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We found the best liners for shelves, cupboards, pantries, and more. kitchen cabinet adhesive liners
Kat is a writer, editor, author, SEO specialist, and mother based in the UK. She has over 10 years of commerce writing experience and has written for a variety of publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, Food & Wine, Southern Living, Shape, Better Homes & Gardens, Parents, and Parenting.
Shelf liners are a fairly inexpensive way to protect shelves, linen closets, kitchen cabinets, pantries, drawers, and even refrigerators from accidental wear and messes.
Shelf liners come in adhesive and non-adhesive options but are usually nonslip, meaning they’ll stay put without glue. They’re available in a variety of materials, including plastic, cork, rubber, and paper, and you can find them in practically any color or design you wish to spruce up plain shelves. There are even scented liners to keep clothes in your wardrobe or drawers smelling fresh and fabulous.
To find the best shelf liners on the market, we researched top options for various budgets, considering features like liner type, material, price, adhesive, dimensions, available colors and patterns, and value for money. We also spoke with Jamie Hord, founder of professional organizing company Horderly, and Heidi Solomon, professional organizer, interior decorator, and founder of Posh Boston, about what to look for when shopping for shelf liners.
It’s versatile, easy to clean, and can be used on wire shelves.
It’s a little expensive compared to some other options.
Con-Tact Brand’s Duraliner swooped into our top spot of the best shelf liners thanks to its versatility and durability. This multipurpose liner is made from a high-quality, waterproof vinyl that’s also stain-proof, and resistant to scuffs and cracks. Any spills can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth or sponge, keeping the surface underneath safe and unscathed. This is a great liner for any surface, thanks to its slightly embossed design for excellent ventilation and easy application (read: no annoying adhesive).
Although it doesn’t have an adhesive backing, the shelf liner stays put thanks to its nonslip back that offers a strong grip. The liner is easy to cut with scissors, and even though it’s a pricier pick, it comes in a 25-foot roll to cover a lot of ground. You can choose from white or translucent in either a ribbed or diamond design. If this 12-inch-wide option isn’t large enough to cover the space you want, it also comes in a wider, 24-inch liner that’s 10 feet long.
Type: Non-adhesive | Material: Vinyl | Dimensions: 12 x 300 inches | Waterproof: Yes
This inexpensive waterproof liner is available in 10 colors and 12 sizes.
It’s a little hard to cut.
If you’re looking to keep your kitchen cabinets, shelves, and fridge clean and organized on a budget, the StaHom Shelf Liner is your best bet. Made from a high-quality, BPA-free ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), these liners are safe for contact with food, plus they're durable and reusable. The material is thick, so cutting them to fit your shelves or drawers takes a little more elbow grease than other options. However, the thickness makes the liner waterproof and oil-resistant, meaning your storage areas will stay grime-free and easy to maintain.
Cleaning up spills or messes is effortless using a cloth, soap, and water. You can rinse the liners in the sink and let them air dry on the rack or wipe them with a clean, dry cloth before replacing them on the shelf. These liners come in 10 colors, some brighter than others (i.e., green, blue, and red) to suit all needs. There’s also a clear option if you prefer a more discreet shelf liner. They come in 12 sizes, so make sure you measure your space before buying to choose the best one for your needs.
Type: Non-adhesive | Material: Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) | Dimensions: 12 sizes ranging from 11.8 x 59 inches to 23.6 x 393.7 inches | Waterproof: Yes
This is a breathable and easy-to-clean liner.
Cutting along the ribbed lines doesn’t provide straight corners.
This inexpensive shelf liner from Gorilla Grip is anti-slip, both on the upper and lower sides, meaning that objects you put on top will stay in place (perfect for drinking glasses). The liner also will not slide around. The lack of adhesive makes application effortless, and when it’s time to remove the liner for cleaning (soap and a cloth are all you need), you can do so without the risk of tearing it or leaving any annoying residue behind.
