Cabinet doors are a functional necessity that has the power to completely transform the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen or bathroom. When exploring the different options, you'll want to consider the cost, the care, and the overall aesthetic appeal of the cabinet door design. The design and appearance of your kitchen cabinet doors will arguably have the most substantial impact on the look and feel of your space for the next 30 years. So, you want to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
The two most popular and versatile kitchen options are raised panel cabinet doors and shaker-style cabinet doors. While both options may look similar at first glance, there are a few key differences you'll want to consider to ensure you find the perfect match for your desired kitchen design.
In this article, we'll discuss the differences between shaker cabinets vs. raised panels and which kitchen designs they best complement.
Here's everything you need to know about raised panel vs. shaker cabinet doors:
What Are Raised Panel Cabinets?
Raised panel cabinets have been a popular choice since the early 1920s. This was a more stylish solution when compared to the traditional kitchens in the 1800s. The cabinet door features a simple construction with a center panel raised slightly higher than the rest of the door. The raised panel is typically paired with a frame with subtle grooves and ornate details.
This style is loved for its simplicity, which is why it's continued to be a top choice for kitchens since the 1920s. Raised panel cabinet doors come in various styles and are available in many wood types. Some feature raised panels with arches, a center stile, or a rope molding inlay.
Raised panel cabinets are ideal for traditional, vintage, or contemporary kitchen designs. The versatility of the style increases the longevity of your investment. Ensuring you have a high-quality option that aligns with the look of your kitchen for years to come.
What Are Shaker-Style Cabinet Doors?
Shaker-style cabinet doors are loved for their simple structure and timeless appeal. These cabinets feature a flat inset panel and simple straight edges.
Shaker-style cabinet doors grew in popularity in the United States during the 1800s. The style was simple, durable, and practical. They're designed to last and can be painted or stained to complement your desired aesthetic choices. The lack of ornamental details made them easy to clean and maintain, increasing the longevity of the cabinet doors and maintaining a high-end, timeless appeal.
Shaker-cabinet doors come in various types and are still one of the top choices for traditional, vintage, and modern kitchen designs.
Difference Between Shaker Style and Raised Panel Cabinets
When comparing shaker vs. raised panel cabinets, you'll notice both styles are relatively simple. Even though they share many similarities, they also slightly differ.
Aesthetic Appeal
When comparing the raised panel vs shaker style, one of the more obvious differences is the design and aesthetic. Raised panels feature a raised center panel with slopes that go back to the edges. While the shaker style is more simple in design, featuring just a flat recessed center and no ornate designs or details.
Raised panels also may vary. Some have curves, frames, and additional panels. When deciding between the two, shaker cabinet doors are ideal for a minimalist or modern aesthetic. While raised panel cabinet doors complement rustic and vintage designs.
The Construction and Installation of Shaker and Raised Panel Doors
Shaker and raised panel doors share a similar construction, contributing to their ease of installation. These doors can be crafted using either a cope & stick joint, known for its classic, sturdy construction, or a mitered joint, similar to that of a picture frame, which offers a more seamless and elegant appearance.
In terms of installation, both door styles are versatile and can be adapted to either a face frame (framed) or a frameless cabinet box. The key difference lies in the hinge type required for installation. When attached to a face frame, the door is considered framed, meaning it's connected to the front of the cabinet box, offering a traditional look. On the other hand, frameless constructions, where the door attaches directly to the cabinet's side, provide a more modern, seamless appearance.
While both shaker and raised panel doors are available in framed or frameless options, shaker style doors are more commonly associated with frameless constructions, whereas raised panel doors are often seen in framed designs. It's important to consider the type of construction when planning your project, as it can influence the type of hinges needed and potentially affect the overall cost, especially if you're hiring professional help for installation.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Shaker cabinet doors feature straight lines and clean angles. They lack the ornate detailing that sets raised panel cabinet doors apart from other designs. This means shaker cabinet doors are typically easier to clean and maintain.
However, when comparing raised panel cabinet doors vs. shakers, both styles require the same level of maintenance and upkeep. You'll want to clean your cabinet doors regularly with gentle soap to eliminate dust and debris.
Affordability
Another aspect to consider when comparing shaker cabinets vs raised panels is affordability. The differences in cost will depend on the wood type, style, labor, and the size of your kitchen. Since shaker cabinet doors are simple, you can expect less labor costs and materials.
Best Kitchen Designs for Shaker Cabinets
Shaker cabinets are both functional and stylish. The simplicity of the design makes them a highly versatile option that can accommodate a variety of kitchen aesthetics. Some of the most popular options include:
Modern
Obsessed with the modern aesthetic? All-white, black, or gray shaker cabinet doors provide a modernized kitchen look. Consider pairing them with matte black pulls, handles, and knobs.
Modern Farmhouse
The simplicity of the design can also pair elegantly with a modern or vintage farmhouse look. To achieve a modern farmhouse aesthetic, pair your cabinets with all-white shaker cabinet doors with open shelves.
Scandinavian
Scandinavian kitchens thrive on simplicity. They typically feature a neutral color palette and lack ornate details. To achieve this desired aesthetic with shaker-style doors, consider pairing it with matte finish hardware and use a light color palette with warm neutrals, whites, or gray.
Best Kitchen Designs for Raised Panel Cabinets
If you enjoy the traditional look and feel of raised panel cabinets, here are some kitchen aesthetics to consider:
Traditional
Traditional kitchen designs are timeless and aim to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Raised panel cabinets are the ideal choice for traditional kitchen designs. To achieve the traditional look, consider adding crown molding, brass-finish hardware, or playing with a dark wood finish.
Vintage
Vintage aesthetics are unique and nostalgic. The style fuses traditional elements from different eras to create an aesthetic that complements your preferences. To achieve the vintage look with raised panel cabinets, consider adding metal cup handles, playful pops of colors, and soft neutrals.
Mediterranean
Mediterranean kitchens use influences from Southern Europe. The aesthetic uses natural materials, warm color palettes, and decorative tiles. Raised panel cabinets painted yellow or blue paired with a decorative tile backsplash will help you achieve this desired look.
Shaker Cabinets vs. Raised Panel: Which Style is Right For Me?
When deciding between shaker cabinets vs. raised panels, it's important to note that both options are stylish and would be great additions to your kitchen. To find the perfect match, you'll want to weigh the pros and cons of the maintenance, cost, and aesthetic appeal.
At Cabinet Door Factory, we have a variety of shaker and raised panel cabinets to choose from. Our cabinet doors are custom-made to fit your kitchen.
Explore our selection of custom kitchen cabinet doors today!
