We love ladder shelves - they’re one of the most functional, aesthetically pleasing pieces of furniture you can put in your home. They work great in any room and can be decorated in any manner you see fit. But let’s face it - there are so many different types of ladder shelves out there, all from different brands.
With countless options to choose from, it can feel almost impossible to choose the best ladder shelf for your home. So, we’ve made it our mission to not only help you find the best ladder shelf–but to also teach you how to make the most out of it.
Keep on reading to find out more about how to choose the best ladder shelf, our top picks for the best ladder shelves of 2022, and how to get the most out of your chosen ladder shelf.
Enough stalling. Let’s get right into it!
Why Choose A Ladder Bookshelf?
Compared to other types of shelves, a ladder bookshelf is more lightweight, portable, and versatile. A typical ladder shelf features a simplistic design that mimics that of a real ladder, but with variations, of course.
The most common type of ladder shelf is one that leans against the wall like a real ladder, which usually does not need to be hung up on the wall like traditional bookshelves. There are also ladder shelves that are triangular and look like a ladder with its legs spread out. Finally, there are wall ladder shelves that look like pool ladders sticking out from your wall.
Aside from the variations in design, what people love most about ladder shelves is that you can put them almost anywhere. Ladder shelves are easy to move around because of their lightweight design. Plus, many ladder shelves come in smaller sizes, making them easy to fit anywhere in the house.
What Makes The Best Ladder Shelf? Our Buyers Guide
So far, we’ve sung many praises about ladder shelves, but this doesn’t mean that all ladder shelves are made equal. When shopping for the best ladder bookshelf, you have to consider some important factors, such as:
Ease of Installation
Installing a ladder shelf is not rocket science, but if you want to make life easier on yourself, keep the ease of installation in mind while shopping. Look for a ladder shelf that comes with easy installation procedures. This is especially important if you have little to no DIY skills and/or don’t have a lot of tools around the house. Stick with a manufacturer that designs their shelves in a way that anyone can install them.
Lightweight
We’ve mentioned earlier that most ladder shelves are lightweight, but this is not always the case. If you are going for a standalone ladder shelf, weight is not a big factor. But if you want a ladder shelf on your wall, it is highly recommended that you choose a shelf made from lightweight material.
Why? Because wall studs and brackets can only support a limited amount of weight. For instance, a single wall stud can hold up to 50 pounds of weight. Hence, if the shelf itself is too heavy, you won’t have much weight allowance for the items that you want to put on top of it.
Weight Capacity
Speaking of weight, it is also vital to consider the weight capacity of a ladder shelf when buying. This feature can vary depending on shelf type, material, and design. For instance, a ladder shelf made of a strong metal may be able to hold more weight than a shelf made of wood. At the same time, a standalone shelf may offer more carrying capacity than a wall-mounted shelf of the same size.
All of this is to say that when in the market for a new ladder shelf, be sure to check the weight capacity of the shelving system. Then, think about the things you plan to put on your ladder shelf. If you want to display a ton of hardbound books that weigh almost 7 pounds each, it is safer to choose a ladder shelf with a higher weight capacity.
Versatile
The best ladder shelf is one that is versatile. This makes it easier to put it anywhere in the house without sacrificing aesthetic appeal or functionality. Ladder shelves with simple, elegant designs accomplish this effortlessly. They are modest enough to blend in with the surroundings, but add interest to the space nonetheless.
What Are The Best Ladder Shelves Of 2022?
If you’re looking for a contemporary bookcase that ticks all the right boxes, it might take hours upon hours of scouring the Internet to find the right one. Don’t worry, we won’t make you go through all that–we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do the research for you. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best ladder shelves of 2022!
Theo Ladder Bookcase 6-Shelf
First up on our list of the best ladder bookshelf is the Theo 6-Shelf Bookcase. Simplicity doesn’t have to be boring, and this bookcase proves it. This sleek and elegant bookcase comes with 6 tiers, stunning wooden shelves, and an amazing matte metal frame–all combined to make a tall, sophisticated shelf that is perfect for any office or living room.
Another thing we love about this shelf is that it is super easy to install; all you need are a pair of scissors and a Phillips-head screwdriver (yes, seriously!), and you can install this beauty in just under 40 minutes. Plus, it holds up to 55 pounds per shelf while providing ample space for all your books, decor, and knick-knacks.
Available in:
- Nutmeg-Matte Black
- Rustic Oak-Matte Black
- Matte White
- Reclaimed Oak-Matte Black
Carlie Ladder Bookcase
The Carlie is the definition of the best ladder bookshelf. It is a triangular, 5-tier bookcase with a beautiful natural rove brown finish and sleek white shelves to complete an airy design. On top of all that, this shelf has a stained rubberwood frame that is designed to provide superior structure and strength for all your books and decor.
To put this shelf together, all you need is are a pair of scissors and 20 minutes to spare. Plus, the package comes with 4 protective pads to protect your floor from scratches.
Theo Ladder Bookcase 3-Shelf
A smaller version of the 6-tier Theo Ladder Bookcase, this 3-tier shelf is the perfect space-saving bookcase for your kitchen, home office, living room, or bedroom. Its compact and floating design adds a sleek, modern vibe to any room while allowing you to maximize your vertical space.
Just like the 6-tier Theo Ladder Bookcase, this compact shelf is super easy to install. Plus, it comes with a keyhole mount for easy hanging.
Available in:
- Gold finish
- Wood finish
Theo Desk
A desk and a shelf combined into one, the Theo Desk is the space-saving solution you need for a smaller home. This sleek, industrial-style desk provides both a working space and extra storage space to place all your books, office supplies, collectibles, and decor. Definitely a must-have for smaller bedrooms and home offices!
Available in:
- Gold finish
- Wood finish
Getting The Most Out Of Your Ladder Shelf: Other Helpful Resources
Now that we’ve talked about the best ladder shelves, we want to provide some tips on how to make the most out of your new purchase.
First, you have to know how much weight a bookshelf can hold. In general, it depends on how many wall studs the shelf is attached to (one wall stud can support up to 50 pounds) as well as the quality of the brackets you use. When it comes to standalone shelves, all you have to do is check the safe load capacity that the manufacturer puts on the box. Knowing the safe carrying capacity of your ladder shelf will prevent any nasty accidents, as well as keep your shelf (and the items on it) safe.
Furthermore, you have to know how to hang a bookshelf on the wall properly. The most important thing to remember is to install your brackets in the wall studs (not the drywall) so that your shelf has proper support. More than that, it is also important to use wall screws instead of regular screws. This way, your shelf is mounted more securely to the wall and you won’t have to worry about it caving due to additional weight.
Lastly, learn how to decorate your ladder shelf. For this part, there are no hard and fast rules. Display your art, turn it into a plant shelf, create your own shelf bar–the possibilities are endless, so make sure to experiment with different designs.
Final Thoughts On The Best Ladder Shelf Of The Year
The right ladder shelf can give you much-needed storage space and–at the same time–elevate a room’s visual appeal. With that in mind, put Nathan James’ contemporary shelves at the top of your list. With our elegant, modern, and top-quality ladder shelves, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one.
While you’re browsing our superior collection of ladder shelves, be sure to check out our contemporary entertainments centers, contemporary storage cabinets, minimalist coffee tables, and other furniture as well!
