Avid readers and book collectors will be familiar with the challenges of accessing books on the top shelf, perhaps leaving these ones empty or using them for books that are rarely needed.  Not using these shelves can make it hard to keep a proper library system working, and it is a real waste of space, so some people invest in a step ladder or a kik-stool (which are used in public libraries) to reach these high shelves.  A step ladder is a good idea, as it can be used for many other jobs around the home and it can be stored out of the way at the side of a bookshelf when not in use.

Great as a step ladder is, it won’t stop the daydreaming about a fully bespoke library room with built in shelves and a ladder on railings that can be pulled around the room and climbed to access even the highest shelves.  Not many of us will be lucky enough to live in a house with one of these systems in place, or even in a house large enough to install one, but there is now a bookshelf system available that incorporates the ladder in a stylish fashion.

The Huxley’s Ladder Bookshelves were designed by Marc Scime and were inspired by the challenge of attractive and functional book display units and the various solutions for reaching the highest shelves.  The unit features six shelves and is 2.3 metres tall, so there is a definite challenge in reaching those top shelves.  It is 1.8 metres wide and 56cm deep, providing plenty of space for your favourite tomes.  The frame is where the ladder functionality comes in, with two useable ladders on either side of the unit.  The front legs come out a little further than the top, and although it is not designed to be ascended right to the top, being able to climb up at least the first two rungs means easy access to the top shelves without over-reaching.  The spacing of the two ladders means each part of every shelf is within arm’s reach.  This piece of furniture won the 2015/2016 A’ Design award in the furniture category.  It can be used as a standalone unit or combined with one or two more to house a huge book collection and is certainly the answer to the question of finding an attractive yet functional book case.