Turn An Old Wooden Ladder Into A Rustic Display Shelf With A DIY

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Are you decluttering your garage by tossing some commonly stored items? You don't have to throw out every last thing you no longer use. Instead of sitting idle and gathering dust, you might be able to give some items a new home or useful role. A good example is that long-forgotten wooden step ladder that has sat in your garage for years after you replaced it with a studier metal one. There are lots of clever ways to repurpose a ladder, but one of our favorites is turning it into a rustic display shelf.

This could very well be one of the easiest DIY projects you'll ever embark on because there's very little work to be done. Since we're going for a rustic vibe, you don't really need to polish or paint the timber. You want to retain as much of the rugged look and vintage character of the ladder as possible. Just give the ladder a quick sweep to remove debris and perhaps scuff sand any rough areas. If the wood is bare, use a sanding block with a grit between P120 and P150. Now you're ready to convert this step ladder into a DIY shelf in a few simple steps.

You'll keep the ladder closed for this DIY. To ensure the legs stay together, tie them to one another using Ilikeec Thick Braided Jute Twine. Screw two large metal door hinges, like these Hordion Shed Door Strap Hinges in black, to the top cap of the ladder, then place the ladder upright in its final location — your entryway if it's large enough, or the reading corner in your living room. Adjust the ladder so the steps sit flush with the floor and ceiling. You don't want all your knickknacks to slip off the shelves. Use a carpenter's level to check the angle. Once everything's straightened out, attach the hinges at the top of the ladder to the wall.

At this point, your rustic ladder display shelf is technically finished. You can use the steps as shelves just the way they are, especially if you're only planning to display small, lightweight décor. If you want to widen any of the step-shelves, cut pieces of Rockin' Wood Rustic Weathered Reclaimed Wood Planks to fit lengthwise, and screw them in place underneath each step. Now you're free to go all out and arrange your favorite decorative pieces as you see fit — everything from potted plants and framed art to books and vases with dried flowers.

With the basic ladder-shelf completed, it's time to personalize your new piece of furniture. Screw one or two metal hooks, like these My Fancy Farmhouse Rustic Cast Iron Coat Hooks, to the side of the ladder. Use them to hang a coat, bag, or cozy throw blanket. Alternatively, a clever way to repurpose an unwanted doorknob is to turn it into a hook.

Framed items, like paintings or family photos, work well in this ladder shelf, so long as they're about the same height as the space between steps. Enlist the help of a few Cabdm Antique Hammered Cabinet Pulls. Using screws and a drill, attach the door pull to the underside of one of the step-shelves. Sit the framed artwork or photograph on the step below, with the top leaning against the door pull.

Keep things dynamic by rotating your décor seasonally. For example, for a summer garden theme, adorn the shelves with freshly picked flowers in vintage vases or succulents in upcycled planters. When fall arrives, go for a cozy book theme, where you only display your favorite books propped up with some stunning DIY bookends on a budget — think rustic spray-painted cobblestones or abstract geometric wood blocks.