I'm always smitten when I see a library ladder in the kitchen. How neat! How convenient! But then I wonder: doesn't it get in the way? I fear I'd be tripping over it all the time.
Nevertheless, these images make me think it'd be something worth the extra bit of maneuvering. Oh, the ease when accessing high cupboards! Think of the storage possibilities!
What do you think? Do you have a library ladder? Would you want one?
Related: Storing the Step Ladder
(Images: 1. Peter Pennoyer Architects; 2. M. Steffens Interiors; 3. Design Traveler; 4. Eric Piasecki via Arianna Belle; 5. Dwellings; 6. PointClickHome via The Kitchn; 7. Francoise Bollack Architects via Houzz; 8. Skona Hem)
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A ladder in the kitchen straddles the line between functional and purely aesthetic, and leans more toward the latter. Kinda like having a pot filler.
Oh man, I've been wondering this too. I have a kitchen with 10 foot ceilings, and it would be so nice to be able to use that space up top. I would love to hear opinions from people who have these and if they are worth the money.
I love the kitchen in the third picture, ladder and all.
#3 is so pretty and cozy! I just want to get in there and make some buttered toast and a cup of english tea!
i kind of love the look, but it seems like a tricky thing to implement, both aesthetically (slap some paint on it, #1 and #4) and functionally (a position the for the ladder when not in use that doesn't obstruct other kitchen tasks)
These are some very beautiful kitchens. I have 13 foot ceilings in my kitchen and may give this a try.
I'll take that 3rd kitchen, ladder or no. Love the cabinets, contrasts, the window, the light fixture.
Speaking of libraries, I am a huge fan of the Kik-Step, which I first encountered at my public library as a child. I have a lightly updated 1920s home with little storage in the kitchen, but a beautiful butler's pantry with cabinets and shelving up to the ceiling. I use lil' Kicky everyday and it slides around wherever it is needed. Not a solution for 13' but maybe for 10'.
Theoretically it's beautiful, but I can't imagine myself trying to step down the ladder with my hand(s) full of plates or any other heavy/fragile thing.
I have more than once put them in pantries (both larder and serving) and they seemed to be work quite well as long as there was someplace for them to park when not in use. I have never tried them in the kitchen proper though and am not sure if I could imagine justifying one there.
I agree with the other fans of kitchen number three--it's absolutely beautiful! I especially love the subtle bend in the bottom of the ladder so it doesn't stick out too far.
I am redoing my entire kitchen and trying to convince my fiance to install a ladder. I use a step ladder anyways to reach my higher cabinets.