You've seen them in libraries, homes, lofts, even retail stores — the library style ladder, whether used to scroll by a tall shelf or gently placed as a decorative piece, is a nice addition to a space. I like the idea of having them in wood, or metal and getting creative with the finish. Some people use them as shelves for keepsakes and books, which adds a sense of charm and nostalgia to your wall. Either way, I love the look and I hope it's here to stay.
Images: 1. Casa Sugar, 2. Dwellings, 3. AIA House Tours, 4. Emily Schuman's home, 5. Warren + Mimi's house
The Ultimate Used Furniture Cleaning Kit
Ana Creates a Community at Home
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Z2 iPod Dock and Wi...
Soda Recipe: Homemade Ginger Ale
Recipe: Spring Fruit and Nut Tabouli
Big yes, love it in the kitchen aswell
I love library ladders! The 1st & 3rd are my favorites.
I love the look of the first picture and the idea of having a library ladder in my kitchen (or anywhere) is divine.
However, in real life, if you were actually trying to cook in that kitchen, the ladder would constantly be in the way. It blocks a couple of feet of counterspace, or the doors of the stove or refrigerator. And how often would you actually need the stuff that's up so high? Not often enough to have a ladder you are constantly moving around.
Though maybe there's a place we can't see where it tucks away nicely.
That ladder in the kitchen is like too many cooks in the kitchen.
tallsarah..haha, i agree...it would be so annoying to have that in any kitchen..large or small..
I agree - not so much in the kitchen.
Though, I have a detached log cabin studio in my backyard that has a cute loft and I would looooove it for that!
Whoa......that kitchen ladder smacks of a designer or owner who went a bit TOO far. It would last about two hours before being taken out to the garage.
Oh, if only my ceilings were higher in my rental. I've always loved the idea....
I agree that the ladder in the kitchen would get in the way, but I have a feeling that it's not a permanent fixture. These types of ladders can be removed and stored elsewhere. The cabinets up there obviously aren't for storing everyday items, so it makes sense that the ladder would be removable since it's not always needed. I wouldn't be surprised if there were a tall, thin closet for storing the ladder itself. You can see that there is another rail above the wall with the refrigerator, so they would most likely have to move the ladder over there.
I have to agree with Dulcibella; pretty, but annoying in the kitchen.
I agree that these are attractive but not really practical.
I have to believe that there is a skinny cabinet for storing this...you wouldn't install a high-end kitchen with a ladder rail and then omit this detail.
The ladder probably folds up like an attic ladder. Then, you stand on another ladder and tuck the folded ladder into the upper cabinet.
@todd vanderbilt
... you were joking, right?
that kitchen is beautiful! i would wager that the ladder's home is somewhere off view of this photo. you can see that the railing continues on and i would expect that there might be a cmall unused portion where it can stand out of the way (at least, that's what i would do). i also didn't realize that second image was a kitchen too. what a funny little space. :)
I love the ladder in the kitchen. I just wrote a post titled 25 Inspirational Home Library Ideas which includes a cool video slide show.