Royledge Shelf Paper Advertisement, Image courtesy of Mr. Beaverhousen on Flickr.com
Am I the only one using shelf paper to line shelves and drawers nowadays? I went to three different general merchandise stores looking for it and all three had a sad little selection of three types in three colors (I exaggerate, but not by much).
I ended up getting a couple of rolls of bland tan colored Contact Paper because the other options were more for padding the shelves than for keeping them clean. The clean aspect is important to me because as I was readying our Los Angeles house for The Big Move, I was grateful that I could just pull up the paper and the shelves and drawers were magically clean!
When I was young, I remember that shelf paper really was paper and not plastic with sticky stuff on the back. My mother used thumbtacks in the corners to keep the paper in place. White paper, of course, was the cheapest but it came in all sorts of colors and decorations.
My grandmother, though, didn’t just use shelf paper on a roll to line her dresser drawers that we inherited after my grandfather died. Some of the drawers have 1970s-esque Contact Paper lining them but some of the other drawers look like they were lined with wallpaper! Now, I don’t know if she got a roll of wallpaper somewhere for dirt cheap or if it really was shelf paper that was just heavy duty and resembled wallpaper.
So now, as I get to the end of this “stream of consciousness” post, I realize that I could have been creative about what I used to line my shelves and drawers in our cottage when I became disappointed with the options that were available in the “Shelf Liner Section” of the stores.
Note to self: Modern Retro Women are resourceful and are creative in finding new uses for things marketed for another task.
What has been your experience with shelf paper?
When my new kitchen was ready, the contractor said, “Don’t you dare put down contact paper.” The shelves are fully washable — something we don’t find in older construction. So, I perceived that contact paper is a “no-no,” but shelving in older construction need to be covered somehow.
I’ve lined drawers with wrapping paper. I remember using wrapping paper from a baby shower to line the baby’s drawers. And if you had left-over wallpaper or sample books, you could certainly use that.
Oh yes, I remember using contact paper — cutting it to size, peeling the backing off, and then it would stick to itself before I stuck it down. Pulling it up, it would take any finish right off of the shelf, and I suppose that’s why I was admonished not to use it on the new shelves.
Okay, this is a pet peeve of mine. I will not go without shelf paper. I use contact paper, pull our my rotary cutter and self healing board and get to work. You can order cuter stuff on line than what is in the big box stores. I found cute red design contact at a funky family hardware store. The trick to changing it is to use your blow dryer to heat the adhesive. It comes off like a rubber band snapping all in one piece. Then you wipe down with goo gone.
Mary Lake Thompson has really nice scented drawer liner for dressers. I have some of the Yosemite issue she did a few years back that still smells great.
I to like shelf paper! In the past I have use a light weight linoleum from the dollar store especially in the drawers. Works like a charm.
I just helped a friend move into a new home and I told her she had to have contact paper! We made due with what was in a department store, not a big selection, and we didn’t stick it down, just folded it into place and held it with dishes. So no, you are not the only one!
Also, so great to have you back posting again!
In drawers with loose utensils and on shelves with glassware, I like cushioning. Best way I have found is a bottom layer of lightweight rubber no-skid with a layer of felt on top. It keeps things a little quieter too.
I, too, am fond of shelf paper. I have used contact ‘paper’ but don’t like it – non-movable and it eventually lifts 7 dirt gets under there. I have used re-cycled wrapping paper, too. The easiest is simple newspaper without the print. One can get it for protective wrapping, etc. or buy the end rolls from newspapers (although those, too, are becoming dificult to find).
Shelf paper, I always use the stuff. After moving over 18 times in 25 years I am a certified pro at installing shelf liners. Have not used the stick-em kind of shelf paper but have used the shelf liner that is cushy and easy to cut and install. During our first years of marriage when extra money for shelf paper/liner was non existent I used heavy duty paper towels – believe it or not it last a long time and looked pretty good considering the wear and tear it had to endure. My Mom used tiles from the big box store – I don’t like the look but it is easy to install.
So glad to see you posting again! I have missed you!