A ladder has many uses in the home. In this post, we will show how to decorate a rustic old wooden ladder in three very different styles. How to use an old ladder as a display shelf for showing off your pretty decorations.
Did you find an old ladder in the barn? Fell in love with a vintage wooden ladder for grabs in a yard sale? Well, I did, and then I had to figure out what to do with the thing. I decided to turn my old ladder into a beautiful rustic display for some decorations.
I brought a beauty of an old, tattered ladder home from the workshop of my inlaws determined to use it in my home decor.
Must say, that I did get some frowns and looks and big sighs from my roommate. But he knows me well enough not to say anything…
I shlepped that ladder up the stairs to my bedroom and decided to have some fun with it. I got out a whole lot of my decorations and started playing.
I ended up decorating my ladder in three different styles.
Please help me make up my mind which one is best!
It is always fun to try and decide what my personal decorating style is. It can vary so much. I like a beach cottage look, but I am also drawn to a rustic junk-style look. And the romantic in me still loves the cottage style.
Maybe I should describe this decorating style as Industrial Coastal Cottage. Because that sums it up quite nicely.
Industrial style home decor means using rustic and raw materials. It means loving old wood and rusty nails. It involves decorating with natural materials like twigs and branches. The industrial style has a robust look, with a bit of a masculine vibe.
Coastal Style Decor is all about bringing the beach into home decorating. It resonates with the neutral colors of the beach sand, the blues of the sky and sea, and the pop of colors from ice cream and flowers. In a nautical coastal style, there is a preference for natural materials like rattan, straw, and sisal, patterns are polka dots and stripes and chippy painted wood is a must-have.
Cottage Style Decor involves using vintage items with a shabby chic look. In the cottage style there is a special place for fabrics like linen and cotton and a preference for colors like white, red, blue and green. This style is romantic and feminine.
In industrial coastal cottage style, these three styles are merged into a happy marriage. There is the excitement and drama of mixing masculine and femine, rustic and romantic, neutral and colorful. There is also the harmony of old, weathered materials, natural elements, basic colors and classic patterns.
Let me show you what I mean by styling my rustic old wooden ladder in each of these styles.
Decorating an Old Wooden Ladder in Industrial Style
The first look for my vintage ladder is the industrial look. I used natural materials, vintage props like old tools and added a handmade candle holder.
The three preferred materials for this style are very obvious: I chose: natural branches, wooden tools, and metal details.
It felt a bit strange to put woodworking tools in my bedroom, but once I got over the thought that I was crazy, I really liked the look of it. The tools show the signs of a life of labor, like they should.
The rusty candleholder was handmade a really long time ago. The twig wreath DIY project is still relatively new here, it received a lot of upgrades and transformations later.
So what do you think? A true INDUSTRIAL styled ladder?
How to Decorate a Ladder in a Coastal Style
For this coastal decorating of my ladder, I incorporated true beach cottage elements like seashells, a sea star, and a mother-of-pearl tray. I used books in the colors neutral and blue and I added a basket with pots planted in galvanized containers. A couple of pillows with nautical stripes and polka dots add a decorative touch.
The mostly neutral colors, of this coastal style, work well against the rugged and rustic look of the ladder. One can easily imagine this ladder working hard in a seashore town and being weathered by sea winds and gushes of saltwater.
Returning elements in decorating are decorating with books, using candles, and adding flower arrangements. My industrial coastal cottage ladder is definitely not an exception to that rule.
If you like my Ladder decorating ideas
I have made a collection of 41 unique ways to decorate with a ladder. Go check it out!
How to Decorate a Cottage Style Ladder
Decorating my ladder in cottage style turned out to be the biggest challenge. The soft, romantic look that is so typical of cottage style seemed to clash with the rugged, timeworn look of my ladder.
But I made it work…
For the cottage look, I added vintage dishware, soft fabric hearts, and a few blooming flowers. For my cottage ladder, I chose the color scheme of red and white, because that is a classic color combination that always works.
I guess that’s why you will find a sauce bowl in my bedroom vignette here…
For special interest I used three little DIY numbered pots with some (almost) flowering daisies. I love how crisp the white pots look against the old wood. Ladders work well with flowers. I have used an old painted step ladder as a plant stand in my garden, and it looked gorgeous.
I also really love the look of a little glass candle holder on each rung of the ladder. That is a decorating idea I will surely use again.
Ok, now I want your opinion! Which of my ladder styles do you think turned out the best. Which is your favorite?
I am not going to tell you which is my favorite. Because I can’t, I really can’t. It’s like choosing which of my two cats is my favorite! I love them all equally.
And tell me do you dig the Industrial Coastal Cottage thing…..?
