The Stylish Addition You Need For Those Tall Fixtures In Your Home

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Tall cabinets and high shelves look chic, but they're not always the most functional. They're a great way to make use of tall ceilings; the key is being able to actually reach them. If grabbing items from these top shelves often feels like an Olympic event, a ladder chair might be the stylish solution that you've been needing. This is a clever piece that does double duty: a functional step ladder when you need it, and a lovely chair the rest of the time.

Maybe you have a traditional step ladder, but the issue with them is that they're awkward to store when they're not in use. They're not aesthetically pleasing and almost always look out of place, leaning against the wall. The lazier option is one everyone has tried before: grab a chair and stand on it to reach what you need. This often won't allow you to reach the tallest shelves, can damage your chairs, and it's dangerous. Fancier options, like installing a rolling library ladder to reach your tallest shelves, won't work with smaller spaces or tighter budgets. Instead, the C-Kalosa 4-tier Wooden Folding Ladder Chair is the hybrid you always needed. In its regular position, it looks like a standard chair. In an instant, it can turn into a step ladder that can prop you up as much as 35 inches. For less than $100, you'll have two items in one.

When not in use, a ladder chair looks like a wooden chair, just slightly bulkier. It has a high back and straight legs, and some of the extra steps are hidden below the seat. You can transform the chair into a ladder with a simple flip. The seat of the chair and its back rotate on a hinge to reveal the ladder. Once flipped over, the chair's back turns into the legs of the ladder. House it in your kitchen, office, or laundry room to easily access out-of-reach items without the tedious back and forth to the garage or storage for your ladder.

You can get this ladder chair in a nice dark wooden finish, which complements classic interiors. To customize it, purchase a light wood version and paint it a brighter color. As always, remember to use primer and follow other important steps before painting your woodwork. Make sure to use painter's tape to cover the metal hinges (just like door hinges, painting these could be a big mistake). You could even get playful and paint the chair side one color and the ladder's steps in rainbow. Shop around for other models that might better match different interiors. You could also install a small tool caddy or storage pocket on one side to hold frequently used items needed when you're using it as a ladder. For increased safety, add non-slip pads to the chair's feet or create custom rubber step covers for better traction.