Shelf liners are used for lining drawers and shelves, which protects the natural surface from damage. It helps with cleanup, as shelf liners are easy to wash. You can add these to cabinets, drawers, pantries, closets, and wire shelves.
There are thousands of options on the market, so we’ve narrowed it down to the 10 best shelf liners. Now you don’t need to spend hours browsing the web. We’ve done that for you!
We looked at dozens of options, real customer reviews, as well as expert advice. After investigating each product’s specific details — including material, cleanability, adhesive structure, and more — we chose our 10 favorites.
- Pre-cut corners
- Heavy-duty 30 gauge polypropylene
- Waterproof & easy to clean
- Easy to cut to size with scissors
- Non-slip backing
- High-quality vinyl material
- Reversible design
- Strong grip
- Easy to clean with soapy water
- Slip-resistant backing
- Over 20 patterns & colors
- Protects surface from scratches
- Over 25 different design options
- Works on most surfaces
- Easy to apply & reposition
- Great for wire shelving
- Textured top & grip bottom
- Dishwasher safe
- Less likely to fray
- Great for delicate items
- Water repellent fabric
- Pretty floral design
- Easy to apply & peel off
- Made from PVC
- Non-adhesive & non-slip
- Multi-purpose liners
- BPA & odor free
- Keeps produce fresh for longer
- Can be used in fridge or countertops
- Great for drying fruit after washing
Product Reviews
After hours of researching real customer reviews, expert advice, as well as applying our own insight, we have a comprehensive list of the 10 best shelf liners.
Sterling Wire Shelf Liners
Best for Wire Shelves
Wire shelves are affordable and sturdy. But unfortunately, things can slip through the cracks and fall to the floor. That’s where these shelf liners come into play!
This pack of four, available in a few different sizes and two color options, is exactly what you need to make a solid surface on your wire shelves.
This brand is committed to creating liners that are high in quality, longevity, and function. The precise fit is tailored to suit most wired shelves. Just make sure to measure your shelves before ordering.
As for quality, this is one of the highest-quality materials you’ll find. It’s made of heavy-duty 30-gauge polypropylene. This means it’s sturdy, durable, can handle heavy objects, and is waterproof. So even if you have spills, it will remain tough and strong.
Pros
- Corners are precut to fit your shelves.
- Heavy-duty 30 gauge polypropylene.
- Solid and durable material.
- Waterproof and easy to clean.
- Available in gray or transparent color.
- Prevents items from falling through wire shelving.
Cons
- Won’t fit everyone’s shelves, and hard to cut to size.
- If they bend, they won’t lay flat afterward.
Product Specs
Adhesive | No |
Material | Polypropylene (plastic) |
Shelf type | Wire shelves, but can be used elsewhere |
Easy to clean | Yes |
Dimensions | 18 x 36 inches, plus three other options |
Our Ratings
Con-Tact Non-Adhesive Vinyl Liner
Best Vinyl Shelf Liner
This fantastic vinyl shelf liner can be used for a variety of purposes. You can use it on basically any shelf, even wire ones. It’s creates a solid surface so items can’t fall through.
You’ll love the durability of this. Although it’s not adhesive, it has a non-slip surface, so it won’t move around. This protects delicate items from shifting, breaking, or damaging the shelf.
Not only that, but it’s also waterproof. It offers everyday protection. The thick construction of the vinyl ensures your surface is safe from stains, spills, and debris.
If you notice a spill or a stain, the waterproof design means you can quickly and safely wipe it down with a damp cloth.
When it comes to installing, easily cut this to shape with a pair of scissors. You can fit this to size so it fits exactly, wherever you decide to use it.
Pros
- Use it anywhere, even for wire shelves.
- Easy to cut to size with scissors.
- Non-slip backing.
- Waterproof and easy to wipe clean.
- High-quality and long-lasting vinyl.
Cons
- It may begin to wrinkle over time.
- It’s not very flexible.
