I have been looking for some old ladders to use in my garden and my home since….forever! I think everyone else is looking for them too (since I can’t seem to find even one old rickety wooden ladder). I thought I’d share some fun ways to reuse ladders in your home.
15 Fun Ways to Reuse Ladders In Your Home
- Farmhouse Decor. We all seem to be drawn to farmhouse decor for our homes, so why not upcycle your old ladders into fun ways to display some of your favorite pieces?
- Functional Repurpose. Old ladders are something most of us have out in the garage, but were you aware they could be converted into functional shelves, plant stands, and drying racks just to mention a few ideas? Give one of these a try in your home.
- Vintage Displays. Antiques are so beautiful, interesting, and a mirror into the past. Vintage ladders are the perfect way to display the treasures and family heirlooms in your house.
Maybe you’ll be luckier than me and find a nice old ladder to upcycle!
1. Ladder Drying Rack
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This ladder was turned into a drying rack! via Remodelaholic
2. Herb Garden Ladder
Use a ladder to plant a block of herbs via The Shepherd’s House
3. Hanging Light Fixture Ladder
Isn’t this hanging ladder light fixture just gorgeous? How perfect for a patio! via Unskinny Boppy
4. Ladder Plant Stand
Add some plywood shelves to an old ladder, and you have a nice piece to display some plants on. via DIY Inspired
5. Dish Display Ladder
What a useful way to use an old ladder in your home. via Good Ideas for You
6. Step Ladder Birdbath
Here’s another cute way to upcycle a ladder in your garden via Eclectically Vintage
7. Magazine Rack Ladder
Repurpose your old ladder into a functional magazine rack for your office or study from Hometalk.
8. Flower Garden Ladder
Simple and stunning is this flower garden ladder for your front porch or deck from Gingersnap Crafts.
9. Shabby Chic Decoupage Ladder
Crafts By Amanda delivers a new and fantastic upcycle for this old ladder, decoupage ladder. Simply choose some of your favorite items to include in your project.
10. Birdhouse Ladder Display
How endearing would this birdhouse display from The North End Loft be in your garden this summer?
11. Vintage Quilt Ladder
I love quilts and actually have one of these vintage ladder quilt racks in my own home. You will find this at The Country Chic Cottage.
12. Bed Canopy/Headboard
Chipping With Charm fashioned a fabulous canopy for a girl’s bedroom, which would be easy to make more juvenile for a younger child.
13. Bathroom Ladder Towel Rack
Instead of using the same old boring towel racks, why not salvage an old ladder into a new towel rack for your home from The Craft Patch?
14. Ceiling Plant Display
Apartment Therapy delivers a way to save floor space and display your green thumb.
15. Ladder Pots and Pans Holder
Are your cabinets overflowing? Here is a stylish solution way to organize your kitchen from A Piece Of The Rainbow.
I hope you found something to inspire you on new ways to reuse ladders into your home decor.
Have a great weekend!
You will find one when you aren’t looking for it. I found one last summer. My husband thought I was crazy. I am liking hanging it sideways but doubt I could get the HUbby to do that. ine may just bea leaner. Good luck.
What a wonderful and clever idea! Great photographs!
I love old ladders too. These pics are great inspiration. Another way I love to see them are as pot racks above an island.
Oh boy oh boy! I had to laugh at the ladder as a bookshelf. I do have an old ladder and it is stored in my hot water tank room Perhaps I could put it to use when I am not using it?? I don’t think I could —it tends to be for a certain kind of home I think! lol
Actually I could try it and see what my hubby says. But I do think it would need painting first!
YES – try it it! When I find one I’ll probably paint and distress it unless it’s already a color I like.
Manuela
Some good ideas – thanks for sharing. I remember a time in the early 80’s when many were going for the primitive/country look and an old worn ladder was much in demand. Never found one I liked and now I don’t have room for one if I found it.You know there are a zillion of them out there in sheds, barns, etc., just waiting to be discovered.
