Apartment Therapy Chicago | Good Questions: Pointers for Space-Saving Steps/Ladders?

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Good Questions: Pointers for Space-Saving Steps/Ladders?

Hi AT,
I have been looking around for good small-space solutions for a ladder/staircase leading up to a storage platform or loft bed. That's when I stumbled across this beautiful piece of woodworking.

If you scroll down to the 'Step cabinet Australian silver ash' you'll see a fantastic modern interpretation of a traditional japanese step cabinet - brilliant!

Unfortunately I won't be able to use the idea for my place so would appreciate if you had any good pointers to space-saving but nice-looking steps or ladders.

Cheers from sunny Sydney,
Erika

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first. Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: chicago(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

Dear Erika,

We loved the Japan Woodworking ladder you sent in, and can see issues with it being "space-saving" as it really extends a lot and eats up space (the storage underneath is the real benefit). Here are a few good possibilities for more vertical solutions (although we're not sure what type of ladder your place in Sydney can accomodate):

Built-in ladder from SSBS

Other loft ladder sugggestions (mainly simple, rolling ladders) from AT:NY are here, including many reader suggestions like Dave and Im's ladder from this year's smallest, coolest contest: