The Ultimate Guide to Shaker Wall Cabinets: Selection, Assembly, and Installation

Shaker-style wall cabinets can completely transform your kitchen with their timeless design and practical storage space. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about choosing the right Shaker wall cabinets for your home, along with tips on how to assemble and install them yourself.

We’ll also cover what to pay attention to—from dimensions and materials to color combinations—including whether it’s a good idea to mix different colors for upper and lower kitchen cabinets. Along the way, we’ll highlight the quality and features of the RTA cabinets available at RTAcabinets.co so you’ll know exactly what to expect in terms of durability and design.

What Are shaker-style wall cabinets?

Shaker cabinets are named after the furniture style of the Shaker religious community, known for its clean lines, flat recessed panels on the doors, and minimalist decoration. A Shaker-style wall cabinet is simply an upper kitchen cabinet (the one mounted on the wall above the countertop) with the classic Shaker design on the doors. These cabinets have a timeless appeal—they fit equally well in modern, traditional, or rustic kitchens thanks to their simple yet elegant look. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, Shaker-style wall cabinets are a versatile choice that can brighten your space while providing plenty of additional storage.

Tips for choosing the right shaker wall cabinets

Before making a purchase, it’s important to consider several practical factors to ensure that your new cabinets fit perfectly in your kitchen and meet your needs. Here are the key things to pay attention to when choosing Shaker-style wall cabinets:

Size and layout

Carefully measure the wall space in your kitchen where the upper cabinets will go to determine what cabinet dimensions will fit. Shaker wall cabinets come in various widths (usually starting from 23 cm and increasing in steps of approximately 7.5 cm, corresponding to standard sizes ranging from 9 to 48 inches) and standard heights such as 76 cm, 91 cm, or even 107 cm (30″, 36″, 42″). The height you choose depends on your ceiling height and whether you want the cabinets to reach the ceiling or leave an open space above them for decoration or easier cleaning.

Carefully plan the cabinet layout: for corners, use specially designed cabinets so that space isn’t wasted. If you have a corner in your kitchen, you’ll need to choose between a diagonal corner cabinet and an “easy-reach” cabinet. A diagonal corner cabinet has a front cut at a 45-degree angle, while an “easy-reach” corner cabinet has double doors or a straight front that maximizes the space in the corner. For example, in an L-shaped kitchen, a corner cabinet like the easy-reach model allows you to make use of otherwise “dead” space.

Color and style options

Shaker cabinets stand out with their classic style, but they also offer a wide range of options when it comes to colors and finishes. Color plays a significant role in determining the look of your kitchen.

White Shaker wall cabinets are extremely popular because they provide a bright, clean look that can make any kitchen feel larger and more spacious. The white color reflects light and brings freshness and airiness to the space. White Shaker cabinets also pair well with almost any countertop or wall covering – whether you choose classic marble, colorful tiles, or rustic wood surfaces, white will blend seamlessly.

Gray Shaker wall cabinets have become a popular choice for modern, neutral color palettes that still feel warm and inviting. Gray is versatile – lighter shades of gray can create a soft, sophisticated impression, while darker charcoal gray makes a strong statement without being as harsh as black. Gray Shaker cabinets offer a nice balance: lighter shades conceal dust or minor stains better than pure white, while still adding depth to the kitchen’s color scheme.

Blue Shaker wall cabinets are a great choice if you want to add a touch of personality to your kitchen. For example, navy blue Shaker cabinets are a trend in interior design – they offer a rich, elegant look and beautifully contrast with light walls or countertops. If you’re feeling adventurous with colors, take a look at our selection of blue Shaker wall cabinets and imagine how a deep or vibrant shade could elevate the style of your kitchen.

Color combination for upper and lower cabinets

A very popular trend in kitchen design is the use of two-tone cabinets – using different colors for the upper and lower units. You may be wondering if it’s a good idea to have, for example, white Shaker wall cabinets on top and darker cabinets below. The answer is yes, absolutely! Combining colors can add visual dynamism and depth to your kitchen, and Shaker cabinets are an excellent base for this trend because their clean lines tie the whole look together.

Interior designers often recommend using lighter colors for upper cabinets and darker ones for lower units. This balance keeps the kitchen feeling open and bright, while darker lower cabinets add contrast and “anchor” the design. For example, white upper cabinets paired with navy blue lower ones create an elegant contrast, and light gray upper cabinets with dark gray or black lower cabinets offer a modern, sophisticated look.

The reason this works is that darker colors on the bottom help visually “anchor” the kitchen and can better conceal signs of use (like foot marks or stains on the lower doors), while lighter upper elements prevent the space from feeling closed off or cramped.

It’s important to carefully plan your color palette. You can even order samples of the doors or panels in the colors you’re considering and place them side by side in your kitchen to see how they look in your space and lighting before making a final decision. With a little planning, two-tone Shaker cabinets will give your kitchen a custom, magazine-worthy look.

