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5 Ways to Style a Leaning Ladder

Bedroom, Dining Room, Home Decor, Interior Styling, Kitchen, Living Room, Renter Friendly
By Mandi Johnson

5 Ways to Style a Leaning LadderOne of my first projects for A Beautiful Mess back in 2013 was this leaning ladder, and it remains a very favorite piece in my home, being moved about depending on my mood. It's a pretty simple project for the beginner woodworker, and so versatile as a decorative accessory in the home. You can also find old weathered ladders at antique shops and salvage stores too if you're not keen on making one.

If you already have a leaning ladder in your home, or are considering making or purchasing one, here are some ideas that will help you decorate confidently.

5 Ways to Style a Leaning Ladder1. VERTICAL KITCHEN STORAGE

Do you have a spare section of wall in your kitchen? Lean a ladder against it and you've got some practical and beautiful vertical storage. All you need are some large s-hooks and you can get to hanging pots, pants, and even linens. This would also be a great place to hang herbs with some twine for drying.

Products shown:
• Set of 2 Large S-Hooks
• 8-Inch Ceramic Frying Pan (white inside)
• Orange Cast Iron Skillet
• White Mini Colander
• Nesting Mesh Strainers

5 Ways to Style a Leaning Ladder5 Ways to Style a Leaning Ladder2. MAGAZINE STORAGE + READING LAMP

This idea is a two-for-one! Lean a ladder beside a chair or sofa, and hang your favorite magazines for a fun combo of convenience and decor. Need a little light for reading? All you need to do is clamp a light onto the ladder for an element of industrial style.

Products shown:
• 5" Clamp Light
• Frankie Magazine

5 Ways to Style a Leaning Ladder3. HANGING PLANT DISPLAY

House plants add such a fresh and cozy feel to a home, but if you've run out of surfaces for your potted plants, have no fear! You don't need to hang a hook in your wall or ceiling to display hanging plants— all you need is a leaning ladder, special hanging pots, and some large s-hooks.

If the windows in your home aren't giving your plants the light they want, you can also hang a clamp light on the ladder for supplementary light.

Products shown:
• 5" Clamp Light
• Set of Two Ceramic Hanging Planters
• One Small Ceramic Hanging Planter
• Set of Two Large S-Hooks
• String of Pearls Hanging Plant (I bought mine here)

5 Ways to Style a Leaning Ladder5 Ways to Style a Leaning Ladder4. STRING LIGHTS DISPLAY

Brighten up a dim corner of your home by stringing lights on a leaning ladder. I think this look adds just the perfect touch of whimsy without looking too dorm-room chic, if you know what I mean. You can use seasonal lights to decorate for holidays, or just leave up some plain lights as I have done here for some every day charm.

Product Shown:
• 26' White White Outdoor String Lights 
• White Dining Chairs
• White Globe Lights

5 Ways to Style a Leaning Ladder5 Ways to Style a Leaning Ladder5. HANGING BLANKET STORAGE

Using a leaning ladder for vertical blanket storage is a look I've always thought of as traditional country, but lately I've seen this functional decor idea in more contemporary homes. You can make this look more modern by using a sleek ladder or minimal blankets with graphic patterns.

Products shown:
• Painting- Milton Avery Print I framed here
• Blankets are vintage

5 Ways to Style a Leaning LadderSo what do you think? If you don't have a leaning ladder in your home, are you itching to make one? Why not try out this project over the weekend? –Mandi

Credits // Author and Photography: Mandi Johnson. Photos edited with Stella from the Signature Collection.

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