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Keep dishes in place with our top picks. lazy susan shelf liners for cabinet
Better Homes & Gardens / Eric Brockob
Shelf liners are a great way to aid in your home’s overall cleanliness by protecting surfaces from dust, dirt, scratches, and spills. They come in an array of colors and materials and have adhesive or non-adhesive backs to best fit your needs.
If you’re questioning whether you should take this extra step, Kate Swenson, founder and CEO of Order by Kate, says it’s worth it. “It’s important to choose a liner that is easy to cut, washable, durable, and looks pleasing to the eye. The liner should also be able to grip and hold products in place.”
We spoke with Swenson and fellow Order by Kate professional organizer, Lisa Harkin, to learn more about what to look for when shopping for shelf liners. After creating our list, we tested our top three picks in our own homes to ensure their quality.
We researched top picks based on material, non-adhesive vs adhesive, dimensions, and quality. While testing our top three picks, we examined each liner's overall quality, noting its thickness, ease of cut, and non-slip abilities.
It’s multipurpose, easy to cut, easy to clean, and durable.
It’s only available in neutral and clear color choices.
Many options on the market are washable and durable, but plenty are also missing grip to stay in place. One side of the Mcrbeay Shelf Liner is designed with a striped pattern; when testing these liners, we found that this helped keep our dishes in place.
The stripes also serve as a visual helper for trimming to the right dimensions for your shelves. The backside is non-adhesive, so you won’t have to worry about leaving residue on your surfaces. We found this liner to be thicker than others we've used in the past, so much so that we needed fabric scissors to make our cuts.
The extra weight helped it lay mostly flat during use, especially after we placed our dishes on top. This pick is best for those who like liner to blend into its surroundings. You can choose between white, dark gray, and clear colors, so you’ll need to look elsewhere for bright colors or patterns.
The Order by Kate team says they prefer clear liners in either plastic or vinyl. This pick checks all of these boxes, plus it’s moderately priced and comes in multiple size options.
Product Details: Dimensions: 12 inches x 20 feet | Material: EVA Plastic | Adhesive: No
It’s vinyl and non-adhesive, two of the most desirable qualities in a shelf liner.
This pick is only available in prints and taupe.
Most professional organizers, including the Order by Kate team, recommend non-adhesive vinyl. Vinyl is easy to clean and protects your surfaces from scratches and stains. Non-adhesive options can be reused and are typically more durable than adhesive options.
Typical budget picks are adhesive, but inexpensive adhesive backs are known to leave sticky residue behind. In the long run, you’ll get more use out of non-adhesive liners, which in turn, gives you the most for your money. The Magic Cover Shelf Liner is both vinyl and adhesive.
It's on the thinner side, which made it extremely easy to cut to size during testing, and the rubber backing helped create a guideline for straight cuts. However, the thin nature did make it more prone to folding up at the corners. This could be alleviated by adding putty or double-sided gel squares to each corner of the liner.
We found that the vinyl material was completely waterproof, making it a great pick for pantry shelves holding canned foods. The Magic Cover Shelf Liner is only available in taupe and prints, so this isn’t the pick for you if you prefer clear liner.
Product Details: Dimensions: 12 inches x 5 feet | Material: Vinyl | Adhesive: No
It’s made from an absorbent material with a waterproof backing to protect your surfaces.
It’s only available in one width.
It can be difficult to decide what makes a splurge purchase worth it. There are endless options out there that claim to protect your shelves, but keep in mind, all liners are not made equally. Drymate’s Premium Shelf & Drawer Liner is made from a durable material that is machine washable. When cutting, you won’t have to worry about the edges fraying.
These are the best shelf liners to help prevent water and moisture damage in your cabinets. The polyester front is absorbent to soak up spills, and the waterproof back stops liquid from settling onto your surfaces, which we confirmed during testing. If you’re known to put away a dish that’s not 100% dry, an absorbent liner is great.
During testing, we found that the liner stayed put, especially once heavy dishes were placed on top. The soft top makes this a great pick for storing expensive dishware because it will be protected through the multiple layers of material.
These liners come in at around $2.40/square foot, making them more than $1 more per square foot than most options on our list. It’s important to keep in mind that these liners are only available in widths of 12 inches, so they aren’t ideal for wider shelves.
