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Storage Ideas
Shelf Liner Rolls To Organize Your Cabinets
Modified: December 6, 2023
Your shelves are an essential part of your home. So, why not protect them with some of our shelf liner picks? Read all about them here!
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Shelves have been a decor and storage staple for years. One recent trend for these space-savers is the use of shelf liners. These handy sheets improve shelf surfaces in various ways while also making them easier to clean. Let’s take a look at how this one simple accessory can improve every shelf in your home.
What Is a Shelf Liner?
In its simplest state, a shelf liner is a thin sheet placed on top of a shelf’s surface. It sits between the shelf and whatever is placed on top of it. Most often, this sheet is used to protect the surface while also allowing for easy cleanup. You’ll usually find them sold in rolls that can be cut to perfectly fit wherever you choose to install them. They can be made of different materials and used for shelves of all types. Shelf liners specifically made of adhesive vinyl are also known as contact paper.
Read also: 7 Best Refrigerator Shelf Liner for 2024
Types of Shelf Liner
Shelf liners come in all shapes and sizes, allowing them to suit many types of shelves. They’re most commonly made with plastic, foam, or paper, with each material suiting a different purpose. The differences in adhesive backing are also a factor. Some can be stuck onto the shelf, keeping them from moving around too much. On the other hand, non-adhesive shelf liners are simply laid down, which makes replacing or moving them a breeze.
Shelf Liner Uses
You may wonder what the point of a shelf liner even is. Well, there are quite a few reasons to pick up a roll. For instance, since they’re removable and replaceable, they help you during cleanup. If you ever need to clean out your shelves or drawers, removing the liners will leave you with a cleaner surface. In addition, they can protect your shelves from scuffs or spills.
It’s also fun to note the different materials available and how each can be used. Plastic shelf liners are the easiest to wipe down, meaning you can reuse them. Foam ones are grippier, making them great for refrigerators and closets where you don’t want things sliding around. Finally, paper is biodegradable and easy to replace.
Best Shelf Liner Picks
If you’re now interested in picking up a roll for yourself, we got you and your shelves covered. Keep reading to see some of our favorite shelf liners picks, along with their key features, specifications, and pros and cons.
The Plain Matte Self-Adhesive Shelf Liner from Yancorp is an excellent base for any shelf surface. This roll couples a simple design with vinyl material, making it both classy and easy to clean. The strong adhesive backing keeps it in place, and the matte finish creates a less slippery surface for shelf toppers.
Key Features
- Guiding grid on the back for easy cutting
- Matte finish lined with PVC
- Adhesive backing
Specifications
- 120 inches x 16 inches
Pros
- High-quality material
- Easy to install
- The adhesive is very secure
Cons
- Ends may arrive wrinkled
If keeping things from slipping and sliding around is a priority, we recommend the Strong Grip Drawer and Shelf Liner from Gorilla Grip. Whether it’s the containers in your fridge, the socks in your drawers, or the jars in your cupboards, this liner keeps them all in place.
Key Features
- Stain-resistant, thick, and durable material
- Strong grip without adhesive backing
- All-purpose design for different spaces
Specifications
- 20 inches x 12 inches
Pros
- Durable and reliable
- Easy to cut and customize
- Keeps things from sliding around
Cons
- Can be too grippy
For an attractive and clean look, you might want to pick up the Creative Shelf Liner from Con-Tact. This adhesive roll has an artistic blue and green design over a white backdrop, making it an excellent accent for lighter shelves.
Key Features
- Beautiful and elegant pattern
- Waterproof surface and adhesive backing
- Generously sized
Specifications
- 18 inches x 9 inches
Pros
- The design is attractive
- The adhesive attaches well but isn’t too sticky
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Can bubble if not installed properly
The Wood Grain Contact Paper from Walldecor1 has a classic and familiar pattern. The design would easily suit a bright room with its ashy color tones and natural look. Its waterproof surface also means that this contact paper is a breeze to clean up.
Key Features
- Self-adhesive peel and stick backing
- Waterproof, vinyl material
- Faux wood pattern
Specifications
- 78 inches x 17 inches
Pros
- Pretty wood design
- Sticks well
- Easy to use
Cons
- Quite thin
Looking for a clean and simple liner? Try the White Daisy Cabinet Liner from Cooyes. This pretty roll is decorated with tiny daisies on the corners of a diagonal grid design. The semi-opaque material makes it easy to see the shelf below, allowing any wood patterns to shine.
Key Features
- Made with high-quality, food-grade EVA material
- Convex dots on the surface to enhance grip
- Washable and easy to clean
Specifications
- 120 inches x 12 inches
Pros
- Keeps items from sliding around
- Easy to cut and install
- Attractive and low-profile design
Cons
- May not stay in place
To protect your shelves from any moisture damage, pick up the Waterproof Cabinet Liner from Anoak. It’s especially good for plywood or OSB furniture. The food-grade EVA material is also suited for all sorts of other shelves though, including those in your fridge’s veggie drawer.
Key Features
- Special raised stripe design
- Safe, food-grade EVA material
- Reusable after cleaning
Specifications
- 240 inches x 12 inches
Pros
- Waterproof material protects shelves from moisture
- One side is grippy and the other flat
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May curve at first from being in a roll
The Peel and Stick Removable Liner from Gorilla Grip is another contact paper option that’s sure to impress. It comes in many different colors and designs so it’s easy to pair with any room. The vinyl used is made to be heavy-duty, offering extra protection for your shelves and drawers.
