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Marie Antoinette's Ottoman Ladder!

stair-in-ottoman.jpg

We've mentioned before how much we like dual-function furniture, like the chair with a drawer we recently blogged. So imagine our surprise when we spotted this snazzy ladder tucked inside an ottoman...

 
 

We spotted this hybrid masterpiece on Treehugger. It lived in Marie Antoinette's château, Petit Trianon, and appears to have been used in the library. Granted most of us don't have libraries but wouldn't this be a delightful addition if we did...


Tags

inspiration, history, seating - benches & stools

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Comments (11)

I love the history surrounding Versailles and Petit Trianon! For my own apartment, I take some of my charm cues specifically from Marie Antoinette! I love this ladder. I wonder where I could find a replica.

posted by LadyDesign on July 8th 2009 at 2:17pm
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cute, a great idea, but how sturdy does that thing look? Much like a Kartell dining chair, it likely is more for looks than actual use.

posted by modern on long island on July 8th 2009 at 2:30pm
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I love library ladders of this kind precisely because they are ALL an accident waiting to happen... they wake us up to to the dangers of desire and curiosity in a domestic setting

posted by Philip_Littell on July 8th 2009 at 2:32pm
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nah i think it totally looks as sturdy as my utility step ladders! and far better looking. i wuv it.

posted by NorNor on July 8th 2009 at 2:36pm
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...and Marie must have been teeny tiny to step upon that.

posted by muirwoods08 on July 8th 2009 at 2:40pm
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i great idea.....is very functional and beautiful else

posted by bizaca on July 8th 2009 at 2:46pm
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@muirwoods--

She was 5'7 before her beheading...
...and she was considered tall for her times.

posted by bepsf on July 8th 2009 at 2:48pm
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Library ladder chairs are easier to use, and very steady. I can reach that extra shelf easily.
Examples:
http://jpeterman.com/product~cat~120207~sku~DFN%202122.asp
http://www.onewayfurniture.com/ms-c155.html

posted by m_j_s on July 8th 2009 at 3:21pm
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@bepsf ~ Ah...but does that include la coiffure?
But thanks for that info. Too bad she couldn't have kept a lower profile.

posted by muirwoods08 on July 8th 2009 at 4:02pm
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I like it---and I'd buy one. But to me, it seems a little TALL for an ottoman. But likely MA had it custom measured to fit her.

posted by SunnyBlue on July 8th 2009 at 4:03pm
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Nice. I knew some rather upper crust Brits who have something similar for climbing into their really tall four poster bed.

posted by Charlotte on July 8th 2009 at 6:11pm
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