Decorating
10 Inventive Ways to Work Vintage Ladders
From towel racks to plant hangers to bedside tables, vintage ladders are both useful and beautiful – and will add rustic charm to any room
Vintage ladders can instantly add some old-world charm to any space. Whether worn and chipped or bright and shiny, these objects are easy to find at flea markets – and they have multiple uses around the house. Create your own vintage victory and collect a couple this weekend.
Get up high in a different way
A wooden ladder is the perfect plant and pot holder. Hung from a rafter above the kitchen worktop, this ladder creates interest up high. Bring another dimension to your space with a find like this.
Discover great ways to store bulky pots and pans
A wooden ladder is the perfect plant and pot holder. Hung from a rafter above the kitchen worktop, this ladder creates interest up high. Bring another dimension to your space with a find like this.
Discover great ways to store bulky pots and pans
Showcase a vintage stepladder
You can add a stylish stepladder for not a lot of cash. If it will be purely decorative, don’t invest in one that’s in perfect working condition.
Tip If you prefer your vintage wooden ladder to not look so vintage, here’s a simple way to bring it back to life. First, mix dishwashing liquid with water and wash the ladder with a rag dampened with the mixture. Second, if there’s still dirt or paint stuck to the piece, rub it gently with very fine steel wool in the direction of the wood grain. Finally, spray orange oil on a dry cloth and buff to a shine.
You can add a stylish stepladder for not a lot of cash. If it will be purely decorative, don’t invest in one that’s in perfect working condition.
Tip If you prefer your vintage wooden ladder to not look so vintage, here’s a simple way to bring it back to life. First, mix dishwashing liquid with water and wash the ladder with a rag dampened with the mixture. Second, if there’s still dirt or paint stuck to the piece, rub it gently with very fine steel wool in the direction of the wood grain. Finally, spray orange oil on a dry cloth and buff to a shine.
Reinvent the bedside table
Try incorporating a vintage stepladder into your guest room. As a bedside table, this ladder adds a little charm and character. Think creatively when looking to bring this vintage treasure to life.
Discover how to find the right bedside table for you
Try incorporating a vintage stepladder into your guest room. As a bedside table, this ladder adds a little charm and character. Think creatively when looking to bring this vintage treasure to life.
Discover how to find the right bedside table for you
Reboot with paint for a smart bathroom
There’s no rule that says you can’t repaint your vintage ladder: a totally distressed piece might benefit from a fresh coat. If you’re more into that clean look, sand down your splintered find before painting it.
This crisp white number looks smart against the blue wall and offers display and storage space for towels, lotions and potions.
There’s no rule that says you can’t repaint your vintage ladder: a totally distressed piece might benefit from a fresh coat. If you’re more into that clean look, sand down your splintered find before painting it.
This crisp white number looks smart against the blue wall and offers display and storage space for towels, lotions and potions.
Store it on display
Tucked up high, this ladder is right where it’s needed. Against the bland white wall, it adds a little character. It’s also an inventive place for keeping an item that might not be needed every day – pretty meets practical.
Tip If you plan to use a vintage ladder for more than just decorative purposes, ask the seller if you can test it before buying.
Tucked up high, this ladder is right where it’s needed. Against the bland white wall, it adds a little character. It’s also an inventive place for keeping an item that might not be needed every day – pretty meets practical.
Tip If you plan to use a vintage ladder for more than just decorative purposes, ask the seller if you can test it before buying.
Adopt for discreet storage
Can you spot the vintage ladder in this space? It can work as the perfect storage solution for your cushions. You don’t always have to put a piece front and centre to make a big statement.
Can you spot the vintage ladder in this space? It can work as the perfect storage solution for your cushions. You don’t always have to put a piece front and centre to make a big statement.
Turn it into a towel rack
A vintage ladder makes a great towel rack in a bathroom or a kitchen. This ladder is shown leaning against a window – the homeowner can just open the window and let the towels air-dry in a gentle breeze.
A vintage ladder makes a great towel rack in a bathroom or a kitchen. This ladder is shown leaning against a window – the homeowner can just open the window and let the towels air-dry in a gentle breeze.
Drape with plants on a patio
Kept outside, this rustic ladder adds levels to this garden. Stack your plants and flowers up high on a vintage find like this one. You could also lay the ladder down on the ground and place pots in-between the rungs.
TELL US…
Do you have a vintage ladder adding charm and character to your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
Kept outside, this rustic ladder adds levels to this garden. Stack your plants and flowers up high on a vintage find like this one. You could also lay the ladder down on the ground and place pots in-between the rungs.
TELL US…
Do you have a vintage ladder adding charm and character to your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
It’s believed that ladders were first made 10,000 years ago. Their purpose was to help users reach objects up high. While you won’t find a ladder quite that old, you can find many from the late 19th century at many second-hand shops and markets. It’s up to you if you want to restore yours or keep it in its original state.
Most ladders were designed to be practical, therefore there’s no gold standard in terms of design aesthetics – it’s all about personal preference.