Drawer liners are a fantastic way to safeguard your cabinets and shelves from scratches, stains, and moisture. They can be utilized throughout the house, including in kitchen drawers, under bathroom sinks, on bookshelves, closet shelves, and within dressers and other furniture. While the benefits of drawer liners are clear, the debate often centers around the best type to use, especially when comparing adhesive to non-adhesive options.
If you’ve ever purchased a home with old, peeling liners clinging to the inside of drawers—often with outdated and unattractive patterns—you may be hesitant to use adhesive drawer liners. However, they do have their advantages in specific situations. The intended purpose and location of your liner will determine the type you should choose. Adhesive liners are more decorative and are ideal for visible areas or to bring color and unity to furniture drawers in closets, bedrooms, and home offices.
When to Use Adhesive Drawer Liners
Adhesive liners effectively protect your valuable cabinetry from scratches, spills, and stains. They create a smooth surface that is easier to clean when the drawer gets messy (which is inevitable). Additionally, adhesive liners offer a decorative element that some non-adhesive liners lack. Available in various colors and patterns, they add a stylish flair to drawers, cabinets, closet systems, and furniture. As a bonus, adhesive liners are often more affordable than other types, and you generally get more in a single roll. For instance, the Micpolo Floral and Butterfly Self Adhesive Shelf Liner is only $7 for a large roll that covers extensive lining needs. This allows you to extend their use beyond drawers, lining the backs of bookshelves, wrapping around floating shelves, and even using them as wallpaper. Alternatively, peel-and-stick wallpaper can double as shelf liners.
It’s important to note that modern adhesives are much easier to remove than they used to be. While older adhesives were notoriously stubborn (as anyone who removed old wallpaper in the ’90s can attest), today’s adhesive liners are hassle-free for future you or future homeowners. Additionally, products like Goo Gone Surface Safe Adhesive Remover make removing sticky residue from shelf liners straightforward.
Adhesive Drawer Liner Cons and Alternative Solutions
If your primary need for drawer liners is functional rather than decorative, consider non-adhesive options. Adhesive liners can be more challenging to install and remove, and while they protect your drawers and cabinets, the thin vinyl or paper offers minimal protection for the items inside them.
Non-adhesive liners are usually thicker and can prevent glassware and fine china from chipping. Many, like the Gorilla Grip DripGuard Drawer and Shelf Liner, feature a dual-grip design to keep the mat in place and prevent items from rolling around when you open a drawer. They also reduce noise and prevent items from falling through wire shelves. For under-sink cabinet liners, a silicone mat such as the SIKADEER Under Sink Mat is a great choice. It can hold over 3 gallons of liquid, protecting your cabinet from water damage and mildew.
Fortunately, non-adhesive liners are available in fun patterns for your cabinets and drawers. While they can’t be used on walls or the backs of shelves like adhesive liners, options like the ALIUNI Drawer and Shelf Liner, available in 15 different colors and patterns, can add elegance to your drawers while offering protection.
