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10 Best Shelf Liners of 2024

Updated
Protect your shelves and make them pretty. 

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.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Sterling Wire Shelf Liners
Best for Wire Shelves
Sterling Wire Shelf Liners
  • Pre-cut corners
  • Heavy-duty 30 gauge polypropylene
  • Waterproof & easy to clean
Product Image of the Con-Tact Non-Adhesive Vinyl Liner
Best Vinyl Shelf Liner
Con-Tact Non-Adhesive Vinyl Liner
  • Easy to cut to size with scissors
  • Non-slip backing
  • High-quality vinyl material
Product Image of the Gorilla Grip Drawer & Shelf Liner
Best Shelf Liner for Kitchen
Gorilla Grip Drawer & Shelf Liner
  • Reversible design
  • Strong grip
  • Easy to clean with soapy water
Product Image of the Gorilla Grip Smooth Shelf Liner
Best Liner for Dresser Drawers
Gorilla Grip Smooth Shelf Liner
  • Slip-resistant backing
  • Over 20 patterns & colors
  • Protects surface from scratches
Product Image of the Con-Tact Vinyl Shelf Liner
Best Adhesive Shelf Liner
Con-Tact Vinyl Shelf Liner
  • Over 25 different design options
  • Works on most surfaces
  • Easy to apply & reposition
Product Image of the Duck Brand Non-Adhesive Liner
Best Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner
Duck Brand Non-Adhesive Liner
  • Great for wire shelving
  • Textured top & grip bottom
  • Dishwasher safe
Product Image of the Con-Tact Fabric Grip Liner
Best Fabric Shelf Liner
Con-Tact Fabric Grip Liner
  • Less likely to fray
  • Great for delicate items
  • Water repellent fabric
Product Image of the Yazi Floral Contact Paper Shelf Liner
Best Decorative Shelf Liner
Yazi Floral Contact Paper Shelf Liner
  • Pretty floral design
  • Easy to apply & peel off
  • Made from PVC
Product Image of the Bloss Plastic Shelf Liner
Best Plastic Shelf Liner
Bloss Plastic Shelf Liner
  • Non-adhesive & non-slip
  • Multi-purpose liners
  • BPA & odor free
Product Image of the Any Kitchen Stuff Fridge Shelf Mat
Best Foam Shelf Liner
Any Kitchen Stuff Fridge Shelf Mat
  • Keeps produce fresh for longer
  • Can be used in fridge or countertops
  • Great for drying fruit after washing

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we provide you with an in-depth analysis of the best shelf liners available in the market. Our assessment is based on hands-on experience, data-driven research, and professional evaluations to ensure you make an informed decision. Our criteria for ranking shelf liners include their performance, durability, installation ease, design, and material quality. We compare various products, measuring their effectiveness and identifying key decision-making factors. Our review highlights unique features that set each product apart from its competitors. Through our meticulous testing process and first-hand evidence, we confidently recommend the top shelf liners to enhance your home organization and cleanliness. Trust our expertise to guide you in selecting the perfect shelf liner tailored to your needs.



The Best Shelf Liners of 2024

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

Ease of Installation
4 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Grip
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

From the moment I placed these liners on my wire shelves, I noticed a significant improvement in both appearance and functionality. The quality material not only fits perfectly, preventing small items from falling through the cracks, but also adds a sleek look to my shelving. I appreciate that they come in various sizes and colors, making it easy to match my black shelves with the darker option. While I did have to trim a couple of liners with a craft knife, it was a simple task. These liners make cleaning a breeze, and I even found that doubling them up adds extra sturdiness.

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

Ease of Installation
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Grip
4 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

If you're looking for a durable and protective liner, this product is a great choice. I've personally used it in my kitchen cabinets and on my craft table, and it has remained flat and easy to clean for over a year. The only downside is that the ridges can make it a bit harder to clean, but overall, it's a fantastic way to keep surfaces protected.

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

Ease of Installation
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Grip
5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

I'm impressed with the versatility and quality of this product. The rubber material is durable and tacky, making it ideal for various applications, such as protecting cabinets from floods, using as placemats, and keeping patio cushions in place. It was easy to cut and install, but I did notice the grid pattern was slightly angled, which made it a bit challenging to achieve a perfect fit. One thing to keep in mind is that items won't slide across the surface, so you'll have to get used to picking them up instead.

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

Ease of Installation
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Grip
4 / 5
Design
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

These navy blue bathroom vanity liners are an excellent solution for protecting drawers and cabinets while maintaining a sleek, unobtrusive look. I found them easy to cut and install, with no sliding or bunching up. The soft material provides a quiet cushion for items placed in the drawers, and the color matched perfectly with my vanity. Although the price was slightly higher than clear or white liners, the quality and aesthetics more than made up for it. Additionally, there's enough left over to reline the vanity when needed, making it a worthwhile investment.

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

Ease of Installation
5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Grip
4 / 5
Design
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

Best purchase I've made for my home in a while! This product has been a fantastic addition to my pantry shelves, providing a nice thickness and the perfect amount of tackiness for easy repositioning. I did struggle a bit with the application at first, but once I got the hang of it, the results were amazing. It's also a great option for renters, as it doesn't damage the surfaces and can be easily removed. The pattern is consistent and visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a uniform look.

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

This isn’t recommended for drawers, cabinets, or crafting.

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

Ease of Installation
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Grip
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with this product has been quite positive overall. The shelf liner is easy to cut to size and effectively protects my shelves while keeping items firmly in place. I've even used leftover strips between glass storage containers to prevent them from sticking together. One downside is the slight curling at the corners, but placing heavier items on the ends seems to help. The textured design of the liner makes it a bit less see-through than I expected, but it still allows light to pass through, creating a clean look. While I wish it adhered to the shelf better, its dishwasher-safe feature is a bonus that makes cleaning a breeze.

