Triple Storage Space With an Easy and Unique Ladder Shelf!

I've yet to exclaim, "Boy this home has too much storage!" And such was the case with my front entry.
I desired to have some added storage for mittens and such, however with an already full closet, it was time to create something myself. Which meant a trip to my junk stash.
Hmmm... grabbing 2 wooden ladders, would this off-the-wall idea work?!
I sure think so! Here's what I came up with...
I desired to come up with some open shelving in my front entry. So I reasoned, two ladders could easily become shelf framing!
The key for this working though is that the rungs on both ladders need to be positioned at the same height in order to have level shelves.
Don't have ladders? You could also make your own by attaching 2x4s and closet dowels, similar to what I did on THIS STENCIL TROLLEY HERE.
I also had a unique challenge with a bench in the way. So I decided to work with it by shortening just one ladder that would sit ON the bench, preferring to leave the other ladder longer for other future possible needs down the road.
One ladder was measured with a carpenter's square, then cut to desired length using a jigsaw.
A plank was set onto each ladder rung with a carpenter's square to ensure the rungs were level. If not, you can level a shelf by inserting and adjusting a screw underneath each plank if needed.
The ladders were then screwed to the wall to secure them into place.
To create the shelves, two reclaimed wood planks were cut to the desired length, then placed across the ladder rungs to act as loosely fitting shelves.
But let's make one accessory to celebrate the garden season ahead...
To help theme the front entry for spring and summer, I decided to whip up a very simple Potting Shed sign from these garden stencils HERE on a plank of wood.
I didn't create an actual tutorial for this particular sign, so here's exactly how to make an easy sign with any stencil you may have on hand!
How to stencil an easy sign
- Cut plank to desired length.
- Position the stencil on the plank where desired.
- Load stencil brush with black paint, then remove most with a rag to create a dry feeling brush tip.
- Tap or swirl paint through stencil for desired technique.
Let's load up the cute ladder shelves next!
Vintage wicker baskets were used to hide front entry storage items, along with faux plants and the cute DIY Potting Shed sign to help theme the entry up for spring!
Isn't it the cutest setup?
And everything is easily located right by the door, which makes for an easy grab for those mittens!
Now for spring to officially arrive... I'm certainly ready now! How about you?
See this plus more super unique shelves HERE
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How would you use these ladders shelves in your home?
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