Product Details: Dimensions: 59 x 12 inches | Material: Polyester, Waterproof backing | Adhesive: No
The printed measuring grid on the back allows for precise cutting.
There is a limited selection for widths.
Adhesive liners typically aren’t a professional organizer’s first choice. They need to be measured 100% accurately for a proper fit, and they require a steady hand when being applied. They can leave sticky residue behind when removed which can damage your surfaces. But there’s a time and place for adhesive liners.
“Adhesive liner works well for areas where heavier items are placed and where items may need to slide out,” Harkin says. The Gorilla Grip Adhesive Liner is made from thick vinyl to support your heaviest items. You get to choose from 17 different color and pattern options to go with your style.
However, it’s important to note that this pick comes in a limited selection of widths. This may require more cutting and measuring on your end. Adhesive liners aren’t trial-and-error like non-adhesive liners. Once you cut and place the liner down, you’re committed until you peel it off.
It can be intimidating to cut adhesive liner since it needs to be near-perfect, but you don’t have to worry about that with this pick. There’s a printed measuring grid on the back to guide you.
Product Details: Dimensions: 11.8 inches x 20 feet | Material: Vinyl | Adhesive: Yes
There are 16 color and 15 size options.
The double-sized ribbed texture makes these liners more visible than other options.
Non-adhesive liners are a nice option for renters. They won’t leave a sticky residue behind once removed, unlike most adhesive options, and can be reused for your next move. The Gorilla Grip Drawer & Shelf Liner will protect your surfaces so you can ensure you’ll get your renter’s deposit back.
Plus, they cover up any stains made by previous tenants and create a clean, new surface. Shelf liner can be a great way to transform plain shelves. This pick is available in 16 colors, including a transparent option, to bring life to your shelves. They’re also available in 15 sizes so you can find the right fit.
The liners have a double-sized ribbed design that keeps them from slipping on the bottom and keeps your items in place on the top. While the ribbed texture does serve a purpose, those wanting the “barely there” look will notice these liners more than options without texture.
In addition to lining your shelves, this multi-purpose liner can be used for drawers, wire shelves, under the sink, or in the laundry room.
Product Details: Dimensions: 24 inches x 10 feet | Material: Vinyl | Adhesive: No
This double-sided liner has a strong grip without being adhesive.
Because of the holes in the grid, debris can get stuck.
With a name like Gorilla Grip Drawer, Shelf, and Cabinet Liner, you can expect high quality. This choice has a lot going for it, starting with the open grid design that makes cutting in a straight line a breeze. It also helps the liner to dry quickly, thanks to the breathability.
Despite being non-adhesive, the liner has an impressive grip that helps prevent slipping and bunching. Because it’s double-sided, you don’t have to worry about your things moving around either (and you can flip it over if needed).
Being non-adhesive has its perks too: When you’re installing the liner, you’re able to more easily adjust it into the perfect position. You can also easily remove the liner to give it a good cleaning whenever necessary. The one downside is that it’s more difficult to clean up any debris because it can get stuck in the grid.
Available in 10 sizes, ranging from 12 inches x 10 feet to 24 inches x 30 feet, you can pick whichever one is closest to the size of the area you’re trying to cover. The options don’t stop there: You also get to pick from 11 colors and three patterns.
Product Details: Dimensions: 12 inches x 10 feet, 12 inches x 20 feet, 12 inches x 30 feet, 17.5 inches x 20 feet, 17.5 inches x 30 feet, 20 inches x 10 feet, 20 inches x 20 feet, 20 inches x 30 feet, 24 inches x 20 feet, 24 inches x 30 feet | Material: Vinyl | Adhesive: No
It’s available in five color options and 10 different sizes.
Only one side is textured to keep it in place.
Your cabinets are an investment you need to protect. Plastic is one of the best materials for a shelf liner in the kitchen or bathroom—it’s waterproof, protects your surface from spills, and is easy to clean. The Bloss Shelf Liners are made from eco-friendly EVA and odor-free, meaning you can also use them for refrigerator shelves.