Product Specs
Adhesive | No, non-slip backing |
Material | Vinyl |
Shelf type | Any |
Easy to clean | Yes |
Dimensions | 24 x 10 inches |
Our Ratings
Gorilla Grip Original Drawer and Shelf Liner
Best Shelf Liner for Kitchen
This shelf liner is great for all things kitchen: cupboards, pantry shelves, drawers, and countertops! Keep the messes at bay while protecting both your shelves and kitchenware.
You’ll love the strong grip of these liners. They’re non-adhesive but still made with high-quality materials to limit slipping and bunching. This protects your delicate glasses, mugs, and other items since they’re less likely to slide around and fall over.
These liners suit drawers, too. The open grid construction means the liners can breathe in the drawers without accumulating moisture or odor buildup. When you need to clean them, remove them and wash with a mild soap and damp cloth.
While these liners are great for kitchens, don’t limit them! You can also use them in offices, bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, laundry rooms, and anywhere else.
Pros
- Reversible design so the liner lasts longer.
- Strong grip keeps everything in place.
- Easy to clean with soapy water.
- Versatile use, including kitchen, laundry room, and more.
- Easy to cut to size and install.
Cons
- Heavy items cause wear and tear quickly.
- Slides around quite easily if you open or close a drawer quickly.
Product Specs
Adhesive | No, slip-resistant backing |
Material | PVC |
Shelf type | Any |
Easy to clean | Yes |
Dimensions | 20 x 12 inches, plus eight other options |
Our Ratings
Gorilla Grip Original Smooth Shelf Liner
Best Liner for Dresser Drawers
Lining your dresser drawers can protect the original shelving, prevent damage to your delicates, and make cleaning much easier. To line your dresser drawers, we recommend this roll by Gorilla Grip. What’s great is that you can also use it for lining shelves!
This liner is available in over 20 colors and a range of patterns. So you can spruce up your dresser drawers so they always look cute! This liner is non-adhesive but does have a slip-resistant bottom layer, so it stays in place. The top layer is smooth and gentle and won’t damage your clothes.
The liners come pre-cut to fit many standard sizes, but you can easily trim them. Household scissors should get them to fit your particular drawers.
Once installed and in use, cleaning is necessary from time to time. Thankfully, these are easy to clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Just make sure to remove them from the drawer first to minimize moisture build-up.
Pros
- Slip-resistant backing.
- Minimizes messes in all types of drawers and shelves.
- Over 20 design options.
- Easy to clean.
- Protects surfaces from scratches and moisture.
- BPA-free material.
Cons
- If you’re moving items around a lot, the liners can move, too.
- Strong odor.
Product Specs
Adhesive | No, slip-resistant backing |
Material | Polypropylene |
Shelf type | Any, but good for drawers |
Easy to clean | Yes |
Dimensions | 20 x 10 inches, plus five other options |
Our Ratings
Con-Tact Self-Adhesive Vinyl Shelf Liner
Best Adhesive Shelf Liner
Adhesive liners are easy to apply. Many customers prefer them as they’re less likely to move around once they’re down. With this liner, you can quickly stick it down, but that’s not all. You can easily reposition it, so if you make a mistake, it’s easy to fix!
When you remove it, it doesn’t leave behind a residue, unlike other liners.
We also love how multipurpose this liner is. You can put it on any surface! Whether that’s shelves, drawers, or a DIY project, this is an awesome choice. Especially considering it’s available in over 25 different patterns and colors.
When it’s in use, you’ll fall in love with it even more. It’s waterproof, so you can use it anywhere and enjoy how it protects your original surface. It also makes for easy cleaning. Just use a damp sponge if you have a spill, and clean up in seconds!
Pros
- Over 25 different design options.
- Self-adhesive and doesn’t leave a residue.
- Works on most surfaces.
- Easy to apply and reposition.
- Easy to clean with a damp sponge.
Cons
- Doesn’t work on textured surfaces, as it doesn’t stick as well.
- The color tends not to look like the pictures.
