Sweet ladder shelving. source: allsorts.typepad.com
When fine design meets and marries practicality, who doesn’t want to climb on board? Especially, when you can literally do just that. Today’s design ideas take another step toward recycling and reuse and show us how ladders (even those old rickety ones like my mom’s), usually used for utilitarian purposes, can also be charming, unique and beautiful in any room of your home.
Living Room
My mom’s ladder looks JUST like this one…perfectly rickety and rustic for seaside accessories. source: prettyhandygirl.com
Living Room Ladder Shelving: This simple DIY project involves simply removing the backside of an old ladder and inserting, onto each step with screws, a plywood piece or cutting board to house decorative items, plants and/or books. The result? A shelving piece that is more like wall art in and of itself. Photo courtesy of prettyhandygirl.com.
Kitchen
Vintage ladder, meet functional pot rack. source: kristancunningham.com
Kitchen Ladder Pot Rack: HGTV’s “Design on A Dime” host Kristan Cunningham shows us how a level is your best friend when installing this rustically fantastic pot rack. On the other hand, the beauty of this design idea is that imperfect is perfect! Photo courtesy of kristancunningham.com. Top kitchen photo courtesy of allsorts.typepad.com.
Garden
Paint an old wooden ladder (or a new one!) and you’ve got yourself a vertical garden! source: hudsongoodsblog.com
Garden Party Ladder: No need to keep these ladders in the storage shed. Display the blooms of your green thumb labor with very design appropriate shelving. Photo courtesy of hudsongoodsblog.com.
Bathroom
A smaller, elegant ladder is a perfect towel rack and storage for a serene bathroom. source: houzz.com
Bathroom Towel Rack/Shelving: Clean, simple, and practical-perfect for any bathroom large or small. Photo courtesy of houzz.com.
Bedroom
A ladder closet? Why not? For rooms with little to no storage…you’ve got your answer! source: stylizimo.blogspot.com
Bedroom Ladder Closet: A great solution for more storage when that small single-door closet won’t do. Tip: to avoid the dreaded “clothes-thrown-on-the-treadmill-clutter” syndrome, hang only accessories (purses/bags, scarves, belts, hats, shoes, etc.). Photo courtesy of stylizimo.blogspot.com.
Office
This is definitely an example of art elevating function. Book and decor nerds unite! source: recyclart.org
Office Ladder Shelf: This multi-purpose shelf adds inspiration, organization, and a touch of cool, all the while keeping books, magazines, files and even decorative pieces off work surfaces and within reach. Photo courtesy of recyclart.com.
Kids’ Room
A step ladder becomes a becoming kid’s bookshelf…smart! source: copycatchic.com
Kids’ Stuff Organizer: Well-placed shelves across each step, along with a good sanding and painting, makes for a very whimsical and useful organizer for your kids’ stuff. Photo courtesy of copycatchic.com.
Dining Room
This ladder chandy is superlative in rustic elegance. source: potterybarn.com
Ladder Chandelier: This agrarian charming chandelier is a triumphant design element and can be customized with hung lanterns specific to your personal style. Photo courtesy of potterybarn.com.
