A blanket ladder is a functional yet stylish way to store and display your cozy throws. It’s the perfect addition to any living room, bedroom, or even bathroom, bringing warmth and charm to your space. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional carpenter to make one! With a few simple tools and materials, you can create a DIY blanket ladder in just one afternoon.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a cozy blanket ladder that’s easy, affordable, and completely customizable.
1. Gather Your Materials and Tools
Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials and tools to save time and keep the process smooth.
Materials:
- 2 wooden boards (6–7 feet long, about 2 inches wide) for the side rails.
- 4–5 wooden dowels or shorter boards (about 18–20 inches long) for the rungs.
- Wood screws (about 2 inches long).
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit).
- Stain or paint (optional).
- Wood glue (optional, for added stability).
Tools:
- Measuring tape.
- Saw (hand saw, miter saw, or circular saw).
- Drill and drill bits.
- Screwdriver or power drill with screwdriver bit.
- Clamps (optional, but helpful for assembly).
- Paintbrush or clean cloth for stain/paint application.
Why It Works:
These simple materials are affordable and easy to find at any hardware store, making this a beginner-friendly project.
Pro Tip:
Check for scrap wood at home or at local lumber yards to save money on materials.
2. Decide on the Ladder Dimensions
Your blanket ladder’s size will depend on your space and personal preferences. A standard ladder height is 6 feet, but you can adjust it based on your needs.
How to Determine the Dimensions:
- Height: 6–7 feet works well for most spaces, but you can go shorter for compact areas.
- Width: 18–20 inches is ideal for holding blankets without taking up too much space.
- Rung Spacing: Place the rungs 12–15 inches apart for even spacing and functionality.
Why It Works:
Carefully planning the dimensions ensures your ladder is practical and fits your space perfectly.
Pro Tip:
If you’re making the ladder for kids’ rooms or narrow spaces, consider scaling it down to 4–5 feet in height.
3. Cut and Prepare the Wood
Once you’ve finalized the dimensions, it’s time to cut the wood to size and prepare it for assembly.
Steps to Prep the Wood:
- Cut the Side Rails: Measure and cut the two longer boards to the desired height (e.g., 6 feet).
- Cut the Rungs: Cut 4–5 pieces of wood or dowels to the desired width (e.g., 18–20 inches).
- Sand the Wood: Use 120-grit sandpaper to smooth rough edges and surfaces. Follow up with 220-grit sandpaper for a polished finish.
Why It Works:
Prepping the wood ensures a clean, professional look and prevents splinters.
Pro Tip:
Round the edges of the rungs slightly for a softer, more finished look.
4. Drill Holes for the Rungs
To secure the rungs, you’ll need to drill evenly spaced holes into the side rails.
How to Drill Holes:
- Mark where each rung will be placed (e.g., 12–15 inches apart).
- Use a measuring tape to ensure the marks are evenly spaced and aligned on both side rails.
- Drill holes about ½ inch deep into the side rails at each mark. Make sure the holes are slightly smaller than the screws for a tight fit.
Why It Works:
Pre-drilling holes ensures accuracy and prevents the wood from splitting during assembly.
Pro Tip:
Use clamps to hold the wood steady while drilling for better precision.
5. Assemble the Ladder
Now that your wood is prepped and drilled, it’s time to put everything together.
How to Assemble the Ladder:
- Apply wood glue to the ends of the rungs (optional for extra stability).
- Place each rung into its corresponding hole on one side rail.
- Attach the second side rail, aligning it with the rungs.
- Secure the rungs with screws using a drill or screwdriver. Screw from the outside of the side rails into the ends of the rungs.
- Tighten all screws to ensure the ladder is sturdy.
Why It Works:
Careful assembly ensures your ladder is stable and strong enough to hold blankets.
Pro Tip:
Check for level alignment as you assemble to avoid a crooked ladder.
6. Sand Again for a Smooth Finish
Once assembled, give the entire ladder a final sanding to smooth out any rough edges or uneven joints.
How to Finish Sanding:
- Focus on the areas where the side rails and rungs meet to ensure a seamless connection.
- Lightly sand the entire ladder with fine-grit sandpaper for a uniform finish.
Why It Works:
A smooth finish makes the ladder more polished and safe to handle, especially if it will be used frequently.
Pro Tip:
Wipe down the ladder with a damp cloth after sanding to remove dust before applying any stain or paint.
7. Stain or Paint the Ladder
Customize your ladder to match your decor by staining or painting it. This step adds personality and protects the wood.
How to Stain or Paint:
- Apply wood stain with a clean cloth or paintbrush, working in the direction of the grain. Wipe off excess stain for a natural look.
- If painting, use a primer first, then apply 2–3 coats of paint for even coverage.
- Let the ladder dry completely before using it (about 24 hours for stain or paint).
Why It Works:
Staining or painting gives the ladder a finished, professional appearance that matches your style.
Pro Tip:
For a rustic look, lightly distress the paint with sandpaper after it dries.
8. Add Non-Slip Pads or Feet
To protect your floors and prevent slipping, attach rubber pads or felt feet to the bottom of the ladder.
How to Add Feet:
- Cut rubber pads or felt to size and attach them to the bottom of the side rails with adhesive.
- Alternatively, use pre-made stick-on furniture pads for convenience.
Why It Works:
Non-slip pads keep the ladder stable and prevent scratches on your floors.
Pro Tip:
If the ladder is going on carpet, skip this step, as the carpet provides enough friction.
9. Style Your Ladder with Blankets
Now comes the fun part—decorating your cozy blanket ladder!
How to Style:
- Drape throws and blankets neatly over each rung.
- Mix textures, like chunky knits, fleece, or cotton, for visual interest.
- Use the top rung to hang a small decorative sign or greenery, such as eucalyptus.
Why It Works:
Styling the ladder makes it both functional and decorative, enhancing the coziness of your space.
Pro Tip:
Stick to 2–3 blankets to keep the ladder looking tidy and uncluttered.
FAQs
1. How tall should a blanket ladder be?
A 6-foot ladder is standard, but you can adjust the height to fit your space. Shorter ladders (4–5 feet) work well in small rooms.
2. What type of wood is best for a blanket ladder?
Pine is affordable and lightweight, while oak or maple offers more durability and a polished finish.
3. Do I need power tools to make a blanket ladder?
Power tools like a drill and saw speed up the process, but you can use hand tools if needed.
4. Can I make a blanket ladder without screws?
Yes, you can use wood glue and nails, but screws provide better stability and durability.
5. How much does it cost to make a DIY blanket ladder?
Depending on materials, costs range from $20–$50, making it an affordable project.
6. How do I keep my ladder stable against the wall?
Ensure the bottom is at an angle (about 15–20 degrees) and use non-slip pads to keep it secure.
7. Can I use a blanket ladder for other purposes?
Yes! Use it to store towels in the bathroom, magazines in the living room, or even string lights for decor.
8. Do I need to seal the ladder after staining?
Sealing with polyurethane or clear wax protects the finish and enhances durability, especially for high-use areas.
9. Can I customize the ladder’s width?
Absolutely! Adjust the width to fit your available space or the size of your blankets.
10. How long will it take to make a blanket ladder?
This project can easily be completed in 3–4 hours, making it a perfect afternoon DIY task.
With these steps and tips, you’ll have a cozy, stylish blanket ladder that’s both functional and decorative. It’s a simple project that adds warmth and personality to any room!