If you’re interested in color-coding, the liners come in five colors for cohesive organization. There’s also a transparent option if you like your liners to blend into your shelves. This pick comes in 10 different size options so you can find your shelves’ best fit. Luckily, plastic is easy to cut, so trimming is an option if needed.
With non-adhesive liners, we often find that double-sided texture is the most effective in keeping your items and the liner in place. The Bloss Shelf Liners feature a grip texture only on one side, so you may need to use putty or square stickers to keep them in place.
Product Details: Dimensions: 7.7 x 177 inches | Material: EVA Plastic | Adhesive: No
It’s a multi-purpose liner that can be used for shelves, drawers, and even in the refrigerator.
The ribbed texture makes this liner more noticeable than other clear liners.
Do you want to protect your shelves but don’t like the look of traditional liners? “Clear plastic/vinyl non-adhesive liner works in all spaces and blends into the color of the shelves and drawers,” Swenson says.
The Glomen Shelf Liner is great for people who want a “barely there” protective layer. The traditional roll comes in five different sizes to fit every shelf width, and there’s even a thick version for those wanting extra protection. A heavier liner has a better chance of staying true to shape and flat against your shelving.
This pick is made from EVA plastic, which means it can be wiped down easily and is safe to use in the refrigerator. By purchasing a multi-purpose liner, you’re ensuring you’ll get the most use out of the product.
Non-adhesive liners can be known to shift, but this liner features a double-sided ribbed texture to keep it and the items on top in place. While the ribbed stripes serve a functional purpose, they do make the liner stand out more than other clear liners. Those who truly want that “invisible” look should opt for a choice with less texture.
Product Details: Dimensions: 12 inches x 10 feet | Material: EVA Plastic | Adhesive: No
The cork absorbs sound and moisture, and also acts as a barrier for sharp objects. If you have leftovers, you can use the material for various DIYs.
You can’t wash the cork if it gets dirty—you can only wipe it down.
Cork isn’t the most popular shelf liner material, but if you use the Con-Tact Brand Cork Roll, you’ll notice a lot of pros. Thick cushioning makes it the ultimate multitasker: It absorbs both sound and moisture, is mold resistant, and protects your shelves from sharp objects.
These details make it ideal for the kitchen, where you have to contend with not-totally-dry dishes from the dishwasher, the noise of said dishes being put away, and knives and other pointy tools going into drawers. One thing to keep in mind is that cork is different from plastic or fabric. You can’t wash it if a spill happens, all you can do is wipe it up.
On the back of this liner is a grid, helping you to not only measure your material, but also cut it in a straight line (a skill not everyone possesses). Another option is to take advantage of the liner’s flexibility and trace all the edges onto the grid to cut along. Either way, the liner will fit perfectly in your drawers, shelves, and cabinets—no do-overs necessary.
Once you’re ready to install, all you have to do is peel off the backing and apply the liner adhesive side down. While it’s thicker than some other shelf liners, as previously mentioned, it’s thin enough that it won’t take up valuable height.
The liner comes in two sizes: 12 inches x 4 feet and 18 inches x 4 feet. If you have leftovers when you’re done, you can use the extra cork to make furniture pads, a bulletin board, or even coasters.
Product Details: Dimensions: 12 inches x 4 feet, 18 inches x 4 feet | Material: Cork | Adhesive: Yes
You can choose between 13 different patterns, all of which have a unique scent. To experience them in person without committing, you can get the sample pack first.
Sensitive noses won’t enjoy the smells. Also, paper isn’t as durable as other liner materials.
If aesthetics are important to you, you may want to ditch the plain liners for ones with a little more personality. Not only do the Scentennials Scented Drawer Liners come in 13 patterns, but they are also scented.
Every time you open your drawer or cabinet, you’ll notice notes commonly found in perfumes and lotions such as lavender, citrus, and powder. Each pattern's fragrance typically aligns with the design. Not sure which to pick? Take advantage of the sample pack so you can see (and smell!) them in real life.
The beauty of this liner is how easy it is to install and swap out—just cut and place. That said, because it’s made out of non-adhesive paper, you have to be extra careful to cover the entire surface area so it doesn’t budge.
Though paper isn’t necessarily as durable as vinyl or plastic, the liner is surprisingly thick and strong. Each sheet is 16.5 inches x 22 inches, so you don’t have any size choices, and you can choose to purchase six, 12, or 18 of them at the time.
