Metal cabinets have become a staple in many homes and offices, providing durable and versatile storage solutions. But when were metal cabinets first invented and manufactured? The origins of metal cabinets can be traced back to the late 19th century, when advancements in metalworking made large-scale production of sheet metal possible.
A Brief History of Metal Cabinets
The Rise of Sheet Metal Manufacturing
Prior to the late 1800s, metalworking was largely focused on things like tools, horseshoes, nails, and firearms. Metals like iron and steel were worked by blacksmiths using hand tools and relatively small furnaces. The metals were expensive and production was labor-intensive.
This changed dramatically in the mid to late 19th century with the rise of heavy industry and mass production. New methods like hot rolling and hydraulic stamping allowed steel and iron to be produced in high volumes in large sheets and customizable shapes. This enabled the manufacture of large metal parts like I-beams for buildings, automobile bodies, and eventually, metal cabinets and other products.
Early Metal Furniture
Some of the earliest known examples of sheet metal used in furniture date to the 1840s and 1850s. Metal chairs and tables started to emerge, constructed from bent wood and embellished with decorative stamped or pressed metal parts. These expensive “fancy” metal furniture items were made in small workshops and reserved for the very wealthy.
Around the 1870s, manufacturers began making stamped steel panels for furniture. One of the earliest and most successful was J. Frank Despard, who patented a process for stamping and molding sheet steel into furniture parts in 1874. Despard’s factory in Chicago produced steel panels that could be assembled into products like tables and cabinets.
Metal Cabinets Emerge
By the late 1800s, all-metal cabinets were being manufactured, made completely from sheet steel parts. The Baltimoore Enameling and Manufacturing Company produced some of the earliest known examples of metal kitchen cabinets around 1885. Other companies like Standard Sanitary Manufacturing and Herald Manufacturing soon followed suit.
Early metal cabinets mimicked the look of wooden cabinets, with raised panels and molding details stamped into the sheet metal. The steel was usually finished with porcelain enamel coating for durability and easy cleaning.
One milestone was the development of the continuous strip steel cabinet by the Milwaukee Stamping Company in 1905. This involved stamping and molding a single strip of steel into the sides, doors, bottom, and face frame in one seamless piece. The continuous strip approach enabled high-volume automated production of low-cost, mass-produced metal cabinets.
The Rise of Metal Cabinets: Key Trends and Events
Several key factors came together in the early 20th century to drive widespread adoption of metal cabinets in both home and commercial settings.
Kitchen Improvement Movement
The early 1900s saw a growing interest in improving kitchen cleanliness, efficiency, and storage. The “domestic science” movement promoted neat and hygienic kitchens with discrete storage to tuck away cooking implements and supplies. All-metal cabinets aligned well with this mission due to their smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces.
World War I
World War I created shortages of traditional building materials like lumber and lacquer. However, steel and enamel production continued, increasing the appeal of metal cabinets as a pragmatic choice. Manufacturers promoted metal cabinets as a patriotic option.
Manufacturing Efficiency
Metal cabinet production was highly compatible with electrification, standardization, and the principles of “Fordism” revolutionizing manufacturing. The smooth surfaces and interchangeable parts of metal cabinets enabled more automated mass production.
Commercial Growth
Beyond domestic kitchens, metal cabinets proved invaluable for hospitals, laboratories, garages, and factories that needed sterile, heavy-duty storage. This further expanded the metal cabinet market.
Style Changes
By the 1920s and 30s, metal cabinets shed their anachronistic wooden aesthetic for a sleek, machined look that aligned with the streamlined design ethos of the era. This increased their popularity in modern kitchens and bathrooms.
Key Companies and Innovations
Several manufacturers drove important innovations that shaped the metal cabinet industry during its crucial early growth:
- Sanymetal Products Co. – Founded in 1926, Sanymetal pioneered rust-resistant, vitreous enamel-coated steel cabinets. Their cabinets came in mass-produced sets with modular cabinets and matching drain boards. Sanymetal cabinets proved hugely popular, selling over 12 million cabinets by the 1950s.
- Youngstown Metal Products Co. – In 1929, they launched the first seamless, one-piece steel base cabinet with a curved front, eliminating seams that could collect dirt. Dishwasher-safe Youngstown cabinets were widely used for institutional and commercial kitchens.
