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Ladder Shelves

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The Emerging Popularity of The Ladder Shelf

One of the sleekest pieces of furniture to rise in recent popularity is the ladder shelf. Since almost everyone needs shelving, it only makes sense that a streamlined version would make a big splash in design circles and with stylish homeowners. These shelves offer just as much storage as any other shelving unit, but with the versatility that comes with a compact footprint and airy design. Discover all the ways you can leverage the ladder shelf to enhance your decor.

What Is a Ladder Shelf?

A ladder shelf is a shelving unit that consists of the same framework as any other shelf.  The difference is how lightweight and open ladder shelves are. This makes a huge impact on the aesthetic of your shelf and your furnishings as a whole.

  • Ladder shelves consist of a single, slim box frame. The frame has shelves built into it horizontally, just like you'd expect from a bookshelf, but at a slightly different angle from the frame instead of the usual right angles.
  • The frame is what is so novel here, though, not the angle of the shelves. Those are still level with your floor so that you can stack books, art objects or trays without worrying about wobbling.
  • Since the frame is so narrow, it doesn't stand upright. Instead, the ladder shelf leans against a wall, but only at the top of the frame, so there's no damage to your walls or concerns of leaving marks on your paint or wallpaper.

Where to Place Your Ladder Bookshelf

You can place a ladder bookshelf anywhere you'd place a regular bookshelf, plus a few other places where the smaller footprint makes it a more comfortable fit.

  • Try up against any wall you like. The classic placement for shelves is usually in a corner or along a wall that is secondary from a visual standpoint.
  • For a greater impact, you can line up a series of ladder shelves on a main wall to create a modern studio style.
  • Ladder shelves offer organization in any room. Put them in the living room for decor, a kitchen to stack a few items you like to keep easily at hand or in a bathroom to add storage to a smaller room.

Using a Ladder Shelf in Your Home Office

For an exciting take on this popular style, look for home office desks that combine ladder shelving over a desk surface for office storage. This is a smart way to make a home office out of an alcove or expanse of unused wall. The ability of a ladder shelf to transform a small space into a highly useful one is one of its best characteristics.