Guide to Shaker Style Wardrobes: History, Types, Design Ideas

What are Shaker Style Wardrobes?

Shaker style wardrobes are a popular type of furniture that feature simple, clean lines inspired by the utilitarian and minimalist designs of the Shaker religious community in 18th century North America. Some key characteristics of shaker style wardrobes include:

• Flat recessed panel doors and drawers with no ornate detailing
• Exposed railing and pegs for hanging clothes instead of hooks
• Neutral colors like white, grey, black or natural wood tones
• Functional storage with drawers and cabinets behind doors
• Made of durable wood like oak, maple, pine etc

Benefits of a Shaker Wardrobe

There are many benefits to choosing a shaker style wardrobe for your bedroom or closet storage needs:

1. Timeless and Versatile Design - The simplicity of shaker furniture ensures it works well in both modern and traditional home decors.
2. Quality Craftsmanship - Shaker wardrobes are handcrafted for durability using joints like dovetails.
3. Customization - They can be easily customized with different finishes, colors, storage configurations etc.
4. Resourceful Storage - The combination of shelves, drawers and hanging space fits plenty of folded clothes.
5. Easy to Clean and Maintain - The panelled design prevents dust buildup.

Types of Shaker Wardrobes

There are a few common types of shaker wardrobes that you can choose from:

Freestanding Wardrobes

Freestanding shaker wardrobes have the same panelled shaker style but act as an independent closet unit. They come in varying widths like double, triple door and more. Often customizable with storage combinations.

Built-in Wardrobes

Built-in shaker wardrobes are installed into an alcove or custom framed opening for a seamless integrated look. Ideal for walk-in closets and to save floor space.

Armoires

Shaker armoires are taller free standing wardrobes with two front facing doors and shelves inside. The distinctive style serves as an accent furniture piece.

Design Options

While shaker style wardrobes stick to broad design principles, there are still many options you can consider in terms of:

Size

For walk in closets, wider triple door or corner unit wardrobes maximize storage capacity. Measure your space when deciding on size. Drawer only shaker cabinets occupy less depth.

Wood Type

Oak, maple, hickory and pine are common woods used. Darker oak provides contrast while maple gives brighter interiors. Consider pine for paint grade wardrobes.

Color/Finish

From natural wood to painted tones in colours like grey and off white - the finish greatly impacts the overall look. Accent with darker hwade pulls. Keep inside light for visibility.

Storage Configuration

Consider where to place drawers, shelves, cabinets and hanging space as per storage needs. Customize interiors when ordering. Deep drawers suit folded clothes.

Hardware

Black iron pulls, knobs and hinges nicely complement the shaker style while brushed nickel hardware lends a more modern look. Open cabinets don't need pulls.

Shaker Wardrobe Design Inspiration

Here are some stunning shaker wardrobe ideas to inspire your own customized closet:

Farmhouse Shaker Wardrobe

A distressed white shaker with open shelves, two doors and brass bin pulls exudes cozy farmhouse charm perfect for a cottage bedroom.

Modern Dark Wood Wardrobe

Deep espresso shaker cabinetry with hidden drawer fronts and gold bar handles brings contemporary edge. Best against lighter walls.

Grey Shaker Wardrobes

From soft dove grey to deeper charcoal painted shades, grey shaker cabinets contrast beautifully with white trim for a stylish yet understated look.

Transitional Wood and Glass Wardrobe

Frameless glass shaker doors enable peeking into the organized interior while maintaining airy elegance in transitional rooms.

Shopping for a Shaker Wardrobe

When shopping for shaker style wardrobes, ensure that:

• Doors align flush with quality invisible hinges
• Drawers glide smoothly on drawer glides
• Wood has no knots or defects
• Cabinet is sturdily constructed
• Manufacturer offers good customization options
• Warranties and policies seem reasonable

Always measure carefully and shop wardrobes from reputed brands for longevity. Expect to pay more for solid wood over plywood core and hand finishing over machine spray painting. Custom built shaker wardrobes let you design personalized storage.

FAQs

What is the main difference between shaker and non shaker wardrobes?

The main difference is in the styling and design. Shaker wardrobes feature a flat panel and frameless door design with exposed peg rails inside. They have an understated, minimalist and utilitarian look compared to more ornate traditional wardrobes.

What colors suit a small bedroom best for a shaker wardrobe?

Lighter neutral colors like soft grey, warm white, ivory, light wood tones are ideal shaker wardrobe colors for a small bedroom to prevent enclosed, dark feeling. Add visual interest with darker hardware.

Can you get a shaker wardrobe custom built for an alcove?

Yes, shaker wardrobes are extremely customizable for built-ins. The plain panelled doors can be easily altered in size to perfectly fit into alcoves or wall openings for a streamlined, integrated storage solution.

What storage should I include in a narrow shaker wardrobe?

For narrow spaces, prioritize hanging space and limit deep drawers. Consider a combo of open shelves, double hanging rod, tall wardrobe cabinet with integrated hanging, drawer stack for foldables and low cabinets for shoes.

What width is typical for a double shaker wardrobe?

A double door shaker wardrobe is typically around 90-100 cm wide. However custom sizing is possible. Measure space first before deciding width based on number of doors.