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Some even double up as a desk... Metal Fabricator
So much more than just a bookcase or just a shelf, a ladder shelf provides much-needed storage for all your bits and bobs, plus it makes a gorgeous display for your decorative accessories. Quite frankly, we can't think of any reason not to invest in one: it's multifunctional, space-saving and offers heaps of visual appeal.
As the name suggests, a ladder shelf is a popular type of shelving unit that has horizontal shelves and vertical beams that resemble that of a ladder. It will often have a tiered effect and can lean against the wall for an effortless minimalist look.
When styling your favourite accessories on a ladder shelf, create symmetry by placing items of similar size, colour or shape on opposite sides of the shelf. This will keep things balanced and visually pleasing. Alternatively, layer items by placing larger pieces at the back and smaller objects at the front for maximum depth.
You can also stack books based on their colour and size, arranging them both horizontally and vertically to add variety. If stacked horizontally, you can use the flat space on top to create a base for small vases or ornaments.
Ladder shelves are super versatile and can be used in living rooms, offices and even bathrooms. However, note that some freestanding ladder shelves are designed to lean against the wall, so it's important to make sure they're safely secured. If you've got a leaning ladder shelf, don’t forget to secure it to the wall with screws (often supplied!). If you haven't got any screws to hand, use some form of non-slip furniture pads on the ladder’s feet to stop it from slipping or falling over.
Keep scrolling for our top ladder shelf picks for 2023.
We're starting off our round up with this gorgeous piece from The White Company. Made from sustainably sourced raw oak, it has a lovely grain and natural colourway that suits most interior styles. It's on the pricier side, but if you ask us, it's worth the splurge.
This understated ladder shelf from our very own House Beautiful Marketplace ticks all the boxes – it's simple, stylish and affordable (at a pleasing £125, might we add). It features five tiered shelves and is finished in a welcoming light oak veneer with a contemporary white ladder frame.
Maximise space in your bathroom or cloakroom with this handy bathroom ladder shelf. It sits above the toilet to provide additional space without taking up any extra room – genius! The black metal frame makes for a perfect pairing with black bathroom accessories.
With its warm walnut finish, this classic ladder shelf would make a welcoming addition to living spaces with a mid-century feel. It has been designed with three lipped-back shelves to stop your bits slipping, plus a two-door cupboard that provides ample space on a compact footprint. Note that it's oak veneer rather than solid oak, but the attractive price has us sold.
If you're looking for a contemporary and stylish ladder shelf option that won't cost you a pretty penny, this Amazon find is ideal. It comes with five roomy shelves to store books, plant pots and ornaments whilst still being narrow enough to take up minimal space in the room.
This ladder shelf comes out on top in terms of packing an aesthetic punch. It features simple slatted doors and on-trend tapered legs for an effortless Scandinavian feel. Personally, we'd be tempted to pair it with the matching TV stand and sideboard.
This achingly cool ladder shelf has been designed with four contrasting resin shelves in a stylish concrete effect. Our styling tip? We'd team this unique piece with concrete effect accessories, such as this concrete and wood table lamp, for some real urban appeal.
Stylish shelving that doubles up as a snazzy WFH desk? The dream. We especially love this M&S ladder desk because of its minimalist design and extra storage space – perfect for storing important work documents. Pair with a stylish home office chair and you're good to go.
Create extra storage in even the smallest of spaces with a compact corner ladder shelf. Designed to maximise every inch of your space, this ladder shelf fits perfectly in any little corner. An added bonus? It won't make the room look small. We love that it's made from bamboo, giving it a lovely natural feel.
Admittedly, this is the priciest pick in our round up, but the durable black walnut material means it'll last for years to come (so you'll save money by not having to replace it after a year or two). With its slick oiled finish, it'd make a truly elegant addition to both traditional and modern homes.
With its mango wood composition, this beautiful ladder shelf effortlessly blends style and practicality. Measuring up at 40cm wide and 30cm deep, we'd consider this a compact option that still offers plenty of storage. It has that infamous refined look we all know and love from design house Swoon, whilst being (relatively) kind on the wallet.
Here's another one of our favourite mango wood ladder shelves. This industrial number is slightly cheaper than the Swoon option, although we'd say it has just as much charm. It's made by talented artisans to give it that handcrafted finish we all adore.
Ladder shelves are an ideal option for children's storage, too. Our pick is this contemporary freestanding ladder shelf from family furniture brand Noa & Nani. The contemporary design and neutral silk grey colourway make this piece a lovely addition to any child's bedroom.
This raw oak ladder desk from The Cotswold Company is a real treat. It champions simple industrial-inspired design whilst still being packed with heaps of functional touches (such as the handy drawers on either side of the desk). A seriously stylish home office setup if ever we've seen one.
We're finishing up our round up with this space-saving pyramid ladder shelf from The Range. Ideal for small spaces, it has five different sized shelves to store books, vases and plants. It's available in white, grey, black and natural, but black is our personal favourite.
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