- Steel Kitchen Cabinet Association (SKCA) – Formed in 1928 by leading metal cabinet makers. SKCA spearheaded efforts to standardize cabinet sizes and designs and promote metal kitchen cabinets to consumers via marketing campaigns.
- Geneva Cabinet Company – Patentee of the round-front metal cabinet design in 1931. The rounded cabinet fronts eliminated corners that were hard to reach and clean. Geneva’s cabinets were enamel-coated with chrome trim and available in a range of colors.
- Hamilton Cabinet Company – Hamilton invented the rolled-edge metal cabinet construction technique in 1935. Rolled edges gave metal cabinets a clean, seamless, rounded appearance reminiscent of higher-end wooden cabinets.
The Golden Age: 1940s to 1960s
The period from the 1940s to 1960s represented a golden age for metal kitchen cabinets. With significant housing growth and kitchen modernization after WWII, metal cabinets became a fixture in millions of American homes.
- Complete metal cabinet sets in a spectrum of color choices allowed homeowners to customize their kitchens.
- Styling evolved from plain fronts to stylistic touches like ribbing, chrome accents, and mix-and-match colors.
- Manufacturers emphasized durability, easy cleaning, and value for money in their marketing to families.
- 1950s models introduced handy innovations like lazy susans, swing-out shelves, and pull-out cutting boards.
- By 1959, an estimated 80% of American kitchens had all-metal cabinetry.
Top brands of this prosperous era included Youngstown, Geneva, Sanymetal, Aerolux, Karobest, and Cole National Corp. However, competition from economical lines like Excello and Amerock made stylish metal cabinets affordable for middle class families.
The Later Years: Decline and Transformation
After dominating American kitchens for over half a century, traditional enameled steel cabinets began a decline in the 1960s and 70s due to several factors:
Rise of New Materials
- Laminates, wood veneers, and plastics offered inexpensive alternatives to metal and greater versatility in colors and patterns.
- Prefabricated modular cabinets simplified kitchen remodeling.
Labor Costs
- Enameling and metal fabrication remained labor-intensive compared to new materials.
- Foreign imports also undercut American metal cabinet companies.
Style Changes
- Woodgrains and brighter colors gained favor over plain enameled steel.
- Consumers saw metal cabinets as dated rather than modern.
Environmental Concerns
- Criticisms emerged over the use of hazardous lead, cadmium, and radionuclides in enamels.
- Recycling challenges made scrap metal cabinets more of a burden.
By the 1980s, metal kitchen cabinets had largely disappeared from major US manufacturers’ lines. However, they did not vanish completely. Smaller specialty companies continued production, and vintage metal cabinets remain popular among restoration enthusiasts.
Today, metal cabinets make up a smaller niche in the overall cabinetry market. However, they continue advancing with new innovations such as:
- Powder coated and stainless steel finishes offering sleek, modern aesthetics
- Customcolors through paint rather than traditional enameling
- Durable outdoor-rated metal cabinets for patio kitchens
- Retro-styled lines appealing to nostalgic homeowners
- Eco-friendly manufacturing processes and materials
While no longer the default American kitchen cabinet, metal cabinets retain an enduring appeal and place in cabinetry history. Their period of peak popularity left a lasting imprint on kitchen design. Vintage metal cabinets remain iconic symbols of 20th century industrial design and domestic life.
Timeline of Significant Developments
- 1840s-1850s – Early decorative sheet metal furniture emerges.
- 1870s – Stamped steel panels used for furniture manufacture.
- 1885 – First all-metal kitchen cabinets produced.
- 1905 – Milwaukee Stamping Company creates continuous strip steel cabinet construction.
- 1910s – WWI materials shortages boost interest in metal cabinetry.
- 1920s – Enameled steel kitchen cabinets gain widespread popularity.
- 1926 – Sanymetal launches first mass-produced metal cabinet line.
- 1928 – Steel Kitchen Cabinet Association forms to promote metal cabinets.
- 1930s – Manufacturers emphasize clean, streamlined metal cabinet styling.
- 1940s-1960s – Heyday of metal cabinets; dominate majority of American kitchens.
