Ladder shelving is exactly what it sounds like: shelving which resembles the steps on a ladder. It's a great solution for areas which lack space, but which are perfect to use as decorative feature.
Typically, ladder bookcases have up to five shelves, the lowest one being the deepest, with each shelf occupying a smaller footprint than the one beneath it.
Bookshelves Ladder
In fact, depending on what you plan to put on it, you could actually use a real ladder as a shelving unit by leaning it against the wall without opening it. Since there won't be much depth to the shelves if you do this, make sure you leave the ladder in a part of the room which doesn't get much people traffic. It's perfect for displaying changing artwork or photos and adding interest to a corner.
Alternately, you can open up the ladder, turn it sideways and add three or four shelves which you balance on the parallel steps on each side. That arrangement gives you a lot of instant shelf space with no need to install anything. If you are concerned about the shelves remaining balanced, you can easily secure them to the steps of the ladder with some screws. Measure the depth of the step and the thickness of the shelf. Buy screws that will go through the step (from the bottom) and into the bottom of the shelf, without going all the way through the shelf. This way the screws won't be seen at all.
If you buy a wooden ladder you can paint it any color you wish and get matching shelves. If you prefer a more modern look, go for a chrome finish instead.
If you have the space, you might want to consider buying 2 identical ladders. You can buy long planks of wood for the shelves, and create a whole system. To really add flair, have the ends of the planks extend past the ladders on both ends. Have the planks cut so that the bottom plank is the longest, and then shorter and shorter. The end effect will look like a huge ladder!
You can also use a short stepladder as a plant stand when it's not in use.
Ready-made ladder shelving comes in a variety of designs, from basic wood to hand carved designs which add a touch of elegance. They don't hold a lot of storage, and are best used in areas where you want to display items for decoration.
Many units come both as corner and regular units so you can mix and match them to make the best use of the available space. Consider, as an example, adding ladder shelving to both corners of the fireplace wall. The effect will be to soften the impact of the fireplace, giving a sense of symmetry and balance.
Whatever you decide, keep in mind that ladder shelves are freestanding, so you can always move them around as your room design evolves.
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