Instantly Update The Look Of Your Kitchen With DIY Shelf Liners

I don’t think I’ll ever understand how my kitchen drawers and shelves get so grimy. My kitchen cupboards and drawers are closed the majority of the time, but somehow all sorts of yucky stuff manages to sneak in during the brief periods that they are open. (It’s one of those unsolved household mysteries, much like the socks that go missing from the laundry.) But even if you’re a neat freak in the kitchen, your drawers and shelves might still be grimy due to a previous tenant or owner.

Regardless of how they got that way, today I’m sharing a simple project that will help you improve the look of your kitchen almost instantly – DIY shelf and drawer liners! These liners are quick and easy to make, but best of all, they are totally removable.

Many traditional drawer and shelf liners are made using contact paper. It’s easy enough to apply, but nearly impossible to remove due to the super-sticky adhesive on the back. I wanted a less permanent solution, so I opted to use oilcloth for this project. Oilcloth liners are durable, easy to wipe clean, and can be easily removed at any time. They’re a perfect solution for renters, or anyone who would prefer not to deal with any sticky adhesives. Here’s how to make your own!

Oilcloth Drawer & Shelf Liners

You’ll need:

Directions:

Step 1 – Measure

The first thing you’ll need to do is get the dimensions of every surface you’ll be making a liner for. So grab your trusty measuring tape and a notepad, and get measuring!

If you’re lining several shelves or drawers that are all the same size, consider making a template out of some spare paper. You can trace the template onto your cloth as many times as you need, and will probably save you some time.

Step 2 – Cut

Once you have your dimensions measured or your template made, you’re ready to cut! Use a ruler or other straight edge to make sure your lines are straight.

Step 3 – Place

When you’re done cutting, all that’s left to do is “install” your liners. Remove everything from the drawer or shelf and give it a good cleaning first, to make sure you’re not simply covering up any messes.

Place the liner into the drawer or onto the shelf. To help keep the oilcloth liner in place, I secured it with a few pieces of double-sided tape (one piece in each corner, and one in the center). The double-sided tape is tacky enough to keep the oilcloth from slipping and sliding around, but not sticky enough that it will leave behind any pesky adhesive residue. (And if the tape loses it’s stickiness over time, you can just pull it off and replace it with a new piece of tape.)