The five different types of shaker kitchen
Our clients are amazed when they see how many aesthetics can be created with shaker style kitchens. The vast array of styles and looks might make it seem like there are endless decisions to be made when it comes to the options for shaker kitchens — from colours and costs to whether to choose framed or frameless — but the reality is much simpler.
There are actually only five categories that all of the options fit into, and once you become familiar with them, the decision-making process is much easier. Decisions ultimately boil down to the desired style for your kitchen and its overall look and feel. Discover which of the five would be best suited to your new space in our article below.
What is a shaker kitchen?
If you’re already familiar with what a shaker kitchen is, feel free to skip this section, but for those who are not, read on.
Shaker design dates back to the mid-18th century and was developed by the Shaker community. The Shakers grew their own food and cast aside the ideas of ‘lavish living’, they believed that all things should hold purpose. This was evident in their work and design. The Shaker style effortlessly combines simplicity with fine craftsmanship and functionality. The kitchen units have a flat centre panel and flat edges with clean lines. With limited details and profiling, their finish is not at all ornate, yet the artistry of the cabinets adds a certain charm that many of us just cannot resist. They are characteristically symmetrical and simple and can be used to achieve a wide variety of kitchens aesthetics. Shaker kitchens boast a traditional feel yet can be easily modernised with the colours you paint them, the worktops you choose to accompany them and the handles/accessories you decide on.
What is the difference in look between shaker kitchens?
Imagine a sliding scale from a modern to traditional shaker style kitchen:
Many clients come to us looking for “shaker kitchen style cabinets” or “shaker kitchen cabinet doors”, sometimes adding slightly more detail to their brief like “white shaker kitchen cabinets”. The lack of detail at the start of a kitchen enquiry is often down to people not understanding just how many options are available to them when it comes to shaker kitchens.
Versatility and choice are what makes shaker style kitchens so popular. We’ll go into more detail on each umbrella style available below.
What are the different shaker kitchens?
Slim shaker kitchen:
This is the most modern shaker kitchen available. The outer stiles on the shaker style kitchen cabinets are narrow: between 58mm and 70mm, depending on the manufacturer. As modern as shaker kitchens come, there is no beading, resulting in a 90-degree angle to the centre panel.
Classic shaker kitchen:
The style that never dates. It’s the original shaker that’s been around for decades and will be around for many more to come. The outer stile is well proportioned between 90mm and 110mm, depending on the manufacturer. Classic shakers have no beading and a 90-degree angle to the centre panel.
Modern beading shaker kitchen:
Modern beading shakers are ideal for clients looking for something a little different while remaining at the more contemporary end of the shaker scale. Modern beading transitions the outer stile to the inner centre panel, with the above image demonstrating a chamfer beading.
Traditional beading shaker kitchen:
Traditional beading follows the same principle as its modern counterpart by transitioning the outer stile and centre panel. Traditional beading is more detailed, providing a more classic look and overall powerful finish. The image above is an ovolo beading with more detail that sits within the shaker kitchen doors.
Mock in-frame shaker kitchen:
The most traditional and technically frameless shaker on the market is the mock in-frame shaker style kitchen. It imitates a classically framed country-style kitchen where the shaker style itself is classic with no beading. There is extra mock framing of approximately 25mm thick, depending on the manufacturer.
How to design your perfect shaker kitchen
When it comes to designing your perfect kitchen, it’s not just the style of cabinets that make a difference. There are lots of small decisions to be made along the way, impacted by cost and your preferred aesthetic. The overall look and feel you’re looking to achieve can come from a variety of combinations, and naturally, some shaker kitchen styles may work better than others.
At PAD we offer our design consultation service, to help you understand what’s truly possible on your budget and what makes most sense in your space.