Personalised Shelf and Drawer Liners

How to Measure Your Drawer

You only need a metal tape measure and a pencil. There is no need to push or bend the tape measure into the bottom of the drawer.

Measuring a Simple Rectangular Drawer

• Empty and open the drawer fully.
• Measure from above the drawer.
• Hold the metal tape measure straight and level across the open drawer. Look directly down and align the end of the tape with the inside edge of the drawer base.
• Measure the internal width.
• Measure from the inside left edge to the inside right edge. Do not include the thickness of the drawer sides.
• Check the width in three places.
• Take a measurement near the front, in the middle and near the back. Some drawers are slightly narrower in one area than another.
• Measure the internal depth.
• From above, measure from the inside front edge of the drawer base to the inside back edge. Do not include the drawer front, handle or surrounding cabinet.
• Check both sides.
• Measure the depth down the left side and then the right side, as the drawer may not be perfectly square.
• Write down the smallest measurements.
• Using the smallest width and depth will help prevent the liner from being too large. Alternatively, order the liner slightly larger and trim it gradually at home.

Important Measuring Tips

• Keep the tape measure straight, flat and under light tension.
• Measure the internal base area, not the outside of the drawer.
• Look directly down when reading the tape to avoid measuring at an angle.
• Do not bend the metal tape into the drawer. A curved or bowed tape can give an inaccurate measurement.
• Measure to the nearest millimetre for the most accurate fit.
• Check every drawer separately, even when they appear to be the same size.

The Paper Template Method

• For unusually shaped, angled or older drawers, making a full-size paper template may be easier than relying on measurements alone.
• Lay newspaper, wrapping paper or taped-together sheets of printer paper inside the drawer.
• Overlap and tape the sheets together so the entire base is covered.
• Press the paper flat and gently crease it against each inside edge.
• Mark the edges and corners with a pencil.
• Remove the paper and cut along the marked lines.
• Place the paper back inside the drawer to check the fit.
• Adjust the template until it lies flat without folding or bunching.
• Place the finished template on the reverse of the leatherette liner.
• Draw around it and cut the liner using sharp household scissors.
• For rounded corners, place a coin, cup or another round object over the corner marks and use it as a cutting guide.

Final Fitting Tip

• Cut the leatherette slightly larger than the finished size first. Place it inside the drawer and trim away small amounts until it fits neatly.
• For easy removal and cleaning, leave a gap of approximately 1–2mm around each edge.
• Measure from above. Check twice. Trim gradually.