How to assemble shaker wall cabinets (RTA cabinet installation)

One of the great advantages of Shaker wall cabinets purchased from RTAcabinets.co is that they come ready to assemble (RTA), meaning you can put them together yourself and save money on installers. If you’ve never assembled RTA furniture or cabinets before, don’t worry – these products are designed for customers who enjoy DIY projects! Assembling Shaker RTA cabinets is easy if you follow the instructions. Each cabinet comes with all the necessary hardware and detailed step-by-step instructions. Here’s an overview of the typical assembly process, so you can get an idea of what to expect:

1. Unpack and prepare all the parts: When your cabinets arrive, carefully open the boxes and lay out all the components. You should have panels for the cabinet box (side panels, bottom, top rail or panel, and possibly the back), shelves, doors, and a hardware bag (with hinges, screws, dowels, etc.). Take a few minutes to organize the parts (and orient them according to the diagrams in the instructions); this will make the assembly process much easier.
2. Assemble the cabinet panels: For a wall-mounted Shaker cabinet, you typically start by attaching the side panels to the bottom panel. Insert wooden dowels into the pre-drilled holes (you can add a bit of wood glue for extra strength if provided or recommended). Then, fit the bottom panel between the sides. If cam lock connectors are used, insert the cam bolts and lock them in place with a screwdriver as instructed to secure the parts. Repeat the process to attach the cabinet back panel (unless it slides into grooves) and the top rail or panel. At the end of this step, you should have the basic cabinet box assembled. Everything should be square and securely joined.
3. Attach the doors and hinges: Now it’s time to attach the doors to the cabinet box. Shaker doors come with a set of hinges. Our Shaker wall cabinets include concealed soft-close hinges, which also feature adjustment screws. You’ll immediately notice the advantage of the soft-close mechanism — gently push the door and it will slowly and quietly glide into the closed position without slamming.
4. Final assembly touches: Lastly, insert the shelf supports (small pegs) into the desired holes on the cabinet sides and place the shelves at your preferred height (if your cabinet includes adjustable shelves). The good news is that RTAcabinets.co cabinets are designed for easy assembly, and if you run into any confusion, our manuals are clear, and our customer support team is always ready to help. The bottom line is that the assembly process should be smooth and even satisfying — many of our customers say they’re pleasantly surprised by how simple everything comes together with a little organization.

By assembling the cabinets yourself, you save money on labor and shipping costs (flat-packed cabinets are cheaper to deliver), and you’ll also enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you built your own kitchen. Just take your time, follow the instructions, and the results will speak for themselves.

Quality and features of shaker cabinets

When investing in new kitchen cabinets, you want to be confident in their durability, finish, and overall value. Here are the main quality features and specifications of our Shaker cabinets:

• Durable multi-layer finish: Each cabinet is finished with 7 layers of paint and protective coating, cured using a UV process. What does that mean for you? It means the color—whether white, gray, blue, or any other shade—is smooth, even, and resistant to fading and damage. The UV protection in the topcoat helps prevent yellowing and fading over time, even if the cabinet is exposed to sunlight.

• Included soft-close hardware: All our Shaker wall cabinets come with premium soft-close mechanisms already included in the package. This means concealed European-style hinges with built-in dampers that are hidden from view when the doors are closed, giving your cabinets a clean, seamless look. The soft-close feature ensures no more slamming doors—even if someone shuts them forcefully, the hinge catches and gently pulls the door closed.

• Easy assembly for the DIYer: Our RTA cabinets are truly designed with self-assembly in mind. You don’t need to be a professional to put them together. Each cabinet comes with all the necessary hardware and clear instructions. We use smart joining systems like cam locks and metal brackets that ensure a secure fit without the need for specialized tools. All parts are precisely cut and pre-drilled, so everything fits exactly where it should.

• Variety of sizes and accessories: Quality is also reflected in the fact that you have the right options to perfectly fit your kitchen. RTAcabinets.co offers Shaker wall cabinets in many different sizes (ranging from narrow 23 cm for a spice cabinet to wide 99 cm for double doors), and heights from 30 cm for low upper cabinets (e.g., above the refrigerator or decorative) up to 107 cm for cabinets that reach high ceilings.

• Fast delivery: When you order from RTAcabinets.co, we know you can’t wait to start your project. That’s why we usually ship your cabinets within 7-10 business days. Each item is carefully packed in flat packaging to arrive in perfect condition. In the rare event that there is an issue with shipping or a part is missing, our customer service team will quickly resolve it.

Conclusion

Shaker wall cabinets combine style, quality, and practicality, making them a great choice for any kitchen renovation. By selecting the right size and color, carefully assembling, and precisely installing them, you will have a set of beautiful Shaker-style upper cabinets that will transform your kitchen and serve you for many years. We hope this guide has been helpful—from the planning and purchasing stages to the final steps of assembly and fine-tuning. Remember, investing in good materials and excellent craftsmanship (like fully wooden, well-crafted cabinets from RTAcabinets.co) makes a huge difference in the final result.

Now you can proudly open the cabinets in your new kitchen, knowing you made smart decisions and maybe even assembled and hung them yourself! As you step back and admire your refreshed space, don’t forget that RTAcabinets.co is here for you even after the purchase—whether you need additional elements, have questions, or want advice for a future project, just contact us. We wish you many wonderful moments in your upgraded kitchen. Contact us and enjoy your new Shaker cabinets and the beauty and functionality they’ve brought into your home!