Decorating & Design
Step It Up! 10 Great Rooms with Ladders
Published on April 16, 2026
Ladders have long been embraced by designers as a classic design element. Beyond their practicality—reaching high cabinets and out-of-reach areas—they’ve also become a striking design feature with a touch of nostalgia. From kitchens and libraries to living rooms and cabins, we’re looking back at some of our favourite rooms that step it up with ladders.
In this English-inspired kitchen by Emily Wunder, a locally made sliding library ladder is anchored by a handsome brass rail to access high cabinets.
In Designer Linda Lam’s Vancouver loft bedroom, a white ladder leads to the roof hatch.
An custom-built library ladder wraps around the millwork that was installed to the ceiling in this elegant kitchen. When not in use, the ladder hangs on the wall like a piece of art in an out-of-the-way spot.
“I suggested the ladder because Beth and I are both really short! It’s beautiful and practical for reaching high shelves,” says Tommy Smythe of this elegant Toronto kitchen designed by his firm, TOM Design Collective.
The sleeping loft in this Scandinavian-inspired A-Frame cabin is accessed by way of a wood ladder that seamlessly blends into the space.
“We wanted to maximize storage and utilize the 10-foot ceiling height,” says designer Cindy Bleeks. “Typically, you lose an entire wall of cabinets once you add an island to a galley kitchen, but, here, a sliding ladder provides access to a bank of high cupboards while still allowing for flow around the island.” The ladder has a resting spot by the basement stairs; the sleek black hardware provides a smooth glide.
A rolling library ladder leads to a rooftop lookout in this Vancouver Island duplex,
This antique, velvet-wrapped library ladder by Maison Jansen is from Colette van den Thillart’s personal collection, pictured here with Lynda Reeves in a bold Toronto home,
To drive home the authentic heritage look in this kitchen, designer Sara Wood chose hardworking elements including a distressed wood library ladder.
“The pantry color makes the archway pop,” says designer Kassandra Arbour of this English-style kitchen. “It’s such a fun look to see that beautiful ladder and the tiled floor.”
In this kids’ homework and hangout space designed by Ali Budd, a rolling library ladder adds a playful element to the bold blue room.
In chef Lesley Stowe’s sophisticated kitchen, oversized platters and baskets are stored in the upper cabinets and accessed by a sleek library ladder.