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Folding Library Step

Antique French Provincial Country Oak Wood Folding Library Step Ladder
Antique French Provincial Country Oak Wood Folding Library Step Ladder

Antique French Provincial Country Oak Wood Folding Library Step Ladder

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique French Provincial Country Oak Wood Folding Library Step Ladder. Item features remarkable patina, fold out steps, exposed joinery, solid wood construction, beautiful wood grai...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Industrial Stairs

Materials

Oak

Antique French Provincial Country Oak Wood Folding Library Step Ladder
Antique French Provincial Country Oak Wood Folding Library Step Ladder

Antique French Provincial Country Oak Wood Folding Library Step Ladder

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique French Provincial country oak wood folding library step ladder. Item features remarkable patina, fold out steps, exposed joinery, solid wood construction, beautiful wood grai...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Provincial Ladders

Materials

Wood, Oak

19th Century French Folding Library Step Ladder
19th Century French Folding Library Step Ladder

19th Century French Folding Library Step Ladder

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Handsome late 19th century French country folding library ladder. Featuring a handcrafted design with seven rungs or steps and iron hardware. From an estate in Santa Barbara, CA.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Country Ladders

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Folding Library Step Ladder in Walnut
19th Century French Folding Library Step Ladder in Walnut

19th Century French Folding Library Step Ladder in Walnut

$2,010

H 52.37 in W 22.45 in D 33.47 in

19th Century French Folding Library Step Ladder in Walnut

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This elegant French folding ladder, crafted in walnut and dating from the late 19th century, is a rare piece that combines practicality with refined craftsmanship. Featuring six step...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Ladders

Materials

Walnut

Recent Sales

Antique English Folding Library Step Ladder, 1880s
Antique English Folding Library Step Ladder, 1880s

Antique English Folding Library Step Ladder, 1880s

Located in Ventura, CA

Antique English Folding Library Step Ladder, 1800s adorned with aged iron hardware.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Iron

English Folding Library Step Ladder of Mahogany and Brass from the Edwardian Era
English Folding Library Step Ladder of Mahogany and Brass from the Edwardian Era

English Folding Library Step Ladder of Mahogany and Brass from the Edwardian Era

Located in Austin, TX

A fine period English folding library step ladder (or library steps) of mahogany with brass hardware and hook (for closed or stowaway position) from the Edwardian Era.

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Ladders

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th Century French Country Carved Pine Folding Library Step Ladder
19th Century French Country Carved Pine Folding Library Step Ladder

19th Century French Country Carved Pine Folding Library Step Ladder

Located in Dallas, TX

Decorate a study or a library with this whimsical antique ladder. Crafted in Lyon, France circa 1880 and made of pine, the sturdy step ladder features six steps including a wider and...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Country Ladders

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century French Country Carved Pine Folding Library Step Ladder
Early 20th Century French Country Carved Pine Folding Library Step Ladder

Early 20th Century French Country Carved Pine Folding Library Step Ladder

Located in Dallas, TX

Practical and useful, the rustic ladder can be put away by folding the bracket with straps at the bottom. The small ladder is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, an...

Category

Early 20th Century French Rustic Ladders

Materials

Pine

Early 20th Century French Country Carved Pine Folding Library Step Ladder
Early 20th Century French Country Carved Pine Folding Library Step Ladder

Early 20th Century French Country Carved Pine Folding Library Step Ladder

Located in Dallas, TX

Made of pine, the sturdy step ladder features five steps including a wider and deeper step at the top.

