Safety First
Repurposing your wood ladder can create functional and stylish home décor elements. But safety should always be at the forefront of your mind. Old wooden articles can pose potential harm to you when you’re working with them. Splinters, rough edges and unstable structures are some things that you must be wary of.
Inspect Your Ladder
This can include cracks, loose rungs or rust. Check for splinters or rough edges to prevent injuries while working with your old ladder.
Secure Your Ladder
Make sure to clean the ladder thoroughly to remove the dirt, dust and debris stuck on it. If you think the ladder has become unstable or weak, consider reinforcing it with brackets. When placing the ladder as a standalone piece, consider anchoring it to prevent it from tipping over.
Repurposed Ladder Ideas
Whether you’re looking for wooden step ladder decorating ideas or repurposed ladder ideas, you’re in the right place. A short step ladder can be used as a side table or plant stand. A taller one would look great as a shoe rack or towel hanger. You can select an idea based on what type of old ladder you own.
Towel Hanger
Use an upcycled ladder as a towel hanger in your bathroom to create a rustic and minimalist ambiance. A sturdy leaning ladder with wide rungs can work well to hang large and bulky towels. You can sand and paint the ladder to match your bathroom’s style. For better stability, you can anchor it to the wall with sturdy hooks or brackets. Hang decorative items like woven baskets and potted plants to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Storage Shelf
A freestanding ladder with several rungs and a wide base is ideal for this upcycled ladder project. Attach shelves to the rungs using sturdy brackets and use baskets or bins to store various items. You can paint it any color you like based on the aesthetics of the rooms you place it in.
It would look great in your bedroom or living room to store decorative items, jewelry boxes or photo frames. You can also hang your scarves or coats onto it and use it as a multifunctional storage element. Decorate your old ladder with fairy lights and hanging plants to create a cozy atmosphere.
Corner Bookshelf
Repurpose your wood ladder to create a crafty bookshelf to house all your favorite reads. Use a leaning ladder with wide rungs and place it in a quiet corner of your home. Secure it to the wall using heavy-duty brackets to ensure stability. Add shelves or brackets to organize your all-time-favorite books neatly. Place a comfortable lounge chair next to it along with a few throw pillows and blankets. This can become a relaxing reading spot. Hang a decorative tapestry or artwork behind the ladder to add to the ambiance.
Plant Stand
You can use a step ladder of any size for this upcycled ladder project. Place a freestanding wooden ladder with multiple shelves and a wide base in your living room. Choose a selection of indoor plants like ferns, snake plants or succulents.
The plants you choose should depend on the amount of sunlight your room receives. Arrange pots of various sizes on the rungs to create a striking visual effect. Make sure the ladder is stable enough to handle the weight of the plants.
Side Table
A short step ladder with a wide top rung is ideal for this repurposed ladder idea. You can place it in your living room to hold drinks and snacks. Alternatively, keep it beside your bed and place your nighttime reads or a handy bottle of water on it. For a more sleek look, add a glass tabletop to the top rung using wood glue or epoxy.
Shoe Rack
An upcycled ladder can be a stylish solution for organizing your shoes. Attach wooden shelves to the ladder using wood glue and screws. Make sure there is enough space between the shelves for your shoes to fit comfortably. The shelves should be level and secure to carry the weight of your shoes.
Stain or paint it based on the color scheme of your entryway. Use shoe organizers or baskets to create a neat shoe rack that is easily accessible.
Tips to Repurpose Your Wooden Ladder
Your old wooden step ladder can be repurposed successfully by following some simple steps.
- Make sure that your ladder is in good condition with no major damage before you begin.
- The size of your ladder should be appropriate for the project you select. A taller one would be ideal for a shoe rack while a shorter ladder would be better for a side table.
- Make any necessary modification based on the purpose of your repurpose project. Whether it’s adding shelves or hooks depends on the intended purpose.
- For this DIY project, you might need wood glue, screws, paint or stain and any additional hardware. Make sure you have everything you need before you begin.