Rolling Library Ladders

12 Places to Add a Library Ladder

Library ladders are pieces of functional decor that, once you have, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. Not only do they enable the full use of vertical space, but they look amazing, can double as a quilt or blanket ladder, and add a sense of creativity, comfort, and warmth, depending on how you use them. They also fit into nearly any room, including:

12 Places to Add a Library Ladder

1. Office

2. Library

3. Loft

4. Bedroom

5. Pantry

6. Cold Storage

7. Kitchen

8. Laundry Room

9. Kids Playroom

10. Wine Cellar

11. Pool House

12. Art Studio

Rustica's library ladders are fully functional, allowing you to roll from one end of the room to the other. They’re safe, sturdy, and add a unique feel to any room—from the office to the artist’s studio. Historically only for the library, library ladders are now being added to a variety of spaces where vertical access is needed.

What is a Rolling Library Ladder?

A rolling library ladder is a ladder that was traditionally used in a library, with library ladder wheels on the bottom and a railing to keep it in place. The library ladder provided an easy and convenient way to reach otherwise inaccessible books stored on high shelves.

Today, many homeowners take advantage of custom library shelving with a ladder installation in their offices, studies, playrooms, and even kitchens. Thanks to the modern hardware that comes with a library ladder kit, these sturdy, durable, and fashionable pieces of functional decor are even safer than ever to use.

If you have a custom need, Rustica can provide expert advice and installation assistance to create the perfect rolling library ladder kit—including specialized options, such as a curved track.

12 Places to Add a Library Ladder

If you want to take advantage of the functional, studious look of library ladders, consider adding one to your:

1. Office

A wooden ladder in the office lends a sophisticated and dignified air to the room. While metal library ladders create an industrious look. A sliding ladder will always benefit offices that utilize vertical storage for items rarely needed. While some offices only need a step ladder to reach higher shelves, a full-size library ladder is ideal if you’re looking for both function and a conversation piece.

2. Library

We had to at least mention putting a library rolling ladder in your home. There is something beautifully elegant, unique, and authentic about a library bookshelf with ladder decor. What’s even better is that you can customize your ladder to accurately reflect the style of your library.

Install a wooden library ladder made of red oak, mahogany, or walnut for a darker contrast to lighter walls, or as a complement to the bolder style of a darker study. If you’re going for an antique or vintage feel, a wood library ladder is ideal. Try to incorporate metal ladders, such as an aluminum ladder, for more modern styled libraries. Choose a decorative ladder with a light finish for smaller libraries that don’t need a fully functional rolling ladder.

3. Loft

A loft ladder might be just what you’re looking for to put the finishing touches on a loft space. If you have a loft directly above an entrance to another room, you might even consider combining a loft ladder with a barn door that closes off the entrance.

Just as a bookshelf ladder makes reaching the upper shelves of a prized library an enjoyable task, a loft ladder can create an experience for kids of all ages—whether you turn your loft into a nap area for the little kids or a reading nook for the big kids.

4. Bedroom

Library ladders go extremely well in bedrooms for use with bookcases, closets, and other high storage areas. Shelf rollers assist a smooth glide from one side of a bookcase or closet to the other, enabling a child or adult to easily adjust the ladder’s position as they need.

If you’re looking for something tough and durable, choose an aluminum ladder in the finish of your choice to match the decor and room theme. The aluminum ladder rungs will provide durability and support for young children learning to use the ladder.

If you’re looking to enhance a guest’s, teen’s, or adult’s room, the ladder can be made from wood, such as mahogany, white oak, red oak, maple, or walnut.

5. Pantry

Do you have an extra-large walk-in pantry that utilizes vertical space? If so, you might consider placing a rolling library ladder in the pantry. The ladder can be placed off to the side when not in use, then rolled over the floor to the exact high-up spot you need to reach come time for get-togethers. With a metal ladder that has wheels in your pantry, you can finally place those rarely-used punchbowls, turkey pans, and your special holiday-only crystal or silverware up in that safe, hard-to-reach spot.