Category

Early 20th Century French Rustic Ladders

Materials

Pine

19th Century English Victorian Carved Pine and Iron Folding Library Step Ladder
19th Century English Victorian Carved Pine and Iron Folding Library Step Ladder

19th Century English Victorian Carved Pine and Iron Folding Library Step Ladder

Located in Dallas, TX

Decorate a study or a library with this whimsical antique ladder. Crafted in England circa 1880 and made of pine, the scalloped stairs features six graduated steps to one side and co...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Ladders

Materials

Wrought Iron

Library Step ladder
Library Step ladder

Library Step ladder

Sold

H 36 in W 23 in

Library Step ladder

Located in Danville, CA

FOLDING ENGLISH LIBRARY STEP LADDER CIRCA VERY EARLY 1900

Category

Early 20th Century English Ladders

Materials

Oak

Victorian Walnut Library Step
Victorian Walnut Library Step

Victorian Walnut Library Step

Sold

H 38.5 in W 15.38 in D 22 in

Victorian Walnut Library Step

Located in New Windsor, NY

Elegant Victorian walnut fold out library step. The compact way of getting to those hard to reach books or objects on the highest shelf.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Ladders

Materials

Steel, Iron

VINTAGE HARDWOOD LIBRARY LADDER FOLDING STEP STOOL WiTH TURNED POLE HANDLE
VINTAGE HARDWOOD LIBRARY LADDER FOLDING STEP STOOL WiTH TURNED POLE HANDLE

VINTAGE HARDWOOD LIBRARY LADDER FOLDING STEP STOOL WiTH TURNED POLE HANDLE

Located in Pulborough, GB

Antiques of London A superbly crafted folding mahogany library step ladder, featuring a warm, rich patina and traditional joinery, finished with a striking turned finial pole han...

Category

20th Century British Ladders

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century French Oak Metamorphic Folding Library Ladder or Step Stool
19th Century French Oak Metamorphic Folding Library Ladder or Step Stool

19th Century French Oak Metamorphic Folding Library Ladder or Step Stool

Located in Doylestown, PA

19th century French oak metamorphic library ladder or step stool, France, c. 1890's.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Arts and Crafts Ladders

Materials

Mahogany, Oak

19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Walnut Folding Library Five-Step Ladder
19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Walnut Folding Library Five-Step Ladder

19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Walnut Folding Library Five-Step Ladder

Located in Dallas, TX

Tallest step: 44" from the ground. Measures: 17.5" W x 29" D x 44" H (opened). 17.5" W x 5" D (folded).

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Ladders

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century English Mahogany 4-Step Library Folding Ladder with Brass Hinges
Mid-Century English Mahogany 4-Step Library Folding Ladder with Brass Hinges

Mid-Century English Mahogany 4-Step Library Folding Ladder with Brass Hinges

Located in Dallas, TX

The tallest step rises to 31.5 inches from the floor, offering excellent height for reaching tall bookcases, upper cabinetry, or display shelves in a study, library, or living space.

Category

Mid-20th Century English Ladders

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-19th Century French Carved Oak and Iron Seven-Step Folding Library Ladder
Mid-19th Century French Carved Oak and Iron Seven-Step Folding Library Ladder

Mid-19th Century French Carved Oak and Iron Seven-Step Folding Library Ladder

Located in Dallas, TX

This elegant antique step ladder was created in France, circa 1870. Made of solid oak with folding iron mechanism, the sturdy ladder features seven steps ending with top handle.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Rustic Ladders

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century English Mahogany Folding Library Steps with Brass Hinges
Mid-Century English Mahogany Folding Library Steps with Brass Hinges

Mid-Century English Mahogany Folding Library Steps with Brass Hinges

Located in Dallas, TX

This elegant six-step folding library ladder was crafted in England circa 1970 and showcases the functional artistry of mid-century design.

Category

Mid-20th Century English Regency Revival Ladders

Materials

Brass

Library Chair
Library Chair

Library Chair

Sold

H 36 in W 17 in D 18 in

Library Chair

Located in Napa, CA

Vintage library chair that folds into step ladder.

