Shaker kitchen cabinets have stood the test of time, with origins dating back to the mid-1700s when Quakers first crafted them. These cabinets gained popularity in the mid-19th century and have remained a staple in American kitchens ever since. The timeless appeal of shaker-style cabinets lies in their simple and unfussy design, featuring a border of wood outlining the door and a recessed center panel. This minimalist aesthetic allows them to blend seamlessly with evolving kitchen trends over the years. However, like any design, shaker cabinets come with their drawbacks that should be considered before incorporating them into your kitchen remodel.
The first con is that shaker-style cabinets can be cumbersome to clean. While they're much simpler than ornate cabinets with etched grooves and designs, their recessed panels still catch a fair amount of dust, grime, and grease in their crevices. This might not be ideal for someone who wants an easy-to-clean kitchen. The second is that they are starting to decrease in popularity, so they might not be the best fit if you're remodeling your kitchen to sell your house. Here is a closer look at shaker cabinet downsides and what to consider getting instead.
Alternatives to consider
If these disadvantages are enough to discourage you from getting shaker cabinets for your kitchen, then you probably want some stylish alternatives. Which way you head depends on what your needs are. If you're turned off by them due to their upkeep and need for intensive cleaning, you may be better off looking at flat-panel doors. These are exactly what they sound like — flat doors with no ornamentation or paneling. This ensures that no crumbs, dust, or grease can stick to its grooves or borders since there are none.
However, if you're second-guessing a shaker-style design because it's starting to feel overused and slightly dated, then consider the new shaker cabinets with a twist. These cabinets have the same border encasing a center panel, but the border has slimmed from 4 inches to 1-2 inches. This creates a more contemporary feel that appears fresh and new rather than traditional or farmhouse-inspired. They still feel timeless but not overdone.