The material is breathable and reversible, with an open grid construction that makes it easier to clean and prevents debris from accumulating. To trim the liner into the shape and size you require, all you need is a pair of scissors, but the grid pattern is not square, so cutting along the ribs won’t give you perfect corners. Unlike many shelf liners, this one is available in lots of colors and patterns if you want to jazz things up a bit, including red, spa blue, gray and white zig zag, and a diamond-patterned beige.
Type: Non-adhesive | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 12 x 240 inches | Waterproof: No
It’s highly stylish, very grippy, and moisture absorbent.
It’s not the easiest to clean.
For a high-end look, try this beautiful cork liner from Williams Sonoma. In addition to having a stylish and timeless aesthetic, this liner is extra absorbent, mold-resistant, soft, and stays flat once installed. Ideal for kitchen drawers, this thin yet flexible sheet liner is easy to trim with scissors to fit your cupboards and cabinets perfectly. The unique natural cork material makes it slightly cushioned to protect the items you store on it, like glassware or cutlery, and it will also keep your drawers safe from spills and stains.
Its moisture-absorbing ability makes it ideal for use in places with a lot of moisture, such as kitchen and bathroom cabinets or shelving. To clean, it’s better to remove this non-adhesive liner from the drawer or shelf and wipe it with a cloth. Allow it to air dry before returning it to the drawer. While it’s not the cheapest shelf liner around, especially considering its size, it is an attractive and high-quality liner with an elegant finish.
Type: Non-adhesive | Material: Cork | Dimensions: 17.5 x 144 inches | Waterproof: No
They’re waterproof, easy to cut to size, and pretty.
There are only two sizes offered.
Beautify your pantry shelves with these patterned shelf liners from Ray Star. These liners are available in 14 different designs and patterns (including geometric, plaid, and various florals) and are ideal for adding a decorative aspect to areas with open shelving. They’re made from a waterproof vinyl material and are easy to clean with a damp cloth, so you won’t ever have to worry about accidental spills. The backing is also grippy enough that the liners don’t slide around your shelves or drawers.
This liner is thicker than most and has a slight padding to protect surfaces, yet the material is flexible enough to stay flat even though it comes in rolls. There are two sizes to choose from (either 12 x 120 inches or 18 x 96 inches) in single packs, but they are also offered in multipacks—the more you buy, the cheaper it works out (for instance, one roll is around $16, but the 10-pack works out to under $10 per roll).
Type: Non-adhesive | Material: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | Dimensions: 12 x 120 inches, 18 x 96 inches | Waterproof: Yes
They’re durable, waterproof, and easily customizable.
The surface is not nonslip.
The Glotoch Non-Adhesive Waterproof Shelf Liner ticks all the necessary boxes for a fridge liner: waterproof, durable, and removable. This EVA option comes in two different sizes and is a breeze to cut down to size using scissors. Despite not having an adhesive backing, there’s plenty of grip on the underside to keep the liners in place.
The lack of adhesive backing makes them easy to remove and clean; you can either wipe them down with a sponge or cloth or rinse them under a faucet. They’re stain-proof, too, so bright food spills won’t stick around for long. The top side of the liner isn’t as grippy as other options on our list, but it’s still better than slick refrigerator shelves.
Type: Non-adhesive | Material: EVA | Dimensions: 17.5 x 360 inches | Waterproof: Yes
It’s super thick, protective, and machine washable.
It’s only available in one size.
For a reliable and top-quality shelf liner that’s versatile enough to be used on multiple surfaces, including in drawers and on shelves, we recommend Drymate’s Premium Luxury Shelf and Drawer Liner. The product is non-adhesive to keep surfaces underneath undamaged, and it's slip-resistant, too, thanks to its grippy backing. The waterproof polyester liner is absorbent and moisture-wicking, preventing liquids from seeping into anything underneath. This liner is suitable for all cabinets and cupboards, and it’s easy to cut down to size with scissors for a customized fit.