Product Specs
Adhesive | Yes |
Material | Vinyl |
Shelf type | Most, but not textured surfaces |
Easy to clean | Yes |
Dimensions | 18 x 9 inches, plus six other options |
Our Ratings
Duck Brand Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner
Best Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner
In the market for a non-adhesive shelf liner? This is a fantastic choice. It is specifically made for wire racks, so it will work well in the refrigerator, under your sink, on any wire shelves, in RVs and boats, and other areas.
In fact, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces since it’s durable and weather resistant.
The textured surface catches crumbs and debris, so you can easily vacuum the surface or wipe it clean. When you need to deep clean it, put it on the top rack of the dishwasher!
It’s waterproof and protective, so if something spills in the fridge, it won’t ruin the liner or the shelves and food below the spill. The gripped bottom also means it won’t move around much, which is especially good if you have many items on top of the liner.
We also love that it’s easy to cut, so you can customize the sizing to suit your space.
Keep In Mind
Pros
- Great for wire shelving.
- Textured top and grip bottom.
- Food safe and dishwasher safe.
- Great for outdoor spaces, too, as it’s weather resistant.
- Non-adhesive so won’t leave residue.
- Water-resistant protection.
Cons
- Cold temperatures may cause rolling at the edges
- If it’s been folded, it will be difficult to lay flat.
Product Specs
Adhesive | No, gripped backing |
Material | PVC |
Shelf type | Wire shelves |
Easy to clean | Yes — dishwasher safe |
Dimensions | 12 inches x 20 foot |
Our Ratings
Con-Tact Fabric Grip Liner
Best Fabric Shelf Liner
This fabric liner is made of high-quality and luxurious material. It’s non-adhesive, but the backing is cushioned with a solid grip texture, so it should stay put on your shelf of choice.
We think it’s a flawless liner for more delicate items since it’s nice and soft. Consider this for your lingerie drawer, linen closet, or jewelry storage.
The soft and pretty appearance also means it’s suitable as a table runner or even as decor around the house. It’s available in five designs, so you can find one that suits your home. They’re all patterned, none are plain, but they’re not too bold or overwhelming.
Last but not least, the fabric is water-repellent, so it protects the original shelf surface well. Of course, if you do notice water, we recommend removing the liner and drying it so the water doesn’t seep through to the shelf.
Pros
- Five design patterns.
- Great for delicate items.
- Less likely to fray.
- Water-repellent.
- Non-slip cushioned foam backing.
Cons
- One roll may not be big enough for one drawer. Ends up being expensive.
- Strong chemical smell upon arrival.
Product Specs
Adhesive | No, gripped backing |
Material | Fabric |
Shelf type | Best for delicate items, such as lingerie drawer |
Easy to clean | Somewhat |
Dimensions | 18 x 4 inches |
Our Ratings
Yazi Floral Contact Paper Shelf Liner
Best Decorative Shelf Liner
Decorative contact paper is a great option if you want something more stylish to line your shelves. We love this if you’re doing a DIY project, adding beauty to an antique item, or lining a jewelry box. This is available in two styles: vintage peonies or flowers.
The paper itself is self-adhesive. So you can easily stick it to the surface. They say it’s easy to peel off again, too, but do be careful with cork or unfinished wood as it may cause damage.
Whether you want to use this for shelves, drawers, counters, or craft projects, it’s a great choice. It’s made of PVC, so it’s durable and should be relatively easy to clean if it gets dirty. Thankfully, you can cut it into different shapes and sizes with a pair of scissors.
Manufacturer’s Tips
Pros
- Beautiful floral design.
- Self-adhesive, so it’s easy to apply and peel off.
- PVC so it’s easy to clean.
- Easy to cut into different sizes.
- Suitable for natural stone, glass, wood, and more.
Cons
- Paper is thin and rips easily.
- May damage the original surface when you lift the paper
- Not suitable for uneven tiles or unfinished walls.
Product Specs
Adhesive | Yes |
Material | PVC |
Shelf type | Shelves, drawers, counters, and craft projects |
Easy to clean | Somewhat |
Dimensions | 17 x 78 inches |
Our Ratings
Bloss Plastic Shelf Liner
Best Plastic Shelf Liner
This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a plastic shelf liner. Plastic shelf liners are super durable, easy to clean, and they can go literally anywhere in the home! Whether you want to use them on a wire shelf or to protect a DIY project, they’re a brilliant option.