Because of the fragrance, the made-in-the-USA liner might be best suited for dresser or bathroom drawers. Some find the scent to be overpowering, while others wish it wasn’t so subtle. Either way, if you’re sensitive to smells, you’ll want to use a different shelf liner just in case.
Product Details: Dimensions: 16.5 inches x 22 inches | Material: Paper | Adhesive: No
They come in six different sizes and feature rounded edges to fit your shelves’ corners.
They are only available in two colors, clear and gray.
Wire shelves may look great, but they make it nearly impossible to store items. In the closet, wire shelves can leave indentation marks on folded clothing. In your pantry, you’ll have to worry about small items falling through the gaps. By lining your wire shelves, you’re adding a solid surface for storage and protection.
The Sterling Shelf Liners company offers a heavy duty liner that comes in six different sizes. These are the best shelf liners to fit corners due to their rounded edges. When you have the perfect dimensions and corner-hugging edges, your liners will stay flat against the shelves and give you optimal storage space.
Harkin and Swenson say it’s ideal to line wire shelves in your closets, pantry, laundry room, and even the garage. The Sterling liners only come in clear and gray, but luckily these options go with most styles.
When looking for wire shelf liners, consider a material that’s easy to clean. The Sterling liners are made from plastic and can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth. They’re also waterproof, which prevents liquids and crumbs from falling between the wire gaps. This is especially important in the pantry.
Product Details: Dimensions: 36 x 18 inches | Material: Plastic | Adhesive: No
This liner is 2 millimeters thick, making it a durable, sturdy choice.
The width is only available in 12 inches.
Some shelf liners look pretty, but they don’t do much to actually help with storage. Items will oftentimes stick to the liner, or, on the contrary, items will shift around because the liner doesn’t have enough traction. Sticking and slipping aren’t a problem with this pick.
The NextClimb Non-Slip Shelf & Drawer Liner is the best shelf liner for your heavy storage spaces. It’s 2 millimeters thick (the equivalent of two pennies stacked on top of each other), whereas most shelf liners are virtually flat. This can help prolong the life of your shelves by protecting heavy items from scratching.
In addition to your shelves, this durable liner can be used for your other projects, including in your toolbox or vehicle. You can also make non-slip dinner mats with leftover material.
The grid design makes this non-adhesive liner also non-slip. The design grips the surface while also keeping your items in place. This liner is only available in a width of 12 inches, so wider shelves won’t be a match. However, you can trim accordingly for more shallow shelves.
Product Details: Dimensions: 12 inches x 10 feet | Material: Vinyl | Adhesive: No
It’s thin and transparent, which creates a “barely there” look.
It’s only available in neutral color choices, plus a clear option.
Most professional organizers agree that the best shelf liners are vinyl, including Swenson and Harkin. You’ll get bonus points for thin, clear liners because “you can barely tell it’s there,” Swenson says.
The Evaland Drawer and Shelf Liner looks ultra-thin and comes in neutral colors and a transparent option. Keep in mind that you’ll need to consider other liners if you want to bring color or patterns to your shelves. It can be used on multiple surfaces, including refrigerator shelves, and is BPA-free.
This pick is non-adhesive, so you won’t have to worry about leaving residue behind when removing. The grip texture helps to make the liner non-slip. If you want extra support, Swenson recommends putty or square stickers on each corner.
The vinyl material protects your surfaces from scratches, dust, spills, and moisture damage. Busy parents will also appreciate that this pick is easy to clean. You can wipe away the mess or wash it in the sink to deep clean.
Product Details: Dimensions: 12 inches x 33 feet | Material: EVA Plastic | Adhesive: No
These liners are stain-resistant, waterproof, and made of food-grade EVA plastic. You can choose between five patterns and classic clear, plus nine different sizes.
You can’t get every design in every size.
Refrigerators need consistent clean-outs, and this is made much easier when you can quickly remove and wipe down some shelf liners. The Innolites Shelf Liners are made of BPA-free, odor-free, food-grade EVA plastic, so you can safely place food on them directly.
They’re also stain-resistant and waterproof, making spills and drips no big deal. Since the liners are non-adhesive, you can take them out and wipe them down as needed.