This liner’s best feature is its machine-washable construction, and it dries quickly, too. The liner comes in eight colors and patterns, including charcoal, taupe diamond squares, and indigo swirls. Although it comes in a pack of two, it’s only available in one size, which, at 59 inches long, you might need to stock up on more than one pack to cover all necessary surfaces.
Type: Non-adhesive | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 12 x 59 inches | Waterproof: Yes
Its versatility and PVC waterproof coating.
It’s adhesive, so you won't be able to adjust it once it's on.
Adhesive shelf liners are notoriously tricky to install and require precise measuring and application. However, they are great for lining old shelves and drawers that have seen better days and will never budge like non-adhesive options. If you’re ready to try a good sticky shelf liner, we recommend the Duck EasyLiner Clear Adhesive option. This thin, wallpaper-like liner is easy to measure and cut, thanks to printed lines on its backing paper that serve as a guide for your scissors.
In addition to lining shelves and drawers, the EasyLiner can laminate books, cards, binders, and more. It’s also waterproof due to its PVC coating and can be cleaned with soap and water. This liner is considered extremely inexpensive as 36 feet of liner is provided in each roll (although other sizes are available), which works out to just $0.18 per square foot. To reduce the risk of air bubbles, swipe a ruler across the surface as you’re sticking the liner down (this is also a good trick to get rid of bubbles if they have already formed).
Type: Self-adhesive | Material: PVC coated polyester | Dimensions: 12 x 432 inches | Waterproof: Yes
They come with pre-cut corners to fit perfectly on wire shelving units.
To avoid having to cut them yourself, you need to measure your surface carefully and select the correct size.
These heavy-duty shelf liners from Gorilla are versatile, reliable, and super sturdy. Made from a premium polypropylene plastic material, the liners are designed to fit perfectly on wire shelves, adding a layer of protection and stability and ensuring nothing falls through the wire gaps. They also eliminate those annoying clanging noises associated with placing items on metal. They’re spill proof, waterproof, and easy to clean, making them great for garages, pantries, and laundry rooms. There are three color options to choose from: black, charcoal, or frosted clear.
Installation is a piece of cake: Simply lay them down and you’re good to go. They even come with pre-cut rounded corners to fit your wire shelving perfectly. They’re available in nine different sizes designed to fit the most popular wire shelf dimensions from many different furniture brands. However, measure your shelves properly before you order to get the right fit, otherwise you’ll have to do the job of snipping them down to size and cutting out those rounded corners yourself, which should be easy to do with a good pair of scissors.
Type: Non-adhesive | Material: Polypropylene | Dimensions: 14 x 36 inches | Waterproof: Yes
They’re available in 14 gorgeous patterns and are scented.
They’re not waterproof and only come in one size.
What’s better than easy-to-install and beautifully decorated drawer liners? Scented, easy-to-install, and beautifully decorated drawer liners, of course! These wonderful drawer liners by Colorado-based company Scentennials come in 14 different patterns and designs. They are non-adhesive and can easily be cut down to size if needed. These premium paper liners are not waterproof, so any spills should be wiped up immediately, but they can be gently wiped down with a damp cloth for cleaning.
Each of the 14 different designs has a corresponding scent to keep your clothes smelling fresh, which is especially useful in vintage furniture that can sometimes have a musty odor. The nontoxic liners are available in packs of six, 12, or 18.
Type: Non-adhesive | Material: Paper | Dimensions: 16.5 x 22 inches | Waterproof: No
Our top choice is the versatile Con-Tact Brand Duraliner Shelf Liner that can be used for everything from shelving to drawers and has a nonslip backing to keep it in place. This high-quality, waterproof, stain-, scuff-, and crack-proof vinyl liner is easy to clean and can even be used on wire shelves. For a budget-friendly pick, we recommend StaHom Shelf Liners.
Shelf liners are made from several materials, including plastic, EVA, PVC, polyester, PP, fabric, cork, paper, and foam. Solomon recommends plastic, rubber, and paper shelf liners.
