Decorating
Library Ladders That Never See a Book
Rolling library ladders can solve a multitude of storage issues, while adding an elegant touch to any space
You don’t have to have towering ceilings, cavernous rooms and oodles of bookshelves to have a library ladder. Theses days, rolling ladders are being incorporated into many different scenarios for accessing all kinds of storage, bringing elegance, grace and a certain eclectic charm to any space, not just libraries.
As long as you have sturdy, flat floors (deep pile carpets aren’t recommended) adequate wall supports (if they’re not concrete they’re likely to need extra wall supports) and you meet the weight requirements of the ladder that interests you, then your space should work. Check out these inspiring space-savvy solutions that ensure every spare centimetre is within reach.
As long as you have sturdy, flat floors (deep pile carpets aren’t recommended) adequate wall supports (if they’re not concrete they’re likely to need extra wall supports) and you meet the weight requirements of the ladder that interests you, then your space should work. Check out these inspiring space-savvy solutions that ensure every spare centimetre is within reach.
Add a practical element
As well as fixed tracks, ladders can be attached by a hook fitting that allows it to be lifted up and onto another section of track, combating corners and allowing the whole room to be utilised.
Tip: Designing a ladder with a slight bend prevents the ladder from becoming a tripping hazard in a compact space and taking up floor space. It also combats obstructions such as worktops.
As well as fixed tracks, ladders can be attached by a hook fitting that allows it to be lifted up and onto another section of track, combating corners and allowing the whole room to be utilised.
Tip: Designing a ladder with a slight bend prevents the ladder from becoming a tripping hazard in a compact space and taking up floor space. It also combats obstructions such as worktops.
Make everything accessible
Talk about super-efficient. A pantry with an accessible ladder must be on everyone’s wish list, right? Think of all the organised shelving and endless easy-to-reach cooking supplies. Plus, a solid wood ladder with flat steps is a practical solution when reaching for heavy jars.
14 kitchen storage solutions Houzzers are shouting about
Talk about super-efficient. A pantry with an accessible ladder must be on everyone’s wish list, right? Think of all the organised shelving and endless easy-to-reach cooking supplies. Plus, a solid wood ladder with flat steps is a practical solution when reaching for heavy jars.
14 kitchen storage solutions Houzzers are shouting about
Create an organised entrance
A hallway or mudroom that provides storage from floor to ceiling is going to solve clutter-control in an instant, while a robust wooden design is going to be the best choice for withstanding lots of wear and tear in busy rooms.
Tip: To make a busy entrance feel more elegant, stick to the same wood stain for all timber surfaces and achieve a cohesive finish all round.
Built-in joinery takes homes to the next level
A hallway or mudroom that provides storage from floor to ceiling is going to solve clutter-control in an instant, while a robust wooden design is going to be the best choice for withstanding lots of wear and tear in busy rooms.
Tip: To make a busy entrance feel more elegant, stick to the same wood stain for all timber surfaces and achieve a cohesive finish all round.
Built-in joinery takes homes to the next level
Streamline the look
Contemporary kitchens that feature sleek surfaces will suit a metal ladder over a more traditional wooden one. Visually lighter, a metal ladder offers clean lines that will balance with cooler tones…
Contemporary kitchens that feature sleek surfaces will suit a metal ladder over a more traditional wooden one. Visually lighter, a metal ladder offers clean lines that will balance with cooler tones…
…or will offer an interesting contrast set against a more classic backdrop.
Make use of valuable wall height
There’s often buckets of wall space in our homes that can be better utilised. One area is the space above door ways, and even if you only have room for one simple shelf, having a ladder to access it will turn the shelf into a useable spot for everyday items, particularly if you fit safety handrails for speedy use.
There’s often buckets of wall space in our homes that can be better utilised. One area is the space above door ways, and even if you only have room for one simple shelf, having a ladder to access it will turn the shelf into a useable spot for everyday items, particularly if you fit safety handrails for speedy use.
Add a hint of luxury
A spacious walk-in-robe is definitely a luxury that only some of us are lucky enough to enjoy, but even if you have a tiny closet, a library ladder that accesses those hard-to-reach top shelves will add a layer of indulgence. If there’s no room to slide the ladder on a track, you could fit a static ladder that doubles as hanging storage for items like scarves, belts or ties.
A spacious walk-in-robe is definitely a luxury that only some of us are lucky enough to enjoy, but even if you have a tiny closet, a library ladder that accesses those hard-to-reach top shelves will add a layer of indulgence. If there’s no room to slide the ladder on a track, you could fit a static ladder that doubles as hanging storage for items like scarves, belts or ties.
Double its purpose
Similarly, you can make your ladder a multitasker by doubling its purpose as a towel rail. Not only will this add a boutique hotel vibe, it will offer a practical solution for airing items.
Similarly, you can make your ladder a multitasker by doubling its purpose as a towel rail. Not only will this add a boutique hotel vibe, it will offer a practical solution for airing items.
Boost sleeping space
Rolling ladders can help access a mezzanine level without the need for a space-stealing and costly staircase. In tight, compact rooms, choose a design with a mechanism that allows the ladder to sit against the wall to conserve space while not in use.
Rolling ladders can help access a mezzanine level without the need for a space-stealing and costly staircase. In tight, compact rooms, choose a design with a mechanism that allows the ladder to sit against the wall to conserve space while not in use.
A moveable ladder is also a winning addition to bespoke bunks that need to be accessed at both ends.
Blend them in
If you’d prefer a ladder to take a quieter back seat to the other aspects in the room, you could try painting it the same tone as the shelves or wall that it sits on. Even though this makes the ladder a subtle design feature in the room, it still retains a slick, modern vibe that keeps it interesting.
Wherever you choose to add a ladder, it’s sure to bring a fun and playful element to your home.
Tell us
Have you added library ladders to a room? We’d love to hear in the Comments below.
If you’d prefer a ladder to take a quieter back seat to the other aspects in the room, you could try painting it the same tone as the shelves or wall that it sits on. Even though this makes the ladder a subtle design feature in the room, it still retains a slick, modern vibe that keeps it interesting.
Wherever you choose to add a ladder, it’s sure to bring a fun and playful element to your home.
Tell us
Have you added library ladders to a room? We’d love to hear in the Comments below.
Just imagine being able to reach the very top shelf in your kitchen without having to fetch the fold-out steps each time. A rolling ladder, which is permanently fixed to a track, is a brilliant way of maximising storage space right up to the ceiling and enabling quick, easy access right along the length of the room.
A library ladder is sure to be an unusual stand-out feature in any kitchen creating quirky appeal, but to give it even more impact, choose a contrasting colour or finish so it pops against the units.