- 1970s-1980s – Decline of traditional enameled metal cabinets as tastes shift.
- Today – Niche revival through specialty manufacturers and retro appeal.
Common Questions About the History of Metal Cabinets
Metal cabinets have an intriguing history shaped by wars, economics, technologies, and changing tastes. Here are some common questions that provide more insights into the origins and evolution of metal cabinetry.
What Year Did They First Make Metal Cabinets?
Metal cabinets emerged in the late 19th century, with early examples documented from around 1885. Manufacturers like Baltimoore Enameling and Manufacturing Company began producing all-metal kitchen cabinets made from porcelain enameled steel.
Where Were Metal Cabinets Originally Manufactured?
The earliest metal cabinets were made in America, particularly in the Great Lakes region. Chicago and Milwaukee were hubs, proximity to steel production and metalworking expertise. Other early manufacturing centers included Detroit, Akron, and Jamestown, NY.
When Did Metal Cabinets Become Popular?
Metal cabinets saw rising popularity in the 1920s and exploded after WWII, peaking between the 1940s-1960s. Over 80% of American kitchens had metal cabinets by the late 1950s. They were regarded as an affordable, durable, low-maintenance option for most families.
What Made Metal Cabinets Affordable?
Metal cabinet costs dropped thanks to high-volume automated production. Manufacturing innovations like continuous-strip stamping enabled mass output of identical, interchangeable parts. Enameling also lent itself to assembly line efficiency.
Were Sears Catalog Homes Sold with Metal Cabinets?
Yes, Sears kit homes of the 1930s-40s often included optional metal cabinetry. Sears marketed affordable packages of steel cabinets and porcelain sinks that aligned with the simple, streamlined style of their homes.
Did Metal Cabinet Styles Change Over Time?
Yes, metal cabinet styling evolved significantly from the 1890s to the 1980s. Early cabinets mimicked ornate wooden furniture. By the 1930s-50s, sleek, seamless, streamlined designs were standard. More stylized touches appeared in the atomic era.
Why Did Metal Kitchen Cabinets Decline?
In the 1960s-70s metal cabinets fell out of favor due to competition from other materials like laminates and plastics. Concerns over enamel durability, rising labor costs, and changing tastes also contributed to the decline.
Are Metal Cabinets Completely Obsolete Today?
No, smaller specialty companies continue manufacturing metal cabinets. Retro-styled and weather-resistant metal cabinetry fills niche markets. Vintage metal cabinets also remain popular for period-style kitchen restorations.
Key Advantages of Metal Cabinets
Metal cabinets rose to prominence in the 20th century because they possessed certain advantages that made them a versatile and valued storage solution throughout numerous decades.
Durability
Metal is inherently extremely durable and impact-resistant. Steel cabinets can withstand years of continuous use with minimal wear, dings, or dents. Enameled surfaces avoid the chipping and peeling issues associated with painted wood. Sturdy all-welded construction resists warping or sagging doors. With basic care, metal cabinets easily outlast lower-quality materials.
Streamlined Styling
The sleek, seamless, and simplified styling of metal cabinets embodied the “form follows function” aesthetic of early modernism. Free from elaborate moldings, metal cabinets have an elegantly minimalist look. Their compact, linear dimensions maximized storage density in kitchens.
Easy Cleaning and Hygiene
Smooth steel with a baked enamel coating wipes down easily. Minimal seams and crevices prevent crumbs or spills from accumulating in tough-to-reach areas. This aligned with 20th century hygiene initiatives and labor-saving goals. The hospital-like cleanliness of metal made it popular for commercial kitchens.
Cost Effectiveness
Metal cabinets were initially more expensive than wood. However, automated mass production drove costs down significantly by the 1930s and 40s. Steel cabinets became an affordable option for most households. The identical modular parts kept replacement costs low as well.
Customization and Variety
Numerous color choices allowed homeowners to personalize steel cabinets. Chrome and stainless steel trim created upscale looks. Later years saw creative innovations like lazy susans, pull-outs, and swing shelves. Mix-and-match cabinet configurations delivered flexibility too.