Shelf liners come in many dimensions that range between 10 to 18 inches in width and 20 to 450 inches in length. Some designs, like the Scentennials Lavender Scented Drawer Liners, come already cut to size to fit the average shelf or drawer (although you still might have to trim them for the perfect fit) and may come in a multipack. Other options, like the Duck EasyLiner Clear Adhesive Shelf Liner for Cabinets, come on a roll to cut down to size for several projects.
The most important thing to consider about shelf liner dimensions, Hord says, is ensuring you're purchasing the proper size to fully cover the shelf or space that you want to line.
Solomon, on the other hand, says that sometimes custom options are the way to go if you’re striving for perfection and would rather not DIY it. “They are pricier [custom-cut liners], but you can't beat having them cut in the factory; the lines are perfect, and the custom fit is fantastic,” she says.
There are two main shelf liner categories: adhesive and non-adhesive. Adhesive shelf liners have a sticky backing to keep them firmly in place. Most adhesive shelf liners will stick wherever you put them and stay there forever (unless you carefully steam them off). They aren’t reusable, and if you ever wish to remove them, you’ll likely rip off any paint or damage the material underneath.
It’s difficult to install adhesive liners completely straight and avoid air bubbles. That said, some adhesive shelf liners have less sticky and more malleable glue that can be stuck, removed, and re-stuck as needed. Another downside to adhesive liners, according to Hord, is they could attract glue-eating bugs.
Non-adhesive liners are reusable and simple to clean, and you can always move them around if needed. They aren’t as grippy as adhesive options. So, you may notice some designs are prone to sliding as you pull out heavier objects from your shelves or cabinets. However, non-adhesive options like the Gorilla Grip Drawer Shelf and Cabinet Liner provide superior grip, even without adhesive.
Shelf liners can protect your cabinets, drawers, and shelves and, on wire racks, prevent smaller items from falling through the cracks. “Shelf liners can be best used for custom-painted shelves to keep them from getting scratched,” Hord says. “They can also be used for older shelves that might be fraying to avoid them from continuing to chip, thus giving them a better look. Additionally, shelf liners can be used in drawers to avoid items from slipping around.”
Solomon always recommends them for kitchens and any areas where there's the possibility for spills or wet conditions, like bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and even kid craft areas. “Shelf liners are an excellent tool for protecting cabinets and shelves, especially in high-use areas,” she says. “Ideally, all new cabinetry gets lined as it adds an extra layer of protection from day-to-day use and extends the life of the cabinetry.”
Depending on the material and where it’s located, Solomon says shelf liners should last a long time—ideally the length of the cabinet life. “I have never been asked to replace any liners I've installed,” she says.
Their lifespan also depends on what you are storing, Hord says. “If the shelf liner is quickly getting wet or dirty, you should probably change them out after six months or so,” she says.
To ensure that you get the most use out of your shelf liner, clean it from time to time to rid it of stains, crumbs, and other dirt, but check the instructions first; some liners are machine washable and can go straight into the laundry while others require washing by hand with soap and a damp cloth.
“Aside from shelves that get hot, you should be able to use a shelf liner on any shelf,” Hord says. Depending on the shelf liner’s material, heat can cause it to warp, damage, or even melt. Otherwise, shelf liners are safe to use on most surfaces. “Just take into consideration the type of material of the shelf liner paired with the material of the shelf,” Hord says.
Solomon informs us that she does not use shelf liners on large shelves as they can shift and become frustrating for the user. Also, if you already have a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, or if your items are already in trays or sorting bins, for instance, in a pantry, shelf liners might not be necessary.
cute cabinet liners This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 11 years of writing experience. Kat has been writing for Real Simple since 2022, and she is also an editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat reviewed multiple shelf-lining products and researched and considered factors such as each liner’s type, dimensions, material, adhesive type, waterproof capabilities, and overall value for money. She also spoke to Jamie Hord, founder of professional organizing company Horderly, and Heidi Solomon, professional organizer, interior decorator, and founder of Posh Boston.