When we think about ladders we think about function rather than form.  The purpose of a ladder is to provide access to high up places, so as long as it does the job we're not bothered what it looks like.  Sure, there are many different types of ladder designed for different purposes, but the differences in the construction of the ladder don't have any effect on how it looks – a ladder is a ladder.

People who take a lot of care in their interior decoration may shy away from having a stepladder in the home, as it won't tie in with their aesthetic.  Although most stepladders are lightweight and slim enough that they can be slipped down the side of a kitchen cabinet or dishwasher, in small spaces it can be challenging to find a space to hide your stepladder away, so the design-conscious may not want to ruin their carefully curated interiors with a standard looking set of kitchen steps.

Enter the Lucano step stool, a sleek and modern looking step ladder range which starts with a single step to give you a little boost for those high-up shelves, and ends with a five tread stepladder perfect for interior decorating jobs.  These sleek steps are designed to tie in with modern design trends and with a powder coated finish in a range of colours – you can be sure to find one which will look great in your kitchen or hallway.  The Lucano is made by Japanese company Hasegawa, who also make the Arredamenti ladder chair and other innovative multi-purpose furniture for the minimalist home.  The Lucano is not cheap, we're talking over £200 for the three-tread model, but if the look of your step ladder is really important to you, then this is a good investment. 

Italian based Kartell also makes innovative and modern furniture, and their Tiramisu stepladder looks like something from a sci-fi movie – ideal for futuristic interiors.  The unique construction allows the ladder to fold up to a very slim size and the handrail at the top even works as a hanger, so it can be stored in a cupboard or behind a door.  Instead of two stiles, one on either side, the stiles are actually central; a gap in the centre of each tread accommodates the stiles when folded up.  This is a very new way of building ladders, although it is very similar to the first ladders, which were essentially a tree trunk or branch with footholds carved out on either side rather than the construction we are used to seeing.  Tiramisu may be the name of a popular dessert, but it translates to “lift me up” – the perfect name for a ladder.  The price is high, again over £200 for a three-tread model.

The Flo from Italian company Magis working with designer Marcello Ziliani, is similar in look to the Lucano, but is a little more industrial in its appearance.  The telescopic handrail means the stowed size is as small as it can be, but with the striking look of this stepladder we think it would look great as a talking point with the handrail stowed but the steps set up.  As a piece of interior design this futuristic looking step ladder is ultra-modern but again comes with a hefty price tag.  We think if you're going to spend a lot of money on a stepladder then you want to get your money's worth whether that's through regular use, or by way of it being part of your interior design as a feature.

If the thought of spending £200+ on a stepladder makes you go cold then you'll find a selection of fantastic domestic and professional step ladders and kitchen steps on our website at a price to suit every budget.  With next day delivery and solid manufacturer guarantees you'll definitely get the most bangs for your buck at Midland Ladders.