Funky Junk Interiors says
Haha… ohh you are good. I have two ladders that need attention and I thought I'd get by with using old photos instead. And here you go and do THIS!
You know which one I love. 🙂 You labeled me right on. And I think you chose to keep the cottage one. Can't wait to see if I'm right. 🙂
May as well say it now… thanks for linking up to the ladder edition of SNS! Tomorrow. 🙂
Donna
Miss Marple says
WOW, wat heb jij er een werk van gemaakt! En om heel eerlijk te zijn, heb ik geen idee welke ik het mooist vind. Er staat al sinds jaren een laddertje naast ons bed, helemaal kaal (nuja, hij staat ook niet aan mijn kant ;-))
Ik geloof, dat je voor de zomermaanden voor de seaside variant hebt gekozen…en daarna komt de cottage aan de beurt (lekker gezellig in de herfst) en in Januari komt de industrial cottage in de slaapkamer!
Een heel fijn weekend! – Irma
Weerspiegeling says
Wow, this is fun!! My personal favorite is number two: the coastal one. I love it.
Somehow I guess your choice would be the last one: the cottagy thing, which is o so pretty too.
I will be back tomorrow … just curious to know if I guessed right haha.
Have a nice day!
Anita
Nita {ModVintageLife} says
I would like to see a combo of 2 and 3. I like 2 mostly…but agree with you…if you don't live close to the beach..don't have a beachy theme. So I'd like 2 with the white dishes of 3 mixed in and get rid of the shells. I like the styling of three but do not like the red. I like the colors of 2. There you have it….I think you need to set up a 4 which would show the mix up of 2 and 3. Then post a photo…please.
Pink Princess says
HAHA leuk gedaan weer. MIJN voorkeur gaat uit naar nr. 3. De cottage Romantic style ♥ Nr. 2 is ook leuk, nr 1 is echt NIET mijn ding, maar ja IK heb dan ook geen Lief die daarvan houdt 😉
Natasha says
Beautiful ideas-thank you for sharing them!
Best wishes,
Natasha.
Stephanie says
Love it and though I like all 3, the cottage one is my fave! : )
Lori says
those are fabulous Marianne…i actually like #1 and #3…i have a fondness for both of those kinds of things!!!
trish naylor says
Boy, Oh, Boy… I couldn't decide between the beach ladder and the red/white for your bedroom, because I'm so busy contemplating what I'm going to do with mine!!! Thanks so much for the inspiration!!!
Melissa says
I, personally, like the coastal bet followed up by your husbands industrial for the reasons you mentioned.
Will be interested to see what you picked.
Cindy ~ My Romantic Home says
I love 2 and 3 but if I have to choose just one of them, I would say 3, the cottage style!! They all look amazing though!
katie says
I'm loving all three of course. But would choose Cottage for my house. Now for some reason I think in your bedroom right now is Industrial. I think it has something to do with convincing a husband. Good job.
Going to the garage right now to get my ladder.
Mary Ann says
I like no. 3. I admire you for having the gumption for putting a ladder in your br. I don't think I could do it. I am afraid my family would say Mama has finally slipped over the edge. LOL
Marianne@Songbird says
To Mary Ann, Funny I didn't think twice about putting the ladder in my bedroom, but decorating it with the woodshop tools felt odd. Did it anyway. Felt good 🙂
A Touch of Country says
I am digging the red and white one! I love the numbered pots and the toile bowl.
Fabulous job on all 3!
natalie
Brenda@Cozy Little House says
It's definitely #3 for me! Once you added a little bit of red, it just added the charm that was needed.
Brenda
Kolein says
The simplicity of the coastal version works well for my eyes and spirit..however I was just imagining you running to and fro whipping things off the ladder and throwing them on your bed to get the feel for what you and your husband would both like!!! hee hee!
I have a ladder too. A curb find. I think it was my first curb find…no, I'm pretty sure it was. It's sitting in my basement….someone painted it pale puke. It's like 9 feet tall….I gotta get some ideas or else gently place it back at the curb……..
have a gorgeous weekend,
~Kolein
Kim @ Starshine Chic says
I like all 3 versions. I'd probably do each for a little bit of time. But my fave is the cottage one. But I think you should have a combo of all the styles. But then what do I know. Can't wait to see which one you kept.
Marie says
Hello sweet Marianne – I popped over from The Inspired Room for a look at your ladder vignettes! I love them all, but I do think my fave is the Coastal decor with your sweet starfish at the top and candles in a row. So pretty.
Blessings,
Marie
Atticmag says
They are all very attractive. The basic neutral of the ladder lets it go in so many directions. Press me and I'd pick the one on the right as the preferred however. Something very charming about the candles. Hope you'll stop by and see us if you have time. Jane
Robin says
They are all wonderful but I am partial to the cottage style one!
