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 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 one you can use!

Before we dive into these materials, let’s first talk about why it’s important to use them in the first place. Liners protect the inside compartments 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 piece. Now, let’s dive into which material is best for lining your drawers!

What to Line Dresser Drawers With

You’ve got plenty of options to choose from! You can go for contact paper, removable wallpaper, wrapping paper, or even fabric. Each one offers its own unique benefits and style options, so it’s important to consider your personal preferences and the functionality you want from these liners.

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Contact Paper

Contact paper is a popular choice – it’s affordable, easy to find, and comes in a variety of patterns and colors. It’s durable and can withstand everyday use. However, it 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 – it’s easy to apply and remove without causing any damage. It also comes in various designs and patterns, making it easy to find one that fits the style of your piece.

But like contact paper, removable wallpaper can also leave a residue behind. So be sure to choose a high quality brand if you don’t want it to leave goo behind after you remove it. See how we used peel and stick wallpaper in this old trunk makeover.

Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper offers a ton of design options to choose from, so you can easily jazz up your piece with some color and personality. It’s a breeze to cut and fit into the compartments, 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 compartments fresh and clean. Choose a thicker quality 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 adds a soft and luxurious touch. Just make sure to choose a fabric that matches your 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.

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

How to Line Dresser Drawers

Now that we’ve discussed the best materials, let’s move on to the steps you need to follow for a perfect finish! It’s a simple and quick process that will leave your dressers looking as good as new.

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 compartments 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. If it 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, 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 side onto the base and up the walls. Then, use a sharp utility knife or Exacto knife to trim any excess that extends beyond the walls.

Make sure to neatly tuck the paper into the corners before making the cut for the cleanest result. Get more ideas with our list of dresser drawer liner ideas here!

However, you should also check if the bottom doesn’t fall out. If it does, fix it by following this step by step guide on how to fix a drawer bottom that falls out!

How to Keep Dresser Drawers Smelling Fresh

We all know how quickly these compartments can become cluttered and disorganized, but did you know that there are ways to keep them smelling fresh and clean, too? Here are some tried and tested methods:

Scented Liners

Adding a scented drawer liner is an easy and effective way. You can find pre cut ones in various scents or even make your own using essential oils or dried herbs. These, 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.

Scented Sachets

Sachets are small bags filled with dried herbs or flowers, which release a natural fragrance. 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 inside. 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 storage spaces 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, so you won’t have to worry about any oil transferring.

Should you line dresser drawers?

It seems like an extra step, but it can actually save you time and effort in the long run. By adding a liner, you can easily clean up any spills or stains inside. It also helps prevent scratches and scuffs, which can happen over time with constant use.

It also adds a nice touch of style and personalization to your storage spaces. You can choose a color or pattern that complements your piece or room. So, it isn’t just a practical measure but also a fun opportunity to express your creativity. Get more ideas with our list of dresser drawer liner ideas here!

Some may argue that lining can be unnecessary and just adds another layer of material that can easily accumulate dust and dirt. However, with regular cleaning and replacement, this shouldn’t be a problem. Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference, but you should definitely give it a try and see how it works for you.

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

If you choose contact paper, removable wallpaper, wrapping paper, or fabric as your liner material, each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. So consider durability, how easy it is to clean and maintain, and the overall look you’re going for when choosing.

And don’t forget to add some lovely scented options! With these tips and ideas, you can easily give these drawers a stylish and fragrant makeover that will last.

More Dresser Drawer Repair Tips

• How To Fix A Dresser Drawer Side
• Old Dresser Drawers Won’t Slide
• Old Dresser Drawers Hard To Open
• How to Repair Worn Drawer Runners
• How to Fix Sagging Dresser Drawers

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