Versatile ladders

Ladders are amazingly decorative and functional. Think of them for towels in the bathroom, a place for a warm throw, or just wall decoration in an awkward corner. I have an antique red Chinese ladder that I have found a place for in various homes with various decor.

All from Pinterest

I love the idea of using a ladder for shoes, or even on the wall as a place to put a changing exhibit of family photos. 

 

This simple vintage (circa 1930) library ladder could easily be used for anything! This was sold at Kamelot Auctions in Philadelphia for $125 off an auction estimate of $100 - $300.

This industrial iron ladder is fitted with wooden shelves. This is quite a useful piece of furniture, and ready to be used for some wonderful collection of objects, or a place to stack towels and toiletries in the bathroom! This sold at a Kamelot auction for $550 off an estimate of $300 - $600.

I love rustic, utilitarian items that can be re-purposed in to decoration.  These wonderful early New England apple picking ladders have such a great shape. These sold at a Copake Auction in Copake, NY for $125 off an auction estimate of $150 - $200. Copake is a great place to find Americana at bargain prices.

There is a real charm to this primitive 42 inch tall ladder sold at a Copake auction. There is a warmth to the wood. This sold for $82.50 off an auction estimate  $35 - $50.

The shape of this ladder lets you use it in so many ways - shelf for objects, ladder in a library, stand for shoes, or bathroom towel holder. This is a mid-20th century Continental stained maple ladder. It sold at a New Orleans Auction for $338 off an auction estimate of $200 - $400.

 

Finally, this painted metamorphic chair/ladder is a very versatile piece of furniture and decoration. Use it as a chair, or convert it for display and storage. This sold at a Brunk Auction in Asheville, NC for $90. Lots of character for not much money!

Even if you think you have a fully decorated place, there's always room for a ladder. My red Chinese ladder travels everywhere with me, and I even move it around the house as I get the urge to re-decorate a bit!