You can pick between five patterns, plus classic clear. It’s worth noting, however, that not every design is available in the nine sizes (from 12 inches x 59 inches to 23.6 inches x 240 inches). Because of the vast amount of sizes, you can decide whether to trim the smaller rolls down to create each liner or cut all of your liners out of a single roll.
The bottom is smooth and the top has anti-slip convex dots, which helps keep your food from sliding around. You don’t have to just use this liner in your refrigerator, though—any cabinet, drawer, or shelf is fair game.
Product Details: Dimensions: 12 inches x 59 inches, 12 inches x 120 inches, 12 inches x 240 inches, 12 x 360 inches, 17.7 inches x 78.7 inches, 17.7 inches x 197 inches, 17.7 inches x 360 inches, 23.6 inches x 120 inches, 23.6 inches x 240 inches | Material: EVA Plastic | Adhesive: No
Overall, the Mcrbeay Shelf Liner is our top pick for its customizable size options and non-slip texture. We also love that its thin yet durable material is easy to clean and comes in a clear style. The non-adhesive Gorilla Grip liner is another great option as it’s made of easy-to-clean vinyl, it comes in lots of colors and sizes, and is waterproof.
When shopping for shelf liners, you’ll notice that there are a variety of sizes available. Most liners come on rolls with multiple feet of material, however, you may need to carefully select the width of your liner. You can easily trim a liner to be more shallow, but you’ll want to avoid liners that aren’t wide enough.
To determine what size you need for liners, measure the length and width of your shelves. Harkin recommends rolling out your liner and marking the measurements before cutting. If you’re using an adhesive liner or adding adhesive stickers to your liner, make sure to confirm you cut the correct dimensions before placing the liner down.
Shelf liners come in a wide variety of materials. Some options, like our splurge pick, are made of fabric to absorb spills and have a waterproof backing to protect your surfaces. Others are fully waterproof to help protect your shelves from water and moisture damage.
Our Order by Kate experts prefer transparent plastic and vinyl liners because they work in every space and blend into their surroundings. Swenson and Harkin also say a thicker liner may be needed for wire shelves to hold the product securely.
Typically, the best shelf liners are non-adhesive. The Order by Kate team prefers non-adhesive liners because they’re easier to remove and replace if needed. But if you find a non-adhesive liner shifting, Harkin says you can add one double-sided gel square to each corner to keep it in place.
However, adhesive liners do have their perks. Harkin says adhesive liners work well on shelves where heavier items are placed and where items may need to slide out frequently.
When it comes to cost, adhesive liners tend to come with more square feet per roll, so they’re great for budget shoppers. However, adhesive liners aren’t reusable like most non-adhesive options, so in the long run, you likely aren’t saving much.
“By lining, you are creating a strong layer of protection,” Swenson says. “Your shelves will be protected from dust, dirt, scratches, and oil/water stains.” In addition to wallpaper and contact paper, shelf liners can be used to express creativity and add color or design to your home.
In newly built homes, lining your shelves will keep them looking new and pristine. For renters, lining your shelves will cover up any stains made by previous tenants, plus, the liner will create a clean, new surface for you to use.
The best material to line drawers with is vinyl or plastic. They’re both transparent, which makes them visually versatile, and waterproof in order to protect your surfaces. Our top pick, the Mcrbeay Shelf Liners, are made of EVA plastic.
Any shelf in your home can use a liner. The Order by Kate team recommends lining shelves in the kitchen, pantry, bathrooms, office, and laundry room. Some may find use out of lining shelving in the garage.
“We always suggest a ‘lining’ session when talking to our clients,” Swenson says. “Especially if they are moving into a new home.” By lining all shelves in your home, you’re protecting your surfaces and helping them look their best for years to come.
Addie Morton is a freelance writer with three years of experience researching and writing about home design for a variety of brands. For this story, she consulted with professional home organizers Kate Swenson, founder & CEO of Order by Kate, and Lisa Harkin of Order by Kate. Based out of Atlanta, Swenson and her team specialize in unpacking and organizing luxury homes.
peva shower curtain amazon The article was updated by Quincy Bulin, a regular contributor to BHG who writes about home decor and lifestyle products.