Key Features
- Strong adhesive backing
- Heavy-duty and ultra-thick vinyl material
- Protective and textured design
Specifications
- 240 inches x 11.8 inches
Pros
- Multiple colors and print options are available
- Straightforward installation
- Quality material
Cons
- Very sticky
If you’re tired of things falling between your wire shelves, you might want to try a Wire Shelf Liner Set from Sterling Shelf Liners. These special liners are made thick and sturdy to perfectly sit on top of a wire rack. Now you will get to maximize all that extra space while retaining the sleek look of the metal shelves.
Key Features
- Pre-cut polypropylene design
- Waterproof and thick material
- Semi-translucent, frosted color
Specifications
- 36 inches x 14 inches per piece
Pros
- The two sides have different textures
- Quick cleanup
- Prevents items from falling between racks
Cons
- Quite thin
For clothes shelves and drawers, you may want a bit of extra oomph. The Patterned and Scented Shelf Liners from Merriton add a sweet scent to your wardrobe interior. This can even rub off on your clothes, giving them a pleasant smell straight out of the closet.
Key Features
- Infused with English lavender scent
- Pretty geometric pattern
- Multiple color options
Specifications
- 19.5 inches x 14 inches per sheet
Pros
- The scent is sweet but not overpowering
- Paper material is sturdy
- Elegant pattern and appearance
Cons
- The initial smell is strong and unpleasant
The Striped Shelf Liners from Mcrbeay boasts a host of other uses thanks to its thick material and attractive pattern. Not only is it an excellent liner for your fridge and other shelves, but it’s also a great alternative for placemats and coasters. As an easy-to-cut and food-safe material, there’s a whole host of possibilities.
Key Features
- Single-sided, anti-slip pattern
- Eco-friendly and BPA-free EVA material
- Washable and easy to clean
Specifications
- 240 inches x 12 inches
Pros
- Durable and thick material
- Easy to use and cut
- Stays in place
Cons
- Adhesion may be needed on corners
Cleaning up kitchen drawers and shelves can be a bit of a chore, even with washable shelf liners. That’s where the Gray Granite EasyLiner from Duck Brand comes in. This particular liner is a polyester blend, making it machine-washable and even easier to clean. The material also adds a slight cushion, making it excellent for your dish drawers in particular.
Key Features
- Made from polyester and polyester blend
- Mimics gray granite patterns
- Machine washable
Specifications
- 120 inches x 10 inches
Pros
- Cushiony and excellent for dishes
- Textured and has a grippy bottom
- Attractive appearance
Cons
- A little difficult to cut
The Starry Scented Drawer Liners from Lady Jayne are sure to charm any home decorator looking to spruce up their drawers and shelves. With an attractive star pattern and gentle scent, these liners accent and enhance any setup they’re in. They’re especially suited to drawers used for sheets or children’s clothes.
Key Features
- Baby powder scented
- Dove gray color with starry design
- Comes in a pack of six
Specifications
- 23 inches x 16 inches per sheet
Pros
- Beautiful design
- A pleasant aroma rubs off on sheets and clothes
- Scent lasts long after installation
Cons
- The scent is strong out of the box but softens over time
How to Install Shelf Liners
Now that you’re familiar with shelf liners and have decided which roll to purchase, you may be wondering how to install a set. It’s a rather simple process that differs slightly depending on whether you have an adhesive or non-adhesive set.
Read more: How To Insulate A Chimney Liner
Adhesive Shelf Liner Installation
For an adhesive set, it’s best to measure the inside of your shelf or drawer before cutting. Be sure to remove about 1/8th of an inch from each side. This will give you some wiggle room when installing. Following these reduced measurements, cut out a piece of your shelf liner roll using scissors.
As you install the sheet, be sure to peel off the adhesive backing a little at a time. Stick down one side first, slowly removing the rest of the protective backing as you press on the sheet. This reduces the risk of bubbles and allows for a cleaner installation.
Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner Installation
For non-adhesive liners, you may follow the instructions above for measured cutting. You may also opt for a simpler method, however. For this, align one corner of the liner to the corner of the shelf or drawer. Open up the roll until the sheet covers the surface, and cut where you want it to end. If you’re installing in a drawer, press the sheet up to the side. Using a utility knife, cut the roll straight where the drawer side meets the shelf bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shelf Liner
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Read more: What Are Litter Box Liners
What is the best thing to use as a shelf liner?
Shelf liners come in many shapes and sizes. In general, if you want liners that are especially easy to clean, go for vinyl plastic ones. For clothing and bed sheet drawers, try some scented paper liners. Finally, we recommend food-grade EVA foam liners for your fridge or dish shelves.
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Should you line your shelves?
Yes, lining your shelves is ideal. It adds an extra layer of protection to your shelves and drawers. In addition to this, shelf liners also make cleaning up very easy. Knowing you can always clean or replace them makes spills and scrapes a lot less harrowing. Simply wipe them down or wash them and they’re good to go again.
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Do cabinets need shelf liners?
Kitchen cabinets can benefit from shelf liners, especially the thicker varieties. They can protect your cabinets from stains while also providing a plush surface for dishes or appliances.
Conclusion
Shelf liners are an excellent way to work smarter not harder. By installing a set on your shelves or drawers, you’re future-proofing them from any splatters or scuffs. In the end, it costs a few minutes of measuring and cutting to protect from potential hours of deep-cleaning. We’d say that’s a pretty good deal, especially if your shelves come out looking even nicer.
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