Easy $15 DIY Wooden Blanket Ladder
Make this farmhouse style DIY Wooden Blanket Ladder for about $10…and in less than an hour!
Wooden blanket ladders are full of farmhouse charm, but they can be utilized in other decorating styles as well, make them really versatile. I love them as decor, and store blankets–they’re adorable and functional. For about $10, this super cute ladder works in just about any space–family room, playroom, bedroom, and even the office. With a farmhouse aesthetic, plus adding functional blanket storage, it’s a fun weekend project you’ll love.
We have a lot of windows in our family room. They go all the way around the room, except where the fireplace goes, leaving me very little wall space. I adore all the windows and light, but it does limit me when it comes to decor. Something for the corner, between the windows was what I was looking for. This space inspired me to build a wooden ladder, and since then I’ve had one in many other spaces in my home. They just add a coziness that I love, and infuse a warmth wherever they are. Maybe it’s also the blankets that go on them that add to that feel!
Beat the price…make your own wooden blanket ladder!
I’ve seen plenty of blanket ladders I really liked, and some I even loved, but I just could not bring myself to pay $40-$50 (or more) for one. If you’ve also searched around to buy a wooden blanket ladder, you know they can be really pricey. I knew that I could make my own for much cheaper, so I did! It’s an hour (or less) project, and you can make one for around $15. It actually cost me less than that, because we already had the screws–but it was around $9 in wood. You really can’t beat that! It makes me want one in every single room of my house.
For the design, I like a chunkier look, so I used 2×4 posts, instead of thinner wood. I’ve also seen some ladders with slanted rungs, but I prefer them straight. It’s definitely a matter of preference, and you can substitute out the 2x4s if you’re going for a more delicate look.
DIY Wooden Blanket Ladder Tutorial
Supplies:
(Affiliate links included below. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
P.S. The wreath is from Amazon (similar), and the blanket is from Target!
Directions:
First you need to decide how tall and how wide you want your ladder to be. That’s another great thing about making your own…you can build it the perfect size for your space! Once you’ve decided those two things, you’re ready to cut the wood to size. My ladder is 6 feet tall, 18 inches wide, and about 12 inches between the rungs.
Once your wood is cut, lay out the ladder on your work surface, and get your drill and screws ready. Measure your ladder, and mark where your rungs need to go. Use clamps to keep your rungs in place as you drill in the screws.
Use a drill and 3 inch deck screws (2 per rung, per side) to attach the rungs to the sides. Repeat for each rung. No wood glue was used, because it wasn’t needed.
Add a slight angle (20% degree angles) at the top of each piece of wood, so it will rest easily against the wall. I added felt pads as well, so they wouldn’t scuff my wall.
Sand the ladder with a medium grit sandpaper, then wipe off any excess dust. Stain or paint as desired. I like Minwax brand, and for this ladder, used a combo of dark walnut stain (my favorite stain) with a bit of gray for good measure! Use lint free rags to make sure you don’t get any little white strands stuck in the wet stain. It’s a good idea to wear gloves, since it’s hard to get the stain off! I also like to sand a bit after I’ve finished staining, to give it more of a rustic and worn look with a little distressing. Sanding and staining are best done outside, or in a workshop. If you’re doing it inside, make sure you have a tarp or plastic on the floor, and open a window for ventilation.
I absolutely love how it turned out, and the fact that it’s so inexpensive just means I can make more! Throw blankets and quilts look so cute on the ladder rungs, but it’s also functional and works for blanket storage as well. If you’re looking for a way to add some farmhouse charm to your home, this darling Wooden Blanket Ladder is a great option. It’s also a perfect beginner project, especially because it can be made in an afternoon.
UPDATE: Four years later, this ladder is still a favorite! I keep it in my family room, with cozy blankets for my kids to use while we’re snuggled up on the couch. Adding wreaths throughout the different seasons has also been so fun, including fall and Christmas. One of my favorite projects!
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Kierste Wade is a published author, blogger, and mom to six. With more than 20 years DIY and project experience, she has been sharing ideas on her blog since 2009. Focusing on simple and doable projects, she loves to share attainable ideas for all things home, holidays, and family. Kierste has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, HGTV, American Farmhouse Magazine (print and online) Taste of Home, Country Living, and more.
