Easy DIY Modern Blanket Ladder

5 Materials
$25
3 Hours
Easy

For Linus from the Charlie Brown series, a blanket was his security. And I think most of us can relate. A blanket provides warmth, comfort and relaxation.


Blankets say, "Come sit down, put your feet up and get comfortable."


Since blankets have such a special place in my heart I wanted to give them a special place in my home with this DIY blanket ladder.


This blanket ladder is a simple build made from wood dowels and copper tees and elbows. Adding a flat black spray paint makes it look like metal giving it a modern industrial look. My blanket ladder measures 72 x 17 inches and can hold up to five blankets.


Using the wood dowels is a cheaper option than using all copper. My blanket ladder cost me under $25 for the dowels, copper pieces and spray paint. The other supplies I had on hand.


When you are finished make sure to add blankets with a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to add warmth, and character to a room.

After making your cuts sand for any rough spots. I ran a 150 grit sandpaper over each wood dowel. 

 

Apply Gorilla glue to each end of the rungs/middle dowel pieces and slide one copper tee over each end.

*If the wood dowel doesn't slide into the copper tees easily, then sand around the end of the wood dowel about a 1/2" from the ends. I used 60 grit sandpaper. Use a rag or old t-shirt to wipe up the glue.


*The glue did ooze out from the tees some when inserting the dowels. So after doing this, I realized it may have been a better technique to apply the glue to the inside of the tees and elbows instead of the outside of the dowel. My blanket ladder did end up holding up fine to how I applied the glue. 


Once a tee is secured at both ends with glue, position the tees on each end in alignment then allow the glue to dry. Repeat this for all the rungs of the ladder, except the top and bottom rungs. I had a total of four. For the top and bottom rungs, glue and attach the copper elbows to each end for a total of two. Lay them out to make sure the lengths are close or your blanket ladder will be crooked.  


Position the rungs and the rest of the dowels in order on a flat surface. Sand the ends of the remaining dowels if needed. I dry fit all the side pieces into the tees and measured the sections to test for equal length before gluing. Once you are satisfied with the placement then apply glue to the ends of the side dowels and slide into the tees like you did for the rungs Place in the correct alignment and allow to dry. I started by assembling the bottom sides and worked my way up. I allowed the glue to dry overnight. 

Now that your ladder is assembled it's time to spray paint. Wipe the ladder for any dirt or sawdust. Spray the blanket ladder with your spray paint color of choice. I chose a flat black spray paint.

 

Allow the spray paint to dry then apply a sealer. I used a matte clear sealer. I allowed the sealer to dry overnight before handling. As an option apply felt pads to the bottom of the ladder under the elbows and to the backside of the elbows at the top. This will protect the copper pieces from scratching the floor and wall.

Place in your room of choice and add several different patterned, colored, and textured blankets for style and character. 

I think Linus would be proud!


If you love this project then check out this simple wood project a $3 Wood Canvas Frame and this Super Simple DIY Bathtub Tray.


Thank you for reading this post! Come by and say "hi" to me at Dream Design DIY.

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Tiffany from Dream Design DIY
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  2 questions
  • Pam Galicki Pam Galicki on Apr 16, 2020

    Are the copper connections cheaper than pvc?

  • Nancy Nancy on Apr 19, 2020

    How do you keep this from sliding on the floor (ie staying upright)?

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  • Jo Jo on Apr 19, 2021

    Wow !! Great idea very nice job, and this is why we are diy ers, I want to use your idea but stain the wood and leave the copper as is...thanks for the idea and instructions.

  • Doreen Kennedy Doreen Kennedy on Apr 17, 2022

    I like the minimalist design of your blanket ladder. Such a nice idea to keep blankets close at hand and off the furniture when not in use.

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