardware, finishes, and more.

Are you in the market for a new kitchen? Nuformcabinetry.com is one of America’s leading suppliers of high-quality RTA (Ready to Assemble) cabinets. Shop our range of kitchen cabinets today.