Liners are necessary anywhere spills or breakage is likely to occur. Put them under the sink, where a dripping pipe or caustic cleansers can ruin a wooden cabinet, and on any shelf where an overturned jar or box will make a tedious mess. Fragile china and crystal deserve a padded liner, to keep them from moving around and chipping.

Cork Liner

Favored for its ability to absorb moisture and resist mold and mildew, deadens vibrations and keeps crystal from clanking.
To Buy: $16 for a 17 1/2-inch-by-12-foot roll of cork liner, Williams Sonoma, 800-541-2233, www.williams-sonoma.com.

Adhesive Vinyl Paper

Vinyl is long-lasting and easy to wipe down. Use it on pantry shelves, in food cupboards, and under sinks — anywhere spills or leaks are likely.
To Buy: Shelf liner, $18 for a 20-inch-by-8-foot roll, Williams Sonoma, 800-541-2233, www.williams-sonoma.com.

Cushioned Perforated Grip Liner

Use Con-Tact brand Ultra Grip Liner anywhere a little holding power is needed — to keep valuable breakables in place or under drawer trays, desk accessories, electronics, and even car seats. And because this liner is stain repellent and washable, cleanup is easy.
To Buy: $3.50 for a 12-inch-by-4-foot roll, 877-353-6410 or www.contactbrand.com for store locations.

Cushioned Solid Vinyl

This liner combines vinyl's low maintenance with the protective qualities of padding. The nonslip surface deadens vibrations, keeping crystal and dishes from moving around. Use it in cupboards and china closets.
To Buy: $5 for a 7-inch-by-12-foot roll, Duck brand products, 800-321-0253 or www.duckproducts.com for store locations.

Rubber Matting

Easy-to-clean rubber protects shelves from damaging leaks. This heavy-duty matting is perfect for utility shelving, under sinks, and anywhere pipes pass over. The nonadhesive matting can be removed and hosed down or wiped clean.
To Buy: Hardware stores and home centers carry three-foot-wide rolls, cut to length for $3 to $15 a yard.

Tarnish-Resistant Felt

Silver tarnishes because of the metal's reaction to gases and compounds in the air. Heat, dust, and humidity can speed up the process. A roll of tarnish-resistant felt (which is infused with silver nitrates) can turn any drawer into a safe haven for silver. Anti-Tarnish Felt Covers from the Container Store are easy to cut to size. For extra protection, also drape a sheet over the contents of the drawer. Frequent use of your silver retards tarnishing.
To Buy: $9 for a 17 1/2-by-27 1/2-inch roll; available in blue, gray, and black; 800-786-7315, www.containerstore.com.