So you got yourself a blanket ladder (or you’re eyeing one), and now you’re wondering… what do I actually do with it? Same. I got one too, thinking it would make my space feel more styled and organized—but at some point, I had so many towels hanging on it, you couldn’t even see the ladder anymore. Instead of looking cute and intentional, it just looked… messy. So I decided to turn it into a little project and figure out how to decorate it in a way that actually looks chic, cozy, and put-together. Here’s what I found—15 easy, stylish ways to decorate your blanket ladder and make it feel like part of the room (not just a place to dump throws).
And remember, you can change the designs every month, and play with it!
15 Ways to Decorate Your Blanket Ladder
1. Start Fresh and Layer Different Textures
First things first, before you start styling, clear off everything that’s been hanging on your ladder. If you’re like me, you’ve probably got random towels, blankets, maybe even a rogue hoodie tossed over it. Take it all off and give yourself a blank canvas. Sometimes a minimal look is actually way more impactful than trying to load it up with stuff. Once it’s clear, try layering just two or three pieces with different textures. I love mixing a chunky knit throw like this one with something lighter like cotton or linen. It adds depth without feeling cluttered, and suddenly your ladder looks like it belongs in a magazine.
2. Add a Greenery Touch
At one point I realized my ladder needed something that wasn’t fabric, and faux eucalyptus was it. Just drape a garland like this one across a few rungs, and boom, instant warmth. Want something fuller? This bundle is perfect to work with, so you can even wrap it around the whole thing if you’re feeling extra.
3. Incorporate a Seasonal Throw
Here’s a fun way to keep your space feeling fresh without doing much at all. Just swap out one blanket each season. I do plaid for fall, faux fur in winter, and something pastel or gauzy in spring. That one change totally shifts the vibe, and it’s super low effort. You can also use it to hang holiday accessories and decor—it’s such a fun way to bring in seasonal vibes and make your home feel extra festive..
4. Hang a Woven Basket or Bag
Okay, this might be my sneaky favorite styling hack. I grabbed a little S-hook (like this one from Amazon) and hung a woven basket like this one off the side of my ladder. Filled it with dried flowers once, magazines another time… you get the idea. It’s so cute, super functional, and adds texture without being too busy.
Related: 16 Minimalist Small Studio Apartment Decor Ideas
5. Use It as a Towel Rack
Another great way to use this ladder is in the bathroom, this is such a good move. Fold up a few pretty hand towels or drape your fluffiest spa-like bath towels and boom, instant hotel vibes. It’s functional but still looks styled, which is exactly the balance I’m always going for. Bonus points if your towels match the rest of the bathroom decor lol.
6. Create a Color Story
This is one of those styling tricks that makes everything look way more put together with almost zero effort. Just stick to one color palette, like warm neutrals, soft earth tones, or even moody blues, and mix textures within that range. It keeps your ladder from looking random and turns it into a real design moment.
7. Add a String of Fairy Lights
Want to make your ladder look extra cozy? Fairy lights will do the work! Just wrap a set of battery-powered fairy lights around it. It’s such an easy way to bring in that warm, glowy feel, especially at night. I like using these mini LED lights because they’re flexible, subtle, and don’t look tacky.
8. Mix in a Small Sign or Art Piece
You don’t have to stick to just blankets. I’ve leaned a small framed print or even hung a little wood sign from one of the rungs, and it adds so much personality. Go with something seasonal or cute, like a simple quote or word art. It makes your ladder feel more styled and less like a storage spot. Here is another cool example:
9. Use It for Scarves or Hats
Yes, blanket ladders are cute in the bedroom or bathroom, but you can also use them in the entryway. One of my friends started hanging a few scarves and hats on her ladder, and it instantly turned into one of the most functional (and prettiest) things in her apartment. It’s perfect for wide-brim hats, cozy scarves, even a belt or two. Super easy, super stylish, zero clutter.
Related: 31 Funny Apartment Decor Ideas That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud
10. Showcase Different Fold Styles
This sounds small, but it makes a huge difference! Play around with how you fold your throws. Mix in a triangle drape, one casually tossed over a rung, and maybe even roll one up. It breaks up the lines and gives your ladder that “effortlessly styled” look, like it just happened to turn out perfectly.
11. Hang a Macramé Wall Piece or Plant Holder
If you’re into that cozy-boho aesthetic (same), try hanging a little macramé piece on one of the rungs. You can use a mini wall hanging, a plant holder, or even one of those cute loop-style macramé pockets. It adds texture, fills in empty space, and gives your ladder that handmade, lived-in feel without going overboard. Etsy has tons, or you can find something like this one on Amazon or just make your own!
12. Style with a Hanging Candle Holder
Okay, this one’s more for the mood lighting lovers, clip on a little lantern or hang a battery-powered candle holder from one of the rungs. It gives off the prettiest glow at night and totally changes the vibe of the room. Just make sure it’s flameless (obviously), but bonus if it has a timer so you don’t even have to think about it.
13. Use It in the Kitchen with Hanging Baskets
Yep, blanket ladders can totally work in the kitchen too. Grab a few hanging baskets and hook them onto the rungs to create the cutest little produce station. I like to fill mine with lemons, garlic, or even some fresh herbs, super practical and it gives your kitchen that cozy, farmhouse feel. Plus, it frees up counter space, which is always a win. Try something like these wire baskets that clip on easily and still look stylish.
14. Make It Kid-Friendly
If your blanket ladder lives in a nursery or playroom, don’t be afraid to make it fun. Hang a soft toy bag from the bottom rung or clip on a cute stuffed animal. It keeps the space playful but still organized, and honestly, it’s just really cute. My kid now thinks the ladder is his “toy tree,” and I’m okay with that.
Related: 14 Parisian Apartment Decor Ideas to Create Your Dream Home
15. Use It to Store and Show Off Your Heels
Who says blanket ladders are just for throws? If you’ve got a cute heel collection, show it off! Drape the straps or back of your heels over the rungs and turn your ladder into a mini shoe display. It’s perfect for bedrooms or closets and honestly makes your shoes feel like decor. Plus, you’ll actually remember to wear them when they’re not buried in a box somewhere.
Final Thoughts,
So yeah, your blanket ladder can do way more than just hold a couple of folded throws. Whether you’re going full-on cozy, adding a pop of greenery, or turning it into a mini shoe rack (yes, really), there’s no wrong way to style it. Play around, switch things up with the seasons, and make it work for your space. It’s one of those small decor pieces that can totally level up a room, without a ton of effort.
