atla-080808-ladder01.jpgATLA reader Carmen writes,

"I saw this picture online and I'd like to try it using a wooden ladder instead of the stainless rungs. I thought that would be easier to recreate in my rental. But I think I've set myself up for failure -- all the ladders I've found online are either too new or too short! I'd like to find a 9 foot tall non-ugly wooden ladder, that leans against the wall - like something you'd find in an old farmhouse. Do you have any thoughts where someone might find something like that?"

(Note: Include pic of your problem and your question gets posted first) Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: LA(at)ApartmentTherapy(dot)com. Link to All Good Questions

We did find one source for wooden ladders, Rustic Garden, which actually cuts down old farm ladders. They would be great, as Carmen suggested, as towel racks in the bathroom but they can also be repurposed in a myriad of other ways: as a overhead pot rack in the kitchen for example. In the bedroom, they can double as headboards or, suspended over your bed, as a unique framework for a canopy. Drape current magazines or books over their rungs or, when the weather turns chilly, use them to hold blankets and quilts. Just don't use them to climb on unless you have them reinforced by your local carpenter. You might fall! Does anyone else have any suggestions for Carmen?

[image via Living, Etc.]