Do Adhesive Drawer Liners Add Value Or Create A Sticky Problem Later On?

Drawer liners are incredibly useful for protecting your cabinets and shelves from scratches, stains, and moisture damage. They can be used all over the home, in kitchen drawers, under bathroom sinks, on bookshelves, closet shelves, and inside dressers and other furniture. While there's certainly no question that drawer liners are beneficial, there's debate over what makes the best drawer liners, particularly when it comes to adhesive vs. non-adhesive varieties. 

If you've ever bought a home with decaying liners stuck to the inside of the drawers (inevitably with a hideous, outdated pattern), and spent hours trying to remove the years-old glue residue, you might think twice about using adhesive drawer liners, but they are handy for certain areas. The intended purpose and location of your liner will dictate the type you use. Adhesive liners are more decorative than other types, and are best used in visible areas, or to add some color and cohesion to furniture drawers in closets, bedrooms, and home offices.

Adhesive liners will do the job of protecting your expensive cabinetry from scratches, spills, and stains. They also create a smooth surface that is much easier to clean if the drawer gets gunky (and it will). But adhesive liners have a decorative factor that some non-adhesive liners lack. You can find them in any color or pattern to add a stylish touch to drawers, cabinets, closet systems, and furniture. And as a bonus — adhesive liners tend to be much cheaper than other varieties, and you typically get a lot more in a roll. This Micpolo Floral and Butterfly Self Adhesive Shelf Liner is only $7 for a large roll that would cover all of your lining needs. This means you can take the fun outside of your drawers and use them to line the back of bookshelves, wrap around floating shelves, and even as wallpaper. Alternately, if you have any peel-and-stick wallpaper, it can also double as shelf liners. 

The other thing to remember is that modern adhesive is much easier to remove than it used to be. Old adhesive was incredibly stubborn (if you ever had to remove old wallpaper in the '90s, you'll understand). But like modern wallpaper, adhesive liners of today won't give future you (or future home owners) any headaches. On top of that, products like Goo Gone Surface Safe Adhesive Remover make for easy adhesive shelf liner removal, even if you are left with a sticky mess.   

If your drawer liner needs are more functional than aesthetic, then you may want to try a non-adhesive option. Adhesive liners are harder to install and remove, and while they will protect your drawers and cabinets, the thin vinyl or paper does little to protect the items in them. 

Non-adhesive liners tend to be thicker and can keep glassware and fine china from chipping. Most, such as Gorilla Grip DripGuard Drawer and Shelf Liner, have a dual-grip to keep the mat firmly in place, and keep your items from rolling around every time you open a drawer. They also help to dampen noise and can be used to keep items from falling through wire shelves. When it comes to under-sink cabinet liners, a silicone mat like this SIKADEER Under Sink Mat is a good option. It holds over 3 gallons of liquid and can protect your cabinet from water damage and mildew. 

Fortunately, there are also non-adhesive liners you can use in your cabinets and drawers that have fun patterns. While they can't be used on walls or the back of shelves like adhesive ones, options such as ALIUNI Drawer and Shelf Liner (which come in 15 different colors and patterns) can add elegance to your drawers, as well as protection.