We’re finally diving into the details of the wood ladder in the kitchen! If I’m being completely honest, I’ve had visions of a gliding library ladder since I was a little girl watching Beauty and the Beast. Call it a cliché if you want, but there is something so undeniably charming and intentional about a rolling ladder
We worked closely with Stoffer Cabinetry to get just the right slope. We wanted it to hug the counters without hitting them, but avoid sticking out too far. I was honestly worried it would feel like we had to walk around this ladder but there’s a 32″ distance between the ladder and the island, making it far from “in the way.” It’s the perfect tilt!
Designing a Custom Library Ladder
Everything about this piece is custom. We ordered it through Hafele, a brand known for high-end architectural hardware including the most stunning library ladders. We were able to design the exact wood tone, the unlacquered brass detailing, and the railing to match the rest of our kitchen selections.
We opted for a ladder that remains at a fixed angle rather than one that goes straight up and down, purely for the ease of use. And for those asking about the “slip factor”—the rungs have a discreet, grippy material. Safety was a non-negotiable here, especially with three kids in the house.
Copper Bowls | Ceramic Bowls | Wood Bowls | White Canisters | Tagine | Scalloped Bowl | Glass Canisters | Wood Pedestal | Pepper Mill | Copper Canisters | Copper Kettle | Knobs
Now that we’ve lived with it, I find myself wishing we had these in every room. While it looks like a stand-alone design element, it’s incredibly practical. We use it to reach the highest cabinets where we store the “occasional” items—the waffle makers, drink dispensers, and the air fryer. It gives us quick access to every square inch of our storage, and if I’m being truthful… it’s just fun to use.
We get a lot of questions about how we keep the girls off of it. The honest answer? We don’t. This is their home, too. If they want to spend their afternoon sliding across the kitchen singing “Belle,” I’m all for it.
Someday, they’re going to have memories of pretending this was Rapunzel’s tower, and that’s what makes a house a home. It’s sturdy, substantial, and built to hold the weight of real life (and the occasional Disney reenactment).
Shop Our Kitchen Shelves
I’m obsessed! Where is the railing for the ladder from?
It’s also from Hafele!
Hi! What kind of counters are these?? Or another black color that you love? I have about the same color or cabinets and am having trouble finding reasonably priced counters.
The perimeter counters are a warm black soapstone with slightly tan veining. We chose a black mist honed granite in our outdoor kitchen which needed a tougher material, and it’s held up really well!
How much space do you have between the island and cabinet with the ladder? I have been told I likely do not have enough room, but I think we have 38-42in between ours. Seems like it would be very convenient to not have to get a step stool out every single time!
Ours is 42″!
Do you remember the color of the paint on your cabinets?
It’s bromley taupe, which is one of Stoffer Home Cabinetry’s custom colors!
Yes, those memories are priceless! We had a laundry shoot from the upstairs bath to the laundry off the kitchen- many Rescue Heroes and other toys were played with along with hangers hooked together and rubberbands cut and tied, or shoelaces- excellent brain builders!