The evolution of commercial cabinets started way back in 700 A.D. with the first storage cupboard on record. Over time, cabinets have evolved into what we now see in hotels, apartment complexes, assisted living facilities, and office buildings. They’ve changed drastically in size, design, materials, and functionality. Here’s an in-depth look at the history and design evolution behind modern cabinets in commercial spaces.
History of Commercial Cabinets: From 700 A.D. to 1920
Ever since cavemen began gathering firewood and creating tools, humankind has had a need for a place to store their belongings. And thus, cabinets were born. Over the course of history, they’ve taken the form of armoires, linen presses, dressers, bookshelves, filing cabinets, and more.
An early form of kitchen cabinets was introduced in about 1910. These units were a single piece of furniture that incorporated both storage cabinets and a work surface, but they were not yet built into place like commercial cabinets are now. Rather, they were freestanding and could be moved as needed.
The Industrial Revolution brought many changes to the cabinet industry. By the 1920s, Europeans began building in a more modern, frameless kitchen style, which is what most of the world’s cabinets now resemble. These were made of readily available materials so they could be mass-produced, giving more businesses and homeowners access to cabinets.
Design Evolution of Commercial Cabinets: 1920s to Present Time
Trends in cabinet design have also evolved over the past decade. As color and style choices change, so do the materials and designs used in commercial cabinetry. Other design changes are practical to increase the functionality of the cabinets themselves.
Early cabinets post-WWII were designed to be minimal and typically featured natural wood and earthy tones. Later years brought the creation of metal cabinets, glass doors, a variety of hardware options that change the appearance of the cabinets. The late 1900s brought an onslaught of patterned wallpaper, so cabinets were either stained wood or one solid color.
The design options for cabinets today are endless. Cabinets come in a huge variety of materials, styles, and colors to match the function and aesthetic of any space. Commercial kitchens, like those in restaurants, don’t need to prioritize appearance as much as they do function. Cabinets in hotels and apartment complexes, on the other hand, need to be durable while also visually appealing.
Superior Commercial Solutions Is Here
If you’re looking for the best in commercial cabinets, Superior Commercial Solutions is here to help. We are the industry leader in designing, creating, and installing custom cabinets, countertops, sinks, LED mirrors, faucets, and more. We offer a broad range of cabinets, including high gloss PET, super matte PET, veneer, melamine, thermofoil, recessed veneer, and 5 piece door cabinets. Our products are perfect for apartment complexes, senior living facilities, student housing, and other commercial buildings. We are located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and work on projects across the United States. See what Superior Commercial Solutions can do for you. Schedule a consultation today!