Should I line my vanity drawers?

Author: Mrs. Ona Erdman  |  Last update: Sunday, October 12, 2025

1. Protect Furniture From Water. Give drawers an upgrade by lining them with a soft and protective material—like felt or leather—which will protect the interior surface from dings and scratches (especially if you're storing valuables like jewelry).

Should you line cabinet drawers?

Lining the drawers and shelves will protect the paint and prevent any nicks and scratches. Be sure to choose a non-adhesive liner, like the Clear Classic, as adhesive liners may end up doing more damage to your painted furniture.

What should you line bathroom drawers with?

Most often, contact paper is used to line drawers. It's easily wipeable, and its adhesive backing is easily removable, making it ideal for renters and those of us who change our minds frequently! #guilty However, gone are the days of plain and boring contact papers.

Do you need to line wooden drawers?

Lining a drawer with pretty paper is not needed for the function of the drawer, but it sure gives your eyes a treat every time you open a drawer seeing a pop of color and a pretty design.

What is the best thing to line dresser drawers with?

There are a few options on materials to use -- wrapping paper, wallpaper or even fabric all act as great drawer liners. In my experience, the best material to line drawers with is a heavier, stiffer paper. Lining drawers with contact paper is a popular choice -- this technique would work for that too!

Drawer Liner Comparisons & Honest Review #lakehomerenovation

What can I use instead of a drawer liner?

The following DIY drawer and cabinet lining solutions won't cost you a dime:
  • Wax paper.
  • Wrapping paper.
  • Extra rolls of wallpaper.
  • Leftover linoleum flooring sheets.
  • Starched pieces of leftover fabric.

Why do people put liners in their drawers?

Organize Stored Items

A liner can be dual purpose: It can organize and protect the interior of your dresser. These slide-in dividers are as pretty as they are practical and help to neatly store your everyday items.

Why are dresser drawers lined with felt?

Felt lining is often found in one or two top drawers within a dresser, bedroom chest, or dining server, and is designed to protect both your items and the wood drawer.

What to put on wooden drawers to stop sticking?

If you don't have access to paraffin wax or beeswax, you can use a white candle or even a soap bar as an alternative. Rub the candle or soap on the wooden drawer slides to create a slick barrier that helps the drawers slide more easily.

Are scented drawer liners worth it?

Benefits of scented drawer liners

Scented drawer liners are great to look at, but they have other qualities, too: They overpower funky smells. Vintage and antique furniture is great, but sometimes comes with scents you'd rather leave in the past.

What should I put in my vanity drawers?

Bathroom drawers can be used to store items including toiletries, makeup, nail care items, hair tools, spare towels, and medications. Try to focus on storing essentials that you reach for daily in bathroom drawers and storing extra supplies or lesser-used items elsewhere if space and storage allow.

What to line under the sink with?

Silicone under-sink liner

Under-sink liner mats are available in common cabinet sizes and unlike hard plastic drip trays, they're super flexible so they're easy to get in and out around plumbing.

Do people still use shelf liner?

Cleaning up spills is easier with a shelf liner, and it also protects surfaces from wear and water damage, preventing damage before it's done. Shelf liners can even spruce up the look of your kitchen, adding a pop of color or pattern. We'd go so far as to say not using them is a mistake!

Do drawer liners work?

Not only do they protect your cabinets + drawers but liners are removable. So, whether it's a necessity to replace a drawer liner because it did it's job when something accidentally leaked or it's simply time to change the aesthetic of what you see when you open your drawers — change isn't difficult.

Why drawers are better than cabinets?

Unlike a cabinet, when opening a drawer, you'll be able to see everything that is stored inside it. You'll never forget about an appliance or non-perishable food that gets put at the back of a cupboard. It also reduces your wastage as you can see exactly what is in your drawer by just opening it.

What is the best lubricant for wooden drawers?

Wooden drawer-slide lubricants

Spray-dry lubricant, silicone tape, paste wax, candle wax, or even a sheet of wax paper can get the job done.

How do I stop my drawers from rubbing?

The most common wax to use is pure bees wax (and that is what has been used for centuries on drawers). There are new products like Impresa wood lubricant and even WD-40 sells a dry lube for wood, but it is not nearly as good as old fashion bee's wax.

How do you make wooden drawers slide smoothly?

If they are timber on timber runners, then rubbing a candle along the contact points and leaving a wax deposit reduces friction and is the traditional method of lubricating timber drawer runners. If they are drawer slides, the bearings or rollers might have worn out and need replacement.

Should I put liners in my dresser drawers?

Not only can liners protect the bottom of the shelf or provide an additional function (like grip or fragrance), but they can also feel like an extension of your home décor. bit.ly/3LU6rn3.

Why did people line drawers?

One of the primary reasons to line your drawers is to protect the wood from water damage and stains. Moisture from clothes, especially if they're not completely dry, can seep into the wood, causing warping, swelling, or discoloration.

Can you line drawers with fabric?

I've tried many drawer-lining methods, but I think fabric is the simplest and most practical solution. It's fast to use, flexible, and especially well-suited for last-minute gifts. As soon as the glue dries, you can press the project into service. Another plus to liners is the flexibility afforded by the fabric.

Why are drawers lined with cedar?

It's the aroma of the oils in the wood that's highly irritating to insects and it's the aroma in the oils that makes those insects less likely to stay in that vicinity for a prolonged period of time.

Can you use wallpaper to line drawers?

Many ask us if wallpaper can be used as a drawer liner and the answer is yes! Small spaces, such as a desk or dresser drawer, offer the perfect opportunity to try bright and bold peel and stick wallpaper patterns in your home.

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