New Uses for Ladders

By Real Simple
Updated October 13, 2010
Credit: Mikkel Vang
Secret ways to take this household object to new heights.
Start Slideshow

1 of 5

Ladder as Newspaper Holder

Credit: Mikkel Vang

Keep your papers in check—and mimic the look of the wooden racks in library reading rooms—with a painted ladder propped against the wall. Drape newspapers over the rungs and let them hang until you're ready to toss them into the recycling bin.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 5

Ladder as Bedside Table

Credit: Mikkel Vang

For a creative alternative to the bedside table, try a stepladder. It's the right height for a reading lamp, and it provides just the spot for other nighttime essentials, like a favorite mystery or a glass of water.

3 of 5

Ladder as Accessory Display

Credit: Mikkel Vang

Why keep pretty printed scarves and beloved beads tucked away? Dispatch a ladder to artfully display some of your favorite things―and to introduce color and patterns into a room.

Advertisement

4 of 5

Ladder as Towel Rack

Credit: Mikkel Vang

Instead of installing a typical metal rack to hold your towels, enlist a ladder made of bamboo (or some other wood that can withstand humidity) to do the job. No tools required.

5 of 5

Ladder as Kitchen Shelving

Credit: Mikkel Vang

All you need is a folding ladder and some lumber (pine or poplar, cut at least ¾ inch thick, works well and can be easily painted). Then follow these steps:

  • Step 1: The plank shelves should be deep enough to hold your kitchenware (here, each shelf is two planks deep) and long enough that they extend at least a few inches beyond the sides of the ladder. Cut the wood to size, or let the pros at the lumberyard or home center do it for you.
  • Step 2: Set the planks on the rungs to create shelves.
  • Step 3: Arrange items. To help keep the system stable, place heavier items near the center of the shelves, taking care not to set objects too far outside the rungs.
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Real Simple