Brook says
I love them all too, but either due to my midwestern roots or my love of red, I have a preference for choice 3.
Beverly @ FlamingoToes.com says
Well goodness, any one of those could be in a magazine. They are wonderful. And if you're making us choose, I say I'd go with industrial. Really adds interest to the ladder. Whew, that's a hard choice though. 🙂
Tami says
Found your blog through Funky Junk Interiors….love your ladder and all the cute ideas! I am now a follower.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Heather says
I love your blog! I've been reading for a couple months and have been so inspired by you!
I think number 3. I love the way you have a candle on each rung. I also love your numbered pots. I copy Pottery Barn any chance I get!
Grannys Attic says
They are all wonderful. But I like #1 the best, just my choice. I think any of them would look great in your bedroom. Can't wait to see which one you choose.
Blessings, Vicky
TinyBear says
Love your ladder decoration idea marianne. They are all beautiful but my vote must go to the one with the wreath. I love how you have decorated that and the colors too.
~ Tina
Barbara Jean says
Great ideas!!
blessings
barbara jean
Elizabeth (blue clear sky) says
Love all three! If I had to choose just one it would be the coastal inspired.
Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures says
I thought I had commented on this yesterday. I saw them when Donna posted about it and my jaw dropped. You rocked this idea. It is great. I love them all. I tought I was a follower too and I noticed I wasn't. Now I have my act together. I commented and I am following!!! Very inspiring ladders you've got there.
Candace says
I saw your industrial ladder on Donna's sidebar….wow! I love how you put it all together. Well done!
Catherine peacelovesweater@blogspot.com says
I love all three! Personally I would love a combination of 1 and 2. I love the rusty candle, bottles and wreath from #1, and the pillows, basket, drift wood and shells from #2. They are all beautiful and if I had to pick just one I would pick #1 because I love the wreath so much, it looks so great with the wood of the ladder.
I think you picked one??? I'm hesitant on to say that as everyone else seems to think you chose #3. Looking forward to seeing which one you chose to keep.
And yes I am totally digging the Industrial Coastal Cottage definition!
ALVN of WhisperWood Cottage and Junkologie says
Fabulous! I love how created three such special looks!! I also appreciate that you pulled things from all over the house and made each vignette your own. My favorite? I say mix them all! Make it truly industrial coastal cottage by combining your favorite components of each to make one fabulous display.
Amy
P.S. So glad I inspire you as much as you inspire me! 🙂
ALVN of WhisperWood Cottage and Junkologie says
I did a quick post about your ladder project on my Junkologie blog. Love it!
Amy
Polly says
Fun post!
I love elements of all three actually, but I would have to choose number 2 as my fave.
I like the little glass votives on each rung on number 3!
Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys says
I love all three! I have two ladders that I found on bulk trash day that I was wondering what to do with. I think I've got it now!! Thanks.
And thank you for posting on my Anthropologie lamp project.
Alisa says
I really like them all Marianne, but I think my favorite is the cottage.
mary says
for me definitely the coastal ladder. although i think the red/white one would be great too since you have red in your bedding. all are very creative!
BailiwickStudio says
I love #3! They all look wonderful, but the cottage style with touches of red is my favorite. ::Jill
Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! says
Nice project. I would love it if you would link this up in Modern Craftswoman Monday. Very well done. Rory
Carla @ Hammers and High Heels says
Hi there! I had to tell you I just linked up one of your images from this post! I loved it so much! I was discussing my love for vintage ladders 🙂
Lionessak says
Wow! Great job there. I personally love the cottage one, but I also like the old rusty feeling of the industrial as well. I'm not a coastal type of person, so no #2 for me!
Lovely inspirations, can't wait to see what Donna's bringing for that party! 😉
Inspire Me Heather says
Very nice Marianne – you’ve done a lovely job! I liked the Cottage one the most and then the Coastal.
Linda L says
I love the cottage one. I’ve always wanted to do something with our old wooden ladder. It is so tall though. I just know it came over on the Ark. Yea, it is very old and vintage. Hubby would have a spell I think. But I have thought of it for a long time!!!
Roxanne Hubbard says
My favorite is the Cottage Style Ladder, for a bedroom. But I really like all three styles. Could be decorated with seasonal or Holiday themes, too. Just a thought. 🙂
JLO says
These are all great! I’m a beachy kind of girl and love the look of what you did.
I also love the cottage style. I could see combining those 2 together for my style.
I used to remake furniture and your tips are all right in.
Great information in here and I say a huge thank you. I have a smaller ladder I used in my displays hanging in my shop I may have to find a spot in my house for.