We regularly receive enquiries about designing bespoke library ladders in all shapes, sizes, materials and mechanisms.

This particular project is a great example of the kind of collaboration clients can expect to receive from Andrew Nebbett Designs, in order to achieve exactly the right solution for their space.

The brief was to design and create a bespoke hook-on library ladder that would be installed against our client’s existing bookcase.

Where possible, we like to undertake a site visit to fully assess the space and to gauge the type of material our ladder rails would be fitted to. Site visits such as this are so worthwhile – where reasonably possible – and it was during this visit that we were able to take note of some of the finer details in the room and assess where the ladder rail would be installed.

Collaborative Design Process

As with all our projects, communication is key and we enjoy the collaborative process that ensues, listening to our client’s requirements and discussing and exploring the options available. There were a couple of key points with this project: the ladder had to be just the right height and angle to enable the user to reach to the upper shelves, but it was also necessary to ensure the angle of the ladder didn’t intrude too much into our client’s living room space. We therefore designed a ladder outside of our usual 4-in1 rule, with a slightly steeper incline. The second point was to work with our client’s existing hardware (door handles etc.) to create a harmonious match to the hand-patinated aged brass finish of the ladder and rails. Our client’s desire was to achieve the type of aesthetic where the ladder looked as though it had been there for years (and not a modern addition!).

Craftsmanship and Expertise

Using their expertise, our team were able to apply a hand-patinated finish to the ladder and rail components, producing a match for the golden hues of our client’s door and cupboard door hardware. The brass rungs of the ladder, along with the feet, hooks and rail fixings work beautifully with the gun-barrel (blackened) steel ladder stringers and rail. This combination of a warm golden brass and blackened steel work in harmony with the black frames of our client’s doors out to their garden.

We’re always delighted to see our products in situ, and we think the overall look of this project is stunning – our client’s living room is an elegant blend of period and contemporary and the ladder and rail inject the timeless quality our clients were looking for.

The images speak for themselves … 

Bookcase Library Ladder

Do you have a tall bookcase or other storage and require a library ladder system to access those hard-to-reach shelves? We can produce bespoke ladder solutions, with a variety of mechanisms – extending, rolling, hook-on, curved rails for corner spaces, or a combination – the choice is yours. For more information please get in touch.

Brass Library Ladder

Our library ladders can be constructed from a range of materials including timber, brass, steel, and aluminium. As well as a range of materials, we can achieve a number of different finishes to match with your interior scheme. Get in touch with our team to discuss your ideas.

Library Ladder Rails

Traditionally, library ladders run on rails. The rails can also be produced from the same range of materials as the ladders. For more information on the metal finishes we produce, please click here.

Hook-On Library Ladder

Where it is necessary to move the library ladder from one rail to another, it can be secured by a hook-system. This style of hook-on library ladder is very versatile and can be made to suit a variety of interior styles, from the contemporary through to the more traditional.

Rolling Library Ladders

We also produce rolling library ladders, which move on small, or large wheels/castors, called ‘carriages’. This system is ideal when you don’t need to move the ladder from one rail to another. Ladders that work with carriages can be designed with a retractable mechanism enabling them to be stored away in an upright position when not in use – perfect when space is at a premium!

Traditional Library Ladders

We have incorporated library ladders into an array of beautiful spaces, including grand living rooms, narrow hallways, studies, libraries and increasingly in dressing rooms, as well as a range of retail environments.

Metal Library Ladder

We work with various metals, in particular with brass, which can be aged and patinated to provide a wide range of finishes, complementary to the chosen style. For more information about the metal finishes available for a metal library ladder, please click here.

Bespoke Design

Through our Bespoke Design Service we produce handmade library ladders for a variety of uses, from private libraries through to hotel & bar design display systems, boutique retail storage and access solutions.