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

Ease of Installation
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Grip
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

I'm delighted with this product for protecting my end-table's wood surface and adding a touch of luxury to my dresser drawers. The thick, foam-like material is easy to cut and lays flat, while the subtle pattern complements my room's décor. I also found it useful as a non-adhesive liner for my windowsill, protecting it from potted plants and watering spills. However, I do wish it came in longer rolls, as the four feet length resulted in more waste than I'd prefer.

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

Clean surfaces before applying paper. If you find bubbles after application, pop them with a needle and push the air out. When removing the paper, use a scraper.

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

Ease of Installation
3.5 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Grip
3 / 5
Design
5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

If you're looking for a versatile and affordable decorative paper for small projects, this product might be a good fit. I used it to refurbish a dollhouse and line dresser drawers, and it added a beautiful touch to both. The floral design is charming, and the grid on the back made measuring and cutting a breeze. However, be aware that it's thinner than some other shelf liners and can tear easily. While it might not be the best choice for heavy-duty use, it's perfect for adding a touch of elegance to small-scale projects.

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

Ease of Installation
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Grip
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

After recently purchasing this product, I found it quite useful and satisfactory for protecting surfaces. The thickness is impressive, and it lays flat without adhesive, making it easy to use. While it doesn't cover as much area as advertised, I was able to cut it to size with scissors for my countertop ice machine and still had enough for drawers. It effectively protects glass shelves from scratches and even saved my cabinet from a honey spill. Although a little more thickness would be appreciated, this product serves its purpose well for now.

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

Ease of Installation
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Grip
3.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

I've been using these veggie drawer liners for a short time now, and I'm already noticing a difference in the freshness of my fruits and vegetables. The lightweight design with open holes allows for excellent air circulation, and it's easy to cut and customize the liners to fit any drawer size. While I can't compare them to other brands, as this is my first experience with such a product, I am happy with the results so far and look forward to longer-lasting produce.

Product Comparison Chart

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.

How To Choose the Best Shelf Liners

Consider these important details when shopping so that you end up with the best shelf liner for your project.

Adhesive

You’ll find both adhesive and non-adhesive shelf liners. Adhesive is typically cheaper and sticks better. However, it may damage certain surfaces like unfinished wood or cork. It’s also harder to remove and reuse.

Non-adhesive has a non-slip texture, so it should still be pretty sturdy, but it is more expensive. They’re slightly thicker, so they may be more protective, but the biggest drawback is that they aren’t as secure as adhesive.

Material

Consider the material. Do you want plastic, vinyl, fabric, foam, or something else altogether? Plastic and vinyl are more durable than fabric or foam, but fabric and foam are softer and less likely to damage your shelf.

Shelf Type

It’s important to shop by shelf type, too. For instance, if you have delicate items, you may want something grippy so the items are less likely to fall over.

Is it a dresser drawer, silverware drawer, cabinet, or bookcase? This all changes which type of liner you go for.

For instance, plastic liners are best for wire shelves. Adhesive or foam liners are best for wooden shelves.

Ease of Cleaning

Some are easier to clean than others. Plastic is the easiest to clean, with vinyl coming in second. Fabric can be washed and reused, whereas most foam liners can be washed under warm water.

Scent

You’ll find scented shelf liners on the market. These add some freshness to your shelves and drawers. However, the scents may be irritating to some.

Aesthetics

You can find a wide variety of shelf liners varying in appearance, colors, and patterns. If you want something plain, that’s easy to find.

However, you’ll be able to find something that suits your personal decor. There are ones with flowers, animals and striped patterns, and much more!


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:

  1. 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.
  2. Slide a putty knife under this corner. Lift and peel until you reach a sticky point.
  3. Spray the adhesive side with warm water, concentrating on the sticky point.
  4. Wait for the water to seep under the liner. Pull up the liner. Repeat until you’ve removed the entire shelf liner.
  5. If, at any point, the water doesn’t work, switch back to the hair dryer.
  6. Once the liner has been removed, use your putty knife to scrape off any residue.
  7. Soak a cloth in an adhesive remover and scrub the remaining residue or stickiness.
  8. With a separate damp cloth, wipe clean the adhesive remover.
  9. Use soapy water to clean the shelf well before applying a new shelf liner.

Shelf Liner FAQs

How Do You Get a Shelf Liner To Stay in Place?

If it’s adhesive, it will have clear instructions on how to use it properly. If it’s non-adhesive, it probably still has a non-slip side that helps keep it in place. However, you can also add mounting tape to the drawer or shelf before placing the shelf liner down.

Should You Put Liners in Kitchen Cabinets?

Yes, there’s no reason not to. This keeps the existing cupboard clean and free from damage.

This is especially true with moisture damage if you put your cups or mugs away while they’re still slightly damp. If something spills, like syrup or oil, then it’s also much easier to clean up.

Is Contact Paper the Same as Shelf Liner?

While contact paper was traditionally used as a shelf liner, now contact paper is more often used for creative projects. For example, you can use it as a laptop skin or covering a book.

Useful Tip

You can still use contact paper as a shelf liner. However, remember it has a highly adhesive side, so that it may leave a sticky residue behind.

Is Cork a Good Shelf Liner?

Cork is a good shelf liner because it is 100 percent natural, creates a cushioned base for your items, and grips plates, cups, and bowls.

Does a Shelf Liner Attract Bugs?

A shelf liner does attract bugs, especially if the material absorbs sweet or sticky substances. Bugs love a constant food source and places where they can make nests.

How Many Rolls of Shelf Liner Do I Need?

The best way to calculate how many rolls of shelf liner you need is to divide the length of your shelves and drawers by the length of the shelf liner sheets.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!