Flea Market Find: Vintage Ladders
You can use them to hang linens, stack plants and add rustic charm to a room
Michelle Gage
April 9, 2016
Michelle Gage is a Philadelphia-based interior designer with an affinity for playful prints and whimsical designs. Her career began as a buyer for Anthropologie Home where she was tasked with selecting everything from art and antiques to decorative textiles. In 2015, Michelle embarked on her own and founded Michelle Gage Interiors.
*** Please note, as of 2019, we have stopped sharing our new work here. To view our recently-completed projects, please visit michellegage.co.
Michelle Gage is a Philadelphia-based interior designer with an affinity for playful... More
Vintage ladders can instantly add some old-world charm to any space. Whether weathered and worn or bright and shiny, these objects are easy to find at your local flea market — and they have multiple uses around the house. Create your own vintage victory and collect a couple this weekend.
1. It’s believed that ladders were first made 10,000 years ago. Their purpose was to help users reach objects stored up high. While you won’t find a ladder quite that old, you can find many from the late 19th century at many flea markets. It’s up to you if you want to restore yours or keep it in its original state.
Most ladders were designed to be practical, therefore there’s no gold standard in terms of design aesthetics — it’s all about personal preference.
Most ladders were designed to be practical, therefore there’s no gold standard in terms of design aesthetics — it’s all about personal preference.
2. Lean a primitive wooden ladder against your wall to store your French linens. This kind of country charm adds interest to a blank white space. Keep the paint-splattered vibes by simply adding it to your space as soon as you get home — no cleanup needed.
3. A wooden ladder is the perfect plant and pot holder. Hung from a rafter above the countertops, this ladder creates interest up high. Bring another dimension to your space with a find like this.
4. You can add a stylish stepladder for not a lot of green — you can often snag one for as little as $20. If it will be purely decorative, don’t invest in one that’s in perfect working condition.
Cleaning tip: If you prefer your vintage wooden ladder to not look so vintage, here’s a simple way to bring it back to life. First, mix Murphy’s Oil Soap with water and wash the ladder with a rag dampened with the mixture. Second, if there is still dirt or paint stuck to the piece, rub it gently with very fine steel wool in the direction of the wood grain. Finally, spray orange oil on a dry cloth and buff to a shine.
Cleaning tip: If you prefer your vintage wooden ladder to not look so vintage, here’s a simple way to bring it back to life. First, mix Murphy’s Oil Soap with water and wash the ladder with a rag dampened with the mixture. Second, if there is still dirt or paint stuck to the piece, rub it gently with very fine steel wool in the direction of the wood grain. Finally, spray orange oil on a dry cloth and buff to a shine.
5. Try incorporating a vintage ladder into your guest room. As a nightstand, this ladder adds a little charm and character. Think creatively when looking to bring this vintage treasure to life.
6. There’s no rule that says you can’t repaint your vintage ladder. A totally distressed piece might want a fresh coat. If you’re more into that clean look, sand down your splintered find before painting it.
7. Tucked up high, this ladder is right where it’s needed. Against the bland white wall, it adds a little character. It’s also an inventive place for keeping an item that might not be needed every day — pretty meets practical.
Buying tip: If you plan to use a vintage ladder for more than just decorative purposes, ask the seller if you can test it before buying.
Buying tip: If you plan to use a vintage ladder for more than just decorative purposes, ask the seller if you can test it before buying.
8. Can you spot the vintage ladder in this space? It can work as the perfect storage solution for your throw pillows. You don’t always have to put a piece front and center to make a big statement.
9. A vintage ladder makes a great towel rack in a bathroom or a kitchen. This ladder is shown leaning against a window — the homeowner can just open the window and let the towels air-dry in a gentle summer breeze.
10. Kept outside, this rustic ladder adds levels to this garden. Stack your plants and flowers up high on a vintage score like this one. You could also lay the ladder down on the ground and place pots in between the rungs.
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lilimac I do like a good vintage ladder and have sold quite a few over the years but I, too, snorted when I read 'ladders were invented to reach high objects' - comedy gold indeed! RIP Victoria Wood, I don't recall her ever tackling the subject of the 'interiors obsessive' but I'm sure it would have been hilarious if she had....
It seems like the best option for health and safety concerns is to use vintage ladders for decorative rather than practical purposes. Love the idea of hanging it from the ceiling and hang pots and pans or plants from it! It definitely adds a cool industrial feel to a kitchen.
Though cliche, I admit that I love the look. But the term vintage "find" is so true...they are so difficult to find, and when you do, they're expensive (more expensive than a new, fiberglass, functional ladder) and I live in rural farm country where you'd think there'd be one leaning against the back of every barn. But no, shabby chic has made them junk-store gold. Heck, even in the junk stores, they're usually part of the display and thus NFS. Oh well.