Consider Shaker Cabinets for Your Home
Those who are looking to improve their kitchen often want to replace the cabinets. Whether homeowners are undergoing a remodel, or are building a brand new kitchen, quality cabinets will make a big difference in the overall appearance and functionality of the room. While there are many options available for cabinets, one of the most popular styles is the Shaker cabinet. Although these are highly sought after, many people are not aware of the history of these cabinets or why they are a popular choice.
What Are Shaker Cabinets?
Shaker cabinets will typically have a five-piece door system with a recessed panel on the interior in the center. The fronts of the doors are slabs that have built-up features on them to provide them with their unique appearance. Overall, they have a clean and classic look, and there are many differentiations on the style that are available.
These types of cabinets were originally created by the Shakers, a religious sect that enjoyed simplicity and functionality. The simplicity and utility made their way into the furnishings created by them, as seen with the Shaker cabinets. They are an excellent option for many kitchens today.
While often used in kitchens, as mentioned, it is not the only room of the house that might benefit from Shaker cabinets. They could also be a nice option to use for bathrooms or laundry rooms. Of course, it will depend on the style and the size of the home.
Why Are Shaker Cabinets So Popular?
Undoubtedly, these types of cabinets are one of the most popular options available today. Many people wonder what it is about the cabinets that make them such a hit with so many homeowners.
One of the biggest benefits is the timeless beauty of the cabinets. They have a classic look that can work well for many different types of kitchens. They could be a good choice for those who are creating a modern-style room, as well as those who want to have more of a rustic feel. Regardless of the decorating style, they tend to look great. The cabinets are quite versatile, which is their most popular feature for many buyers.
Multiple styles are available with Shaker cabinets when bought through certain manufacturers. While they will still have the same overall look and feel, it is possible to find different styles and options for the cabinets. This ensures that buyers will have the look that they want for their kitchen.
Shaker cabinets also tend to be affordable and can work well for many budgets. Those who are looking for quality cabinets and who do not want to spend an exorbitant amount of money will appreciate this. They also tend to be easy to manufacture and install. People could save even more money if they choose to do the installation on their own. Even if they have a professional take care of the installation, it should still be affordable.
Another reason for the popularity of Shaker cabinets that many people do not consider is the impact it could have on the home when it is sold. Because these cabinets tend to last for a long time with proper care, and because they have a timeless appeal, they can become an attractive feature for potential buyers. Those who are going to be selling their home and who may have painted their Shaker cabinets an eclectic color theme for their particular kitchen might want to repaint. Going with a simple white or gray will work well, as the colors are neutral enough for most buyers.
Are Shaker Cabinets Right for Everyone?
Although these cabinets will work well for many types of kitchens, they may not be the right choice for everyone. Those who want more flair in their cabinets might want to choose a different option. There are many other types of cabinets, including custom designs, which could work better for those individuals.
Still, when remodeling or designing a kitchen or another room that needs cabinets, it is a good idea to consider Shaker cabinets. They provide a nice and clean look along with plenty of space and all of the benefits mentioned above.
What’s the Best Color for Shaker Cabinets?
The most popular color for Shaker cabinets is white. This is the color that most people think of when they imagine these types of cabinets in their kitchen. However, do not let what’s popular restrict your design choices. Despite white being popular, it is far from the only available color. Today, there are many interesting color options that can be chosen. Different colors could work better for different style kitchens, for example. As always, the buyer will want to think about the overall aesthetics they are trying to achieve when picking out the colors. The same goes for the hardware that they use with the cabinets.
Tips for Keeping Shaker Cabinets Clean and in Good Shape
Some people believe that cleaning and taking care of Shaker cabinets is a lot of work because of their design and the built-up areas on the doors or drawers. While owners will need to properly clean and care for their cabinets, it is not much more work than with other types of cabinets.
The areas that seem to give many people trouble are the edges and corners that have the built-up design on them. They find it difficult to get into those nooks and crannies, but it does not have to be such a problem, as long as the right tools are available. A good way to clean these areas is with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will get into the crevices and help to remove dust and dirt. It is important to use a soft brush, so it does not scratch the finish or the wood. While it is not necessary to use the brush on the cabinets each day, it is a good idea to do it about once a week to keep up with the cleaning.
The cleaning materials used on the cabinets should always be chosen carefully, and that goes beyond just choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush. Cleaning cloths should be soft, and they should not leave any lint on the cabinets. A dishcloth or dish sponge should never be used. They often have residue on them that could damage the cabinets. Additionally, they will often not be soft enough and could cause damage to the finish.
Never use abrasive cleaning solvents on the Shaker cabinets, or other types of cabinets, either. Even when using a soft cloth, these are likely to cause damage to the finish on the doors. A good option is to use two tablespoons of mild dish soap mixed into two cups of warm water. Be careful not to let the cleaning solution get onto the hinges or the hardware. If it does, dry it off right away, so you can reduce the risk of the hardware rusting.
After cleaning the cabinets, make sure to dry them using a clean, dry, soft cloth. Moisture left on the cabinet doors can cause water damage over time. Similarly, no one should leave a wet dishtowel draped over a cabinet.
Be sure to clean all of the areas of the cabinets, inside and outside. For shelving, it is a good idea to use some type of shelf paper. Many types of shelf paper are available today. They can be cut to size and placed in the cabinet on the shelves and in drawers. It is easy to use and will provide an added layer of protection. This will help to keep them clean, and it will help to reduce the risk of damage from moisture on dishes that may still be slightly damp when they are put away.
Basic cleaning and dusting of the shelves should be done daily. If there are any splatters of grease, sauce, or any other elements that get onto the cabinets, they should be cleaned up right away. Doing a thorough cleaning of the cabinets once a week or so will help to keep them in shape, ensuring that they continue to look great.
While it does take a bit more cleaning to ensure that the Shaker cabinet fronts are clean, it is not overly difficult. Given all of the other benefits that these types of cabinets can offer, it is worth taking a few extra minutes during those bigger cleaning sessions.
Time to Choose the Best Cabinets for the Kitchen and Beyond
Those who are getting ready to build or remodel their kitchen will want to consider Shaker cabinets for the benefits that they can provide. Although they may not be the right solution for everyone, they have been able to maintain their popularity for a reason.
When buying Shaker cabinets, or any cabinets and doors, it is important to choose a company that has a reputation for creating quality products. Find a manufacturer that can provide high-quality materials and construction, and that has a price that will fit within your budget.