Best Material to Line Dresser Drawers

Lining dresser drawers adds a personalized touch and keeps your drawers smelling fresh! In this post, we’ll discuss the best material to line dresser drawers and guide you through the steps to do it yourself. And if your drawers aren’t working properly, here’s how to fix old dresser drawers that stick, so they look pretty, and work well at the same time!

Choosing the right material for lining your dresser drawers can make a world of difference. Your choice has to complement your dresser’s style and functionality. So let’s explore and find the perfect material for your drawers!

new liner inside dresser drawer with text overlay

Before we dive into lining dresser drawers, let’s first talk about why it’s important to line them in the first place. Drawer liners protect the inside of your drawers from wear and tear, spills, and stains. By adding this extra layer of protection, your drawers will last longer and stay in better condition.

They also add a pop of color and personality to your dresser. Plus, if you choose the right material, it’s super easy to remove and replace without causing any harm to your drawers.

Now let’s dive into which material is best for lining dresser drawers!

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Choosing the Perfect Drawer Liner Material

For lining dresser drawers, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from! You can go for contact paper, removable wallpaper, wrapping paper, or even fabric.

Each material offers its own unique benefits and style options, so it’s important to consider your personal preferences and the functionality you want from your drawer liners.

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Contact Paper

Contact paper is a popular choice for lining dresser drawers. It’s affordable, easy to find, and comes in a variety of patterns and colors. It’s durable and can withstand everyday use.

However, contact paper might not be the best option if you want to easily remove and replace it.

Sure, its adhesive properties will keep it in place, but cleaning and maintenance can be a bit of a hassle due to the residue it leaves behind if and when you remove it.. but then you can put new paper on top of the residue to cover up the sticky goo left behind.

If you’ve decided to use this material and plan on changing the design, here’s our blog post on how to remove contact paper from wood.

Removable Wallpaper

Removable wallpaper is another great option for lining dresser drawers. It’s easy to apply and remove without damaging your drawers. It also comes in various designs and patterns, making it easy to find one that fits your dresser’s style.

But like contact paper, removable wallpaper can also leave a residue behind. So be sure to choose a high-quality brand that won’t damage your drawers if you don’t want it to leave goo behind after you remove it.

Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper offers a ton of design options to choose from, so you can easily jazz up your dresser with some color and personality. It’s a breeze to cut and fit into your drawers, and you can switch it out whenever you feel like it.

But it might not be as long-lasting as contact paper or removable wallpaper and might tear easily with regular use. You’ll have to change it more often if you want to keep your drawers fresh and clean. Choose a thicker quality paper for better results.

Fabric

If you have extra fabric from a previous project lying around, this is the perfect way to put it to use! Using fabric for lining drawers adds a soft and luxurious touch to your dressers.

Just make sure to choose a fabric that matches your dresser style and won’t easily fray or tear with use. And don’t forget to use adhesive to keep it in place!

Taking care of fabric can be a bit trickier compared to other materials mentioned. If it gets dirty it isn’t easy to clean like the other options, unless it isn’t attached and you can throw it in the wash. But overall it’s a great option for adding a personal touch to your dresser drawers.

After some time, your lined dresser drawers might need some updating or changing. Here’s how to remove felt from wood drawers.

Now that we’ve discussed the best materials for lining dresser drawers, let’s move on to the steps you need to follow for a perfect finish!

How to Line Dresser Drawers

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect material for your dresser drawers, it’s time to line them! It’s a simple and quick process that will leave your dressers looking as good as new.

To line drawers, start by measuring the interior dimensions from one wall to the other. Jot down the width and depth for each drawer. Keep in mind that even if the drawers seem the same size, they might vary by about 1/4″ due to construction differences.

Next, cut the paper to fit those precise measurements and place it inside the drawer. If the paper isn’t adhesive or if you prefer easy removal, go ahead and use those handy sticky glue dots at the corners or edges to hold it down.

The glue has just the right amount of stickiness to keep it securely in place while you fill your drawers and it’s super easy to remove whenever you feel like it!

Alternatively, if you’re like me, cut the contact paper or removable wallpaper a half inch larger than necessary (remember to measure each drawer individually for accurate dimensions, as they can vary).

Align the paper with the front and one side of the drawer, starting from one corner and working your way along. Press the sticky paper onto the drawer and up the walls. Then, use a sharp utility knife or Exacto knife to trim any excess paper that extends beyond the walls.

cutting the excess liner with a sharp utility knife

Make sure to neatly tuck the paper into the corners before making the cut for the cleanest result.

Keeping Your Drawers Fresh

We all know how quickly our drawers can become cluttered and disorganized, but did you know that there are ways to keep your lined dresser drawers smelling fresh and clean too? Here are some tried and tested methods to keep your drawers smelling lovely:

Scented Drawer Liners

Adding a scented drawer liner is an easy and effective way to keep your drawers smelling fresh. You can find pre-cut liners in various scents or even make your own using essential oils or dried herbs.

These scented drawer liners, typically made from paper, are easy to cut and fit into your drawers so they’re not only visually appealing, and fragrant, but also practical.

Sachets

Sachets are small bags filled with dried herbs or flowers, which release a natural fragrance to keep your drawers smelling lovely. Lavender, rosemary, and cedar are some popular options to keep things fresh and fragrant.

You can easily create your own fragrant sachet by using dried lavender or rose petals, which can be purchased from local florists or specialty stores. Or you can check out some online platforms that have a bunch of beautifully scented sachets made with love.

Baking Soda

Baking soda works like a charm as a natural deodorizer! It easily absorbs any funky odors that might be lingering in your drawers. Just place a small box or dish of baking soda in there and watch those unpleasant smells disappear.

Don’t forget to swap it out every few months for the best results. That way, it can keep doing its thing and keeping everything smelling fresh!

Furniture Salve

Furniture salve can be used to polish and protect your dresser drawers while also adding a fresh scent. Choose a salve with scents like cedarwood or lemon for a natural, long-lasting fragrance.

Just rub some furniture salve on the wood walls to oil it up and make the wood look nice. Then give the salve a few days to dry before you put your clothes or precious items back in the drawer, so you won’t have to worry about any oil transferring.

Lining your dresser drawers not only adds a personal touch, but also helps protect the contents of your drawers and keeps them looking clean and fresh.

Whether you choose contact paper, removable wallpaper, wrapping paper, or fabric as your liner material, each material has its own benefits and drawbacks. So consider durability, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and the overall look you’re aiming for when choosing your liner.

And don’t forget to add some lovely scented options to keep your drawers smelling delightful! With these tips and ideas, you can easily line your dresser drawers and give them a stylish makeover that will last.

More Dresser Drawer Repair Tips

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Best Material to Line Dresser Drawers