Fire and Moisture Resistance
Steel construction makes metal cabinets highly resistant to fire, moisture, and pests like termites. This durability and safety benefitted households and commercial settings like laboratories and hospitals. Metal cabinets helped contain kitchen fires.
In summary, metal cabinets gained favor by merging sleek, industrial styling with functional virtues like strength, customization, easy care, and economical pricing. This powerful combination made them a staple of 20th century kitchens and homes.
Common Styles and Features
Mass production enabled manufacturers to produce metal cabinets in standardized sizes and configurations. However, companies still offered plenty of variations to suit different needs and tastes. Below are some of the most common metal cabinet styles and features found in 20th century kitchens:
One-Piece Construction
One-piece, continuous-strip metal cabinets were revolutionary because they eliminated seams. Stamped and rolled from a single steel sheet, these cabinets had a smooth unified construction with rounded edges. The most famous one-piece cabinets include Aerolux, Geneva, Youngstown, and Cole National brands.
Porcelain Enamel Finish
Nearly all metal cabinets had a glossy, light-colored porcelain enamel coating. The glass-based enamel created a durable, slick surface that maintained its luster for decades. It also allowed easy cleaning. White and light turquoise were the most prevalent colors.
Ribbed or Paneled Doors
Many manufacturers offered optional ribs or indentations on cabinet doors for added visual interest. Others mimicked wood cabinets with raised center panels stamped into the metal. Ribbing strengthened the door and prevented buckling too.
Chrome/Stainless Accents
Decorative chrome trim along the cabinet edges, legs, and hardware was common, providing contrast to the enameled steel. Stainless steel countertops were also popular companion pieces. Chrome gave cabinets a hint of Art Deco glamour.
Mix-and-Match Colors
While cabinet boxes tended to be white or light turquoise, door/trim colors offered more variety. Tone-on-tone combinations like white-on-white or turquoise-on-turquoise were prevalent. Two-tone contrasts like yellow doors on white boxes modernized the look.
Base/Wall Unit Combo
Most cabinet sets included matching base and wall units to provide comprehensive kitchen storage. Base cabinets had enameled steel countertops or chrome-edged worksurfaces. Wall cabinets were typically open shelving or had frosted glass doors.
Streamlined Handles
In keeping with the seamless designs, most metal cabinets had discreet handles. Chrome wire pulls or rounded, recessed finger grips blended with the minimalist style. Handleless cabinets with push-latch doors were also common.
Roll-Out Shelving
Later metal cabinets incorporated handy pull-out shelves and trays to improve access and organization. Roll-outs brought items from the back of deep cabinets into easy reach. They were popular for corner cabinets.
Lazy Susans
Lazy susan turntables became a signature metal cabinet feature starting in the 1950s. The rotating trays made items in the corner cabinet accessible without rummaging. Lazy susans remain beloved for their convenience to this day.
Restoring and Maintaining Vintage Metal Cabinets
Metal cabinets may be extremely durable, but they still require care and cleaning to keep them looking their best, especially when restoring a vintage set. Here are some tips for revitalizing and maintaining antique or retro metal kitchen cabinets:
Cleaning the Cabinet Exterior
Gently wash the enamel surfaces with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads that could scratch the finish. For stubborn grime, try a specialty enamel cleaner. Use a toothbrush to gently clean around crevices and hardware.
Touching Up Nicks and Scratches
For small chips and scratches, use an enamel touch-up paint in a matching color, applying thin coats to built up the damaged area. Be sure to prep the surface first. For larger damaged sections, you may need to remove rust and repaint that part of the cabinet.
Removing Rust
Use a rust removal solution designed for enamel finishes. Apply with a soft cloth and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently to lift the rust away. Start with a small test area first. Avoid solutions with hydrofluoric acid.
Detarnishing Chrome Elements
Clean tarnished chrome hardware and trim with a polishing compound designed for chrome. Rub the polish in with a soft cloth using minimal pressure to avoid scratching. Remove any residue and buff until shiny.
Replacing Broken Parts
Look for replacement shelves, hinges, latches or knobs from vintage salvage sites online. You can also customize parts like drilling new holes for adjustable shelves. Take accurate measurements to find or fabricate period-correct replacements.
Refinishing Worn Interiors
Cabinet interiors take more abuse over time