These particular liners are super durable but still stylish. They’re available in eight colors so that you can find the best one for your decor. Plus, you can shop them in a few different size options.
No matter what you choose, they’re simple enough to cut to size, so you can fit them into smaller areas if you’d like. They’re non-adhesive but also non-slip, so they will stay in place without damaging the original shelf surface. The high-quality materials mean they don’t bunch up or slip underneath your items.
Where can you use these liners? Anywhere! They’re multi-purpose. As a few examples, you can use these in the cabinets, on your desk, clothing drawers, refrigerator, countertop, and many more places.
Pros
- Durable material that will last years.
- Non-adhesive and non-slip.
- Multi-purpose, so can go anywhere in your home.
- BPA and odor-free.
- Repels oil and water spills.
- Easy to cut to size.
Cons
- It’s very thin, so customers found it challenging to lay completely flat.
- Expensive for what you get.
Product Specs
Adhesive | No, non-slip backing |
Material | Plastic |
Shelf type | Any |
Easy to clean | Yes |
Dimensions | 17.7 x 59 inches, plus three other options |
Our Ratings
Any Kitchen Stuff Foam Fridge Shelf Mat
Best Foam Shelf Liner
Foam shelf liners are great, and this one particularly grabs our attention. It’s specifically for your fruit and vegetables. You can use the mat in the fridge or on the counter, depending on the type of produce.
It’s designed to keep your produce fresher for longer. The foam liners help with air circulation, which retains the texture and taste of your food.
It also reduces odors in your fridge. In fact, many customers use them on every fridge shelf, even if the produce isn’t on top. You can place yogurt, jars, and milk on top of the liners just to protect your fridge shelving.
They’re also great for placing your fruit on to dry after it’s been washed. When the liner itself looks a little dirty, wash it under the tap and dry as usual.
Overall, this is a money-saving hack since your produce will last longer. No more trips to the grocery store when you open the fridge to realize your strawberries are bruised and moldy!
Pros
- Keeps produce fresher for longer.
- Suitable for in the fridge or on the countertops.
- Great for drying fruit after it’s been washed.
- Easy to clean.
- Reduces musty odors in fridge.
- Easy to cut to size.
Cons
- Fruit can easily stain the foam liners.
- Slides around a little.
Product Specs
Adhesive | No |
Material | Foam |
Shelf type | Fridge |
Easy to clean | Yes |
Dimensions | 16 x 12 inches |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Adhesive | Material | Shelf type | Easy to clean | Dimensions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sterling Wire Shelf Liners | For Wire Shelves | No | Plastic | Any, best for wire shelves | Yes | 18 x 36″ |
Con-Tact Non-Adhesive Vinyl Liner | Vinyl Shelf Liner | No | Vinyl | Any | Yes | 24 x 10″ |
Gorilla Grip Drawer & Shelf Liner | Shelf Liner for Kitchen | No | PVC | Any | Yes | 20 x 12″ |
Gorilla Grip Smooth Shelf Liner | Liner for Dresser Drawers | No | Plastic | Any | Yes | 20 x 10″ |
Con-Tact Vinyl Shelf Liner | Adhesive Shelf Liner | Yes | Vinyl | Any, except textured surfaces | Yes | 18 x 9″ |
Duck Brand Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner | Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner | No | PVC | Wire shelves | Yes | 12″ x 20′ |
Con-Tact Fabric Grip Liner | Fabric Shelf Liner | No | Fabric | Any, best for lingerie drawer | Yes | 18 x 4″ |
Yazi Floral Contact Paper Shelf Liner | Decorative Shelf Liner | Yes | PVC | Shelves, drawers, counters & craft projects | Yes | 17 x 78″ |
Bloss Plastic Shelf Liner | Plastic Shelf Liner | No | Plastic | Any | Yes | 17.7 x 59″ |
Any Kitchen Stuff Fridge Shelf Mat | Foam Shelf Liner | No | Foam | Fridge | Yes | 16 x 12″ |
Do I Really Need Shelf Liners?
