Is It Okay To Mix Slab and Shaker Cabinets?

Giovanni Valle is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He is the author and managing editor of various digital publications, including BuilderSpace, Your Own Architect, and Interiors Place.

Slab and shaker cabinets are two popular styles of kitchen cabinetry. While they share some similarities, the two styles also have some distinct differences.

So, there has been some debate among homeowners about whether or not it’s okay to mix them in the same kitchen.

It is okay to mix slab and shaker cabinets. Many homeowners do this to create a more unique and custom look for their space. However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind if you’re mixing these two cabinetry styles.

In the rest of this article, we’ll discuss how to mix slab and shaker cabinets and what to consider before doing so. I’ll also outline possible problems if you mix these two cabinet styles.

So if you’re planning a kitchen makeover or looking for design ideas, keep reading.

How To Mix Slab and Shaker Cabinets

You can mix slab and shaker cabinets in your kitchen in a few different ways. Here are some common techniques to do that:

Use slab cabinets for your base cabinets and shaker cabinets for your upper cabinets. This will provide a unique look for your kitchen by contrasting the two designs.

Use shaker cabinets for your base cabinets and slab cabinets for your upper cabinets. As with the reverse, having both styles creates a contrasting and exciting look for your kitchen.

Use slab cabinets for your island and shaker cabinets for the rest of your kitchen. This creates a more coherent aesthetic and adds storage to your kitchen.

Use slab cabinets for your base cabinets and shaker cabinets for your island. Besides creating a more sophisticated design aesthetic, it’s also a great way to add extra storage to your kitchen.

What To Consider Before Mixing Slab and Shaker Cabinets

Before you mix slab and shaker cabinets in your kitchen, there are a few things that you need to consider.

Overall Style of Your Kitchen

What is the overall theme or look that you’re trying to achieve? If you’re going for a more traditional kitchen, using slab cabinets for your base cabinets and shaker-style doors for your upper cabinets may be the best option.

Meanwhile, if you want a more contemporary kitchen, you may want to use slab cabinets for your island and shaker cabinets for the rest of your kitchen.

Size of Your Kitchen

How big is your kitchen? Using all slab cabinets may be the best option if you have a small kitchen. It will make your area look bigger and more open.

If you have a large kitchen, you have more leeway in mixing and matching different cabinetry styles.

Budget

How much can you spend on cabinets? You may want to stick to a single, less-expensive cabinet style if you have a limited budget.

With a bigger budget, you can combine cabinet styles to create a unique aesthetic. For example, slab base cabinets and shaker-style upper cabinets may be the best option.

Maintenance

How often do you want to clean and maintain your cabinetry? If you’re looking for low-maintenance cabinetry, slab cabinets may be the best option.

Slab cabinets are easy to clean and don’t require as much upkeep as shaker cabinets. But if you think you can clean your cabinetry regularly, shaker cabinets may be the way to go.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, whether to mix slab and shaker cabinets comes down to personal preference. If you like the way both styles look, then go for it!

Mixing and matching different cabinetry styles can add visual interest to your kitchen.

If you can’t decide between the two styles, pick the one you like best and stick with it.

Potential Problems With Mixing Slab and Shaker Cabinets

If you’re considering a kitchen with both slab and shaker cabinets, here are a few potential problems to be aware of:

Inconsistency: One of the potential problems with mixing slab and shaker cabinets is that it can create an inconsistent look in your kitchen. Since slab and shaker cabinets are two different styles, they may not always match up perfectly. This can create a patchwork look in your kitchen that some may not appreciate.

Difficulty matching colors: Color matching is another issue. This is because slab cabinets are typically one solid color, while shaker cabinets can have various colors and finishes. It’d be hard to find colors that complement both types.

Limited options: If you mix slab and shaker cabinets, you may limit your design options. For example, slab cabinets can be more difficult to work with if you want to add crown molding or other decorative details. Or, if you decide to change the look of your kitchen later, it may be difficult to find replacement slab or shaker cabinets that match the ones you have.

Compromised stability: Another potential issue with mixing slab and shaker cabinets is that the doors may not be as stable as they would be if they were all one style. The weight of the slab doors could cause the shaker doors to warp or become misshapen over time.

Cost: One of the main reasons people choose slab or shaker cabinets is for cost efficiency. While finding both styles at various price points is possible, slab cabinets are generally more expensive than shaker cabinets. This can be costly if you want to mix the two types in your kitchen.

Conclusion

Slab and shaker cabinets can be mixed to create a unique look in your kitchen. However, there are some potential issues that you may encounter if you choose to mix slab and shaker cabinets. Just follow my tips and tricks for mixing slab and shaker cabinets, and you should be able to avoid these problems.