Shaker cabinets continue to be one of the most reliable styles in kitchen design. Not just anacdontaly, but in cabinet sales over the last few years.
Sales data from our cabinet trends report showed that shaker-style doors collectively accounted for 19.9% of all cabinets sold. While most of our cabinets sold have custom door profiles, shaker doors remain a popular choice among designers and homeowners.
Within that shaker door category, one option stands out clearly: our skinny shaker MDF875, a painted, narrow-profile door, which represents 6.1% of total cabinet sales on its own.
This isn’t a short-term trend; shaker doors have been popular in style on and off since the late 18th century. Today, homeowners love them for being:
- resale friendly
- versatile
- simple
- and easy to clean.
A Safe, Resale-Friendly Choice
From a resale perspective, shaker cabinets consistently perform well. They offer homeowners a way to update and modernize their kitchens without committing to a look that could feel dated or polarizing in a few years.
For designers, this makes shaker cabinets an easy recommendation in projects where long-term value matters. Transitional styles tend to appeal to a broader buyer pool, and shaker doors sit squarely in that category.
Shaker Cabinets Are The In-Between Style
One of the biggest reasons shaker cabinets remain popular is their balance.
They’re:
- Less ornate than traditional raised-panel doors
- Less stark than ultra-modern slab styles
That middle ground allows shaker cabinetry to work across a wide range of homes and client preferences. Whether the space leans classic, transitional, or lightly modern, Shaker doors adapt well.
The popularity of the skinny shaker profile reinforces this shift. Narrow stiles and rails soften the traditional look while aligning with today’s preference for cleaner lines.
Versatility Across Design Preferences
Since cabinets make up a large portion of a kitchen, shaker doors act as a flexible, neutral base for the room. A versatile foundation feels safe as an investment because, as trends change, you can update other features like the backsplash, hardware, or countertop.
This versatility is one reason designers continue to return to it, especially when working with varied client tastes, mixed-use portfolios, or showroom displays that need to appeal to many buyers at once.
A Long-Term Shift Toward Simpler Design
Over the last 20 years, kitchen design has steadily moved away from heavy ornamentation. Decorative moldings, deep profiles, and intricate detailing have given way to simpler, cleaner forms.
Shaker cabinetry fits naturally into that evolution. It delivers structure without excess detail, which aligns well with modern interiors, open layouts, and contemporary lifestyles.
Shaker Cabinets Are Easy to Clean
Modern lifestyles are busy; homeowners don’t want to spend time cleaning their cabinets or dusting intricate moulding. Shaker doors (especially painted MDF options) are easy to clean, easy to maintain, and forgiving in daily use.
Fewer grooves and details mean less buildup and less upkeep. With that selling point, in conjunction with their versatile style and lasting design, it’s no surprise that shaker doors are popular.
