Shaker Cabinets - A Brief History

Shaker cabinets have a wonderful history. You can learn more about them by reading this article.

A little background about the Shaker Movement. It began in Kentucky and spread to New England, in many ways becoming the forerunner of other revivalist movements. They are known for their distaste for modern conveniences and the respect they accord the handcrafted, simple furniture they created. This movement also seems to have had a strong influence on such woodworking movements as the cabinetmaker, which is why many Shaker cabinet designs still influence the American furniture industry today.

The design of the cabinets is often basic. However, the items that are stored in the cabinets are often stacked one atop the other, in such a way that would allow their interior to be quite spacious. Many of the cabinets were built with only one upper shelf and one lower shelf, although some of the older ones are built with two levels. As a result, you get a very flexible design that is attractive to visitors but can still provide enough storage for your own use.

It is hard to imagine Shaker cabinets without the delicate look of vintage hardware. The variety of hardware is truly amazing. You can get some that are made from brass, silver, black iron, bronze, and copper. The antique hardware can be found in a lot of the popular styles that are very well represented in stores today.

Shaker cabinets have only two shelves, which are usually placed at the bottom of the room. Other than that, there is little space between the shelves. The beauty of the design is that any item can be conveniently stored in any corner, with the door slightly ajar. Many of the cabinets are made with an open fireplace theme, where the decorative parts are on the outside and the doors are on the inside.

There are several types of Shaker cabinets that you can buy. You can choose between three basic materials. The cabinets may be made of wood, or metal, or glass. These materials can match the overall look of the rest of your home.

The first material that most people think of when they think of Shaker cabinets is wood. But, if you choose a wood Shaker cabinet, you can choose the stain that you like best. Stains can go deep into the wood, leaving you with a rich color and beautiful grain. You can add stain to deepen the color, or you can choose a lighter shade. You can choose a stained oak or a paint stained maple, and the color will still remain true to the look of the original wood.

The second material is metal. Many of the Shaker cabinets are made of metal, with interesting finishes. You can find these cabinets with very complex designs, with four or five different finishes, or you can just get one that looks nice. The designs are generally complex and might contain intricate detail.

The third option is glass. There are many types of glass, and they are available in many different materials. There are clear glasses, tinted glasses, and stained glass.

With wood and metal, the cabinets are the same thickness throughout, but when you buy one that is made of stained glass, it is much thinner than real wood. But it still has that lovely look of natural wood, giving the appearance of a real work of art.

The cabinets can be found in a variety of sizes. Some of the cabinets are really tiny and will fit on the floor in any home. Others can be large enough to provide enough space for a full-sized bed or dresser. However, if you want a Shaker cabinet, but don't want to spend money on one that's too small, there are plenty of cabinets that are miniature versions of the originals.

Shaker cabinets are often listed as authentic or traditional, depending on the style. There are many versions, so take your time and make a decision. to find the Shaker cabinet that best suits your style and decorating taste.