6. Cold Storage

Are you one of the lucky few with cold storage in your home? Cellars used to be incredibly popular, and they’re coming back thanks to the revival of canned food storage.

Install a rolling library ladder with shelf rollers to help you reach the highest shelves in your cold storage, and easily take down jar after jar of canned beets, tomatoes, and green beans.

7. Kitchen

It might be hard to imagine a library ladder in kitchen spaces, but trust us, you’ll love it! You can utilize a rolling library ladder in the same way you would with a walk-in pantry. We all have those hard-to-reach, high-up spots. What goes up there? All the special partyware we drag out once a year to host guests and family from afar. Rather than risking life and limb by using a step stool, install a bookshelf ladder.

You’ll climb the ladder with ease, reach the highest cabinet, and quickly hand down each item you’ll need for the best dinner party ever. The best part? When the party is done and over, you’ll be able to put those items away with just as much ease.

8. Laundry Room

A ladder in the laundry room is a no-brainer for added value, function, and space-saving storage capabilities. Rather than using a fold-out step ladder, or mini stair set, a ladder allows you to utilize all space, from floor to ceiling. It can easily slide back and forth while staying out of the way of both the washer and dryer, as needed. It also provides tons of vertical room for shelving, cabinets, and storage. Once you have a ladder in your laundry room, you’ll never go back.

9. Kids Playroom

Placing a library ladder in a kids’ playroom should be done with caution and specific instructions given to your kiddos. Library ladders aren’t to play on, and they might need to be locked in place with a hook or wheel lock.

If you want extra storage space while providing your kids the ability to reach their books, stuffed animals, and small toys, then a library ladder is ideal. Just be sure your kids are mature enough to use the ladder correctly before installing it.

10. Wine Cellar

Nothing goes with a wine cellar-like quite like a rolling library ladder to conveniently access vertical storage. With a library rolling ladder, you can utilize every inch of well-designed space to house your ultimate wine collection.

Host wine tastings in style while effortlessly accessing your collection to enjoy with family and friends. Pull down prized bottles to show your party, and replace them without missing a beat all while looking stylish and sophisticated at the same time.

It’s time to put the step stool away. Install a rolling library ladder and make your time in the wine cellar even more enjoyable.

11. Pool House

While pool houses are generally meant to provide a shady getaway from fun in the sun, they can also house pool toys, pool maintenance items, and other miscellaneous items that have found their way into the pool house instead of the storage unit, backyard shed, or garage. Most of the time, these items are stored in awkward locations for ease of accessibility. However, with a rolling library ladder, you can take advantage of vertical storage space.

Keep your pool house neat and tidy by installing cupboards and storage space. You can also utilize an unused loft space to store items such as pool equipment, toys, and summer party goods all year round.

With the right ladder hardware, your ladder will be solid, secure, and easily movable for yourself or any member of your family.

12. Art Studio

An art studio is a perfect place to install a hook library ladder. If you’d prefer the ability to reach vertical space while painting, drawing, and creating, but you’d prefer a more stable type of ladder, the hook library ladder might be just the option.

Not only can it be placed anywhere along the library railing, but it can be completely moved aside and stored on its own rung, providing you with unimpeded access to space below the library ladder railing.

How to Measure for a Library Ladder

Measuring for your library ladder is fairly simple, and if you’re unsure of yourself, you can always contact us, where one of our friendly staff members can help. To get started, you’ll want to do the following:

1. Measure vertically from your floor to the center of where the ladder track will be hung.

2. Check ceiling room and clearance. Your ladder will be several inches higher than the railing with the wheels attached. Check to be sure you have around seven inches of space from the railing to your ceiling to provide you with enough clearance.

Library Ladders and Your Home

No matter the size or shape of your home, a library ladder can fit in and become a unique, functional piece of decor that you’ll never want to live without. Whether you install a rolling library ladder for your office bookcase or living room shelves or place it in your kitchen, wine cellar, closet, or loft, you can’t go wrong.

We're pleased to offer a wide selection of rolling library ladders, along with ladder parts, hardware kits, and all the instructions for the successful installation of your rolling ladder. Browse today and find the perfect match for your home.