Enjoy your weekend.
I am looking for an apple picking ladder. They’re not too easy to find either. I have a few old ladders about because of being married to an old carpenter, but he’s not parting with them!
We got one of those fake ladder shelf units for our home office, Manuela. Hubby liked it and I’ve got to give him something! : ) I’ve seen a few old ladders here, and these are some great ideas here in your post.
There was a very rickety step ladder, spattered with paint, that was left inside our house from the painters. When we moved in we put it in an outside storage building. I would love to use it some way, possibly outside this summer. I think I’ve seen one used as a trellis. Love these ideas and pictures you’ve shared.
Thank you for sharing this great idea! I was just looking for something to hang on the wall in order to save space. To make shelves would mean to spend some money but this…this is just great!
These are such cute ideas! Especially if someone is in a small apartment or home with little storage (like me:)) We might have to just buy a new one and beat it up, throw some paint on it, make it looked well used! I have always thought I would like to have one in my garden.
Love the old ladders, I too am looking. But you have given me some great new ideas to keep tucked away. Thank you
I have an old ladder that isn’t being used right now! You have inspired me to drag it out, spruce it up and put it to some good use! Have a blessed day dear Manuela, HUGS!
I love that red ladder! My husband has a couple of old wooden ladders, but I don’t think he’d let me have them:)
Love those photos! Now…I’ll be on the lookout for one. I’m thinking the book idea would be fun!
Dearest Manuela,
What a cute idea! Thank you for your lovely blog.
Yours kindredly,
Shan
Honey Hill Farm
Definitely love old ladders, but like you, have not been able to find one! I think they’re a hot commodity right now. 🙂
I DO have one! We had an old 8 foot hand built ladder that came from my hubby’s dad…It sat outside so much of the time and got very weathered. When my hubs was going to throw it out (he has about 5 other ladders) I said( NO!!! I want the step part.) so we detached back legs and I use the ladder steps for a holder of folded throws/afghans in the man cave downstairs. It is strung with a string of mini-clear lights and makes a neat rustic touch along with a twinkley night light. DO love the repurposing of ladders. enjoyed! hugs!
Love those imaginative ladders! I always wanted to make a pot rack, but never thought of all the other possibilities! You seem to be flourishing! Yes, I read your older posts, and I like that word too!, and I hope it’s going to be a much better year for you and me!
Your blog is beautiful and very inspiring to me!
Be blessed!, Linda
Fun ideas! I saw where someone had taken an old ladder and turned it into a kitchen “chandelier”. Very unique and cozy. I hope you find your ladder soon. =)
Have a wonderful week!
Jen
These are all great. Amy over at All Thing Home uses ladders wonderfully. Every time she posts a new display, I start looking about for ladders.
My favorite of these is the wall art one.
Hi Manuela,
I was really lucky when it came to wanting a ladder. One of my neighbors passed away and her kids put TWO old ladders out in the garbage! They are both just fabulous and I have enjoyed them both so much that you would think I had paid a good deal of money for them. I really hope you find one soon.
One great thing about living here in Canada, is that whatever is popular in the USA and elsewhere, most have not even heard of it here. But it also means people look at me funny and think I’m a bit strange in the way that I decorate. That’s what got me into blogging, I needed friends who “got” me. And I found them! You’re one of them, I am so happy to say.
Hugs, Cindy
I have ALWAYS wanted a rickety old ladder! I love how they look, no matter their repurposed job! 🙂
Well, my husband doesn’t seem to mind…..it would look better painted…but I do like the woodsie feel of the unpainted too. ps. He knows I am always changing things up–he probably just figures this too shall pass 😉
What a very creative idea! I need bookshelves, this idea is such a vision for me. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for linking up last weekend with all of these clever ways to use ladders…Love them all!
Your post is one of my top five picks for last week, I hope you have time to stop over again this weekend. Take care! Terry