This small detail helped make so much more of my tiny kitchen – how a humble ladder transformed the way I use my space

Coming in at 5’2”, much of my kitchen revolves around what I can – and can’t – reach. I’m forever enlisting friends and family to help retrieve items, meaning a good portion of my already quite small kitchen lies underutilized, appliances exiled to the backs of cabinets and forgotten.

In any well-designed kitchen, smart kitchen storage ideas are a priority, but achieving them is often easier said than done. Even if you’re of average height, chances are there are a few areas that are beyond reach, and most of us are probably wasting all that high-up cabinet space. These areas are so underutilized, home to appliances we never use, and the mountain of plastic containers we never reach for.

Thankfully, I recently found a really easy, on-trend solution – a sleek, chic ladder. Here’s why it changed my kitchen (and cooking) for the better.

I had always loved the look of kitchen ladders long before I ever took the plunge and purchased one. Growing up, the allure was irresistible; all that elegance and drama, gliding from shelf to shelf like something out of a storybook. Today, as we lean into creating spaces that feel layered and considered, the humble kitchen ladder lends an undeniable intellectual flair.

'We’ve seen a huge rise in demand for rolling ladders in kitchens and it’s easy to see why,' says Jessica Davis, Managing Director of The Library Ladder Company. 'They combine timeless, characterful design with everyday functionality, allowing homeowners to make full use of tall cabinetry and maximize vertical space. As more people embrace full-height storage, ladders have become not just practical, but a standout design feature that adds elegance and sparks conversation.'

Despite their scholarly roots, kitchen ladders needn’t feel austere; in fact, in my space it has given more of a modern rustic kitchen feel.

You can embrace bold hues and striking materials to bring a sense of playfulness too. 'Library ladders add an element of fun to the kitchen, and it’s a focal point that’s sure to grab the attention of guests. It’s also practical, and particularly useful for rooms with high ceilings containing cupboards or shelves in hard-to-reach places,' explains Lizzie Spinks, head of design at bespoke kitchen company Makers.

I drew inspiration from the Makers kitchen above, where a solid walnut library ladder pairs with apothecary-style drawers for a look that feels both elevated and timeless.

'It’s a unique reinterpretation of a traditional kitchen with a fresh and modern feel,' Lizzie says. The inclusion of a ladder draws the eye upward, accentuating the ceiling height – a clever way to make a small kitchen look bigger.

Today, you can take your pick of some of the most beautiful kitchen library ladders available. You might opt for an antique design with polished brass carriages and castor feet, an artistically white-washed number, or a striking statement in solid stainless steel. Whatever your style, there’s a kitchen ladder to match. Personally, I prefer mine on the romantic side, full of rich oak tones and timeless details.

For me, it proved an amazing small kitchen storage idea, a real game changer. Now I find myself reaching for bulky appliances like the pasta roller and food processor more often, knowing they’re within easy reach. It's a finishing touch I truly can’t imagine my kitchen without.

Practical yet undeniably elegant, a kitchen ladder has become a must-have feature, a true marriage of form and function. Since adding one to my own home, the entire kitchen feels more considered and complete.

As kitchen libraries grow in popularity – cozy corners dedicated to curated cookbook collections and artful displays – the kitchen ladder feels like a natural extension of this warm, academic aesthetic. It’s a small addition that makes a transformative difference, both in style and in everyday usability.