Shelf liners are not necessary, but they are certainly beneficial. They’ll make your life easier in many ways, as well as adding decoration to your shelves. Here are some of the main advantages:
- Keeps everything cleaner: Not only does your shelf liner keep your cupboards cleaner and free from scratches and other damage, but the liner is also easy to clean. Simply wipe down according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Protects from moisture: Shelf liners help protect cabinets and drawers from moisture. Instead of moisture seeping into the wood of the drawer or cupboard, it now sits on the shelf liner and can be easily cleaned.
- Prevents things sliding around: Many shelf liners have a slightly textured or rubber top, which stops things from sliding around. This is great for busy and overcrowded cupboards.
- They’re stylish: Shelf liners add decoration to otherwise boring shelves. Spruce up a bookshelf or a floating shelf with some shelf liners.
- Adds surface to wire shelves: Wire shelves can be super impractical, especially for smaller items that can easily fall through. Shelf liners make the surface solid, so you can use these shelves for anything.
Types of Shelf Liners
There are a few different types of shelf liners. We recommend paying close attention to the type of liner so that you’re getting the best one for your situation.
Foam
Foam shelf liners have a slightly grippy texture that holds items in place. These can hold delicate items, such as china or fruit and vegetables, in the fridge.
Pros
- Great for the fridge, holding fruit and vegetables.
- Keeps things in place.
- Doesn’t ruin the original surface.
- You can trim the textured surface with scissors.
- Easy to wash and dry.
Cons
- Not as widely available.
- Some options are made cheap.
- They may be oddly shaped or come in small squares.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a thicker option than paper or fabric, making these liners more durable. You’ll find them in various colors and patterns, as well as adhesive and non-adhesive. You can use them for any type of shelf, including wired shelves.
Pros
- Widely available in a variety of types and patterns.
- Inexpensive.
- Non-adhesive and adhesive options.
- Easy to trim with scissors.
Cons
- Not easy to reuse.
- Adhesive-backed vinyl is harder to apply.
- Adhesive vinyl may leave a sticky residue on the shelf.
Fabric
Fabric shelf liners are nice and soft. They’re kind to your shelves since they won’t scratch or leave residue behind. They’re available in a huge variety of prints and colors. The big drawback is that they’re not as durable, nor will they provide the same kind of protection from moisture and spills.
Pros
- Soft and won’t damage your shelves.
- They don’t leave residue behind.
- Widely available in a variety of prints and colors.
- Easy to wash and reuse.
- They absorb a little water.
Cons
- They won’t fully protect your shelf from moisture.
- They may slip and slide a lot if not secured.
Heavy-Duty Plastic
This is an excellent option for open wire shelves since they’re solid and sturdy. We also love that they’re waterproof and easy to clean if you do spill anything. Of course, they’re harder to trim since they’re plastic, so we recommend finding one that’s already your desired size.
Pros
- Strong and sturdy.
- Great for open wire shelves.
- Waterproof.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Hard to cut to size.
Product Selection Criteria
Consider these important details when shopping so that you end up with the best shelf liner for your project.
How To Remove an Adhesive Shelf Liner
Check the manufacturer’s instructions, as they may have specific advice depending on the adhesive. If you can’t find their instructions, or they aren’t working for you, try this method:
- Heat one corner of the adhesive using a hair dryer for a minute or so. This will warm the adhesive and help to loosen it.
- Slide a putty knife under this corner. Lift and peel until you reach a sticky point.
- Spray the adhesive side with warm water, concentrating on the sticky point.
- Wait for the water to seep under the liner. Pull up the liner. Repeat until you’ve removed the entire shelf liner.
- If, at any point, the water doesn’t work, switch back to the hair dryer.
- Once the liner has been removed, use your putty knife to scrape off any residue.
- Soak a cloth in an adhesive remover and scrub the remaining residue or stickiness.
- With a separate damp cloth, wipe clean the adhesive remover.
- Use soapy water to clean the shelf well before applying a new shelf liner.