The Best Ladder Shelves
If you've got a soft spot for books and decor pieces but struggle to find a place to put them, a ladder shelf could be the ideal storage solution for you. These convenient units serve as a multi-tiered one-stop shop for plants, decor, books, and anything else you want to flaunt in your home. Here are a few of our favorites to help you get started on your search.
What To Look For
Now that you’ve begun your search for a ladder shelf, there are a few key considerations to take into account to find the best unit for your home. Firstly, consider the number of shelves. Most ladder shelves have between three and five tiers. If you plan on using it as your living room’s primary shelving unit, it can’t hurt to opt for more. Ultimately, you’ll want to find a ladder shelf with enough room to suit your needs. It should also have a sturdy construction and complement the decorative atmosphere of your home. With that said, we found Vasagle’s four-tier ladder shelf to be the best of the bunch. With a spacious four-tier design and tastefully rustic aesthetic, this unit looks the part and provides ample room for decor. On the other hand, if you need something a little smaller, you can’t go wrong with Lavish Home’s five-tier option. Despite its five-tier construction, this ladder shelf is considerably shorter than many comparable units, making it a viable compact alternative. Keep reading to find out more about the rest of our favorites.
Vasagle Four-Tier Ladder Shelf
Strong and stylish
Vasagle’s four-tier ladder shelf has all its bases covered. With a sturdy steel frame and tastefully stained wooden shelves, this unit looks fashionable while providing ample storage space for decor, books, or plants. The bottom shelf is reinforced with a sturdy x-frame, making it an opportune space to display larger and heavier items. We also appreciate the comparatively quick and simple installation process.
Pros:
- It doesn’t take up too much floor space
- High weight limit
- The bottom shelf leaves enough room for you to sweep or vacuum underneath
Cons:
- The instruction manual could be clearer
Amazon Basics Five-Tier Ladder Shelf
Simple storage
One of the things we love most about Amazon Basics’ five-tier ladder shelf is the way its shelves get progressively larger in descending order. This setup gives the piece a true step-ladder aesthetic and allows you to display your heavier items in an easily accessible location. Each shelf holds up to 25 pounds, which is more than enough to safely store light decor items or a small book collection. We also love this unit’s durable and stylish rubberwood construction.
Pros:
- Sturdy frame with even legs
- Available in various wood finishes
- Appealing modern design aesthetic
Cons:
- The installation process can be a bit time consuming
Nathan James Five-Tier Wall Mount Ladder Shelf
Set it and forget it
Wall-mounted shelving units like this five-tier piece from Nathan James take up less floor space and have a sturdier construction than floor-mounted alternatives. This exceptional unit has five shelves, each with a weight limit of 50 pounds. The high weight limit makes this five-tier piece more than capable of being your home’s primary bookshelf. Plus, the oak-laminate reclaimed wood gives this ladder shelf a distinct rustic aesthetic that helps it stand out from the pack.
Pros:
- You can easily install two units next to each other for more storage space
- Sleek and unintrusive design
- Each shelf is the same size
Cons:
- The drywall anchors could be easier to install
Lavish Home Five-Tier Ladder Shelf
Save on storage
If you’re in the market for a compact ladder shelf that still offers plenty of storage space, this option from Lavish Home is sure to pique your interest. Even though this unit is a bit shorter than some of its competitors, its five-tier construction still provides ample surface area for displaying your favorite decor pieces, framed photos, and books. At just 15 inches wide, Lavish Home’s ladder shelf takes up considerably less floor and wall space than many comparable shelving units.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Complements many home color schemes
- Slim profile
Cons:
- The wood has a fragrant smell out of the box that may turn off some folks
Bon Augure Five-Tier Ladder Shelf
Display your decor
If you have a large book collection full of heavy hardcopies, Bon Augure’s five-tier ladder shelf might be just what the doctor ordered. Compared to many similar ladder shelving units, this one has a high weight limit, making it an excellent option to use as your primary bookcase. Bon Augure achieves this impressively high weight limit by installing five steel support tubes under each shelf. We also love the adjustable levelers on the bottom of the legs, enabling you to compensate for any unevenness in your floor.
Pros:
- Drywall anchors included
- Exceptionally quick and easy installation process
- The weight limit gets progressively higher on each shelf in descending order
Cons:
- It’s a bit pricier than some comparable shelving units
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I put on my ladder shelf?
Most people use ladder shelves to display decor pieces in their homes. They provide ample space to store things such as framed photos, potted plants, knickknacks, memorabilia, and whatever else you feel like proudly displaying. Ladder shelves also commonly house book collections.
Where is the best place to install my ladder shelf?
Since a ladder shelf is primarily a display piece, you’ll want to set it up in an open common area of your home. The living room, dining room, or master bedroom are all suitable locations for a ladder shelf. Also, if you have a finished basement where you regularly host get-togethers, you could always install one down there.
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