Shaker furniture is a distinctive style of furniture developed by the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, first known as "Shaking Quakers" due to their physical movements during their religious services, and now more commonly known as "Shakers"; a religious sect that had guiding principles of simplicity, utility and honesty. Their beliefs were reflected in the well-made furniture of minimalist designs.

Shaker communities were largely self-sufficient: in their attempt to separate themselves from the outside world and to create a heaven-on-earth, members grew their own food, constructed their own buildings, and manufactured their own tools and household furnishings

Furniture was made thoughtfully, with functional form and proportion. Rather than using ornamentation — such as inlays, carvings and metal pulls, or veneers — which was seen as prideful or deceitful, they developed "creative solutions such as asymmetrical drawer arrangements and multipurpose forms to add visual interest." Furniture was made of cherry, maple or pine, which was generally stained or painted with one of the colours which were dictated by the sect, typically blue, red, yellow or green. Drawer pulls for dressers or other furniture were made of wood.

The underlying principles of Shaker design have given inspiration to some of the finest designers of modern furniture. Shaker ladder back chairs, for instance, deeply influenced the work of an entire generation of postwar Danish designers. Also many ideals of furniture formed around the common Shaker furniture construction.

And so to the Shaker Kitchen... Essentially, it's a simple square door, with a recessed centre panel, with no attendant fuss, bells or whistles... Today, mostly we see Shaker Kitchens in a Painted finish.