Category

20th Century Stools

Materials

Metal

Antique English Folding Library Step Ladder, 1880s
Antique English Folding Library Step Ladder, 1880s

Antique English Folding Library Step Ladder, 1880s

Located in Ventura, CA

Antique English Folding Library Step Ladder, 1800s adorned with aged iron hardware.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Iron

19th Century Pair of French Folding Library Step Ladders
19th Century Pair of French Folding Library Step Ladders

19th Century Pair of French Folding Library Step Ladders

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Handsome pair of late 19th century French country folding library ladders. Featuring a handcrafted design with seven rungs or steps and iron hardware. From an estate in Santa Barbara...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Country Ladders

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century French Beech and Leather Metamorphic Folding Library Step Ladder
Mid-Century French Beech and Leather Metamorphic Folding Library Step Ladder

Mid-Century French Beech and Leather Metamorphic Folding Library Step Ladder

Located in Dallas, TX

Decorate a library or study with this elegant vintage chair/folding step ladder.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis Philippe Ladders

Materials

Beech, Leather

19th Century French Carved Walnut and Iron Folding Library Step Ladder
19th Century French Carved Walnut and Iron Folding Library Step Ladder

19th Century French Carved Walnut and Iron Folding Library Step Ladder

Located in Dallas, TX

Decorate a study or a library with this whimsical antique ladder. Crafted in Lyon, France circa 1880 and made of walnut, the scalloped stairs features six graduated steps to one side...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Ladders

Materials

Iron

Mid-19th Century French Carved Oak and Iron Two-Side Folding Library Step Ladder
Mid-19th Century French Carved Oak and Iron Two-Side Folding Library Step Ladder

Mid-19th Century French Carved Oak and Iron Two-Side Folding Library Step Ladder

Located in Dallas, TX

This elegant antique step ladder was created in France, circa 1850. Made of solid oak and folding iron mechanism, the sturdy ladder features four steps on both sides and a flat joine...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Rustic Ladders

Materials

Oak

Midcentury Italian Carved Walnut Wood and Leather Foldable 3-Step Library Ladder
Midcentury Italian Carved Walnut Wood and Leather Foldable 3-Step Library Ladder

Midcentury Italian Carved Walnut Wood and Leather Foldable 3-Step Library Ladder

Located in Carimate, Como

Beautiful Italian carved walnut wood foldable step ladder with three stairs with great twisted turned legs.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ladders

Materials

Leather, Wood

19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Walnut Folding Library Six-Step Ladder
19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Walnut Folding Library Six-Step Ladder

19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Walnut Folding Library Six-Step Ladder

Located in Dallas, TX

Tallest step: 52" from the ground. Measures: 18" W x 5" D x 54" H (folded) 18" W x 34" D x 52" H (opened).  

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Ladders

Materials

Walnut

19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Walnut Folding Library Six-Step Ladder
19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Walnut Folding Library Six-Step Ladder

19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Walnut Folding Library Six-Step Ladder

Located in Dallas, TX

Tallest step: 57.5" from the ground. Measures: 18" W x 5" D x 54" H (folded) 18"W x 26.75"D x 57.5"H (opened).     

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Ladders

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Walnut Folding Library Six-Step Ladder
19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Walnut Folding Library Six-Step Ladder

19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Walnut Folding Library Six-Step Ladder

Located in Dallas, TX

The elegant Napoleon III step ladder is in excellent condition with a rich walnut patina and wonderful character; place this whimsical antique ladder in a study or library to access ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Ladders

Materials

Iron

Folding Library Ladder
Folding Library Ladder

Folding Library Ladder

Located in Wainscott, NY

Unusual 4 Step Folding Library Ladder, Brass Hinges

Category

20th Century Ladders

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By DBO Home

Located in Sharon, CT

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'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
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'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö

By Örsjö Industri AB

Located in Glendale, CA

'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...

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New Black Wrought Iron Curule Bench with Cushion, Savonarola, Throne
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New Black Wrought Iron Curule Bench with Cushion, Savonarola, Throne

Located in Miami, FL

New black wrought iron curule bench with cushion, Savonarola, Throne. Cushion included.

Category

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Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
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Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"

By Bloom Home Inc

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

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Classic Empire Center Table, Oatmeal

$2,820 / item

H 30 in W 42 in D 42 in

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Located in Westwood, NJ

A Classic Empire style grey cerused oak oatmeal stained center table with a carved ogee edge, raised on an octagonal pedestal base. Dimensions: 42" W x 42" D x 30" H. Clearance: 27"

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Center Tables

Materials

Wood

English Metamorphic Library Chair with Steps
English Metamorphic Library Chair with Steps

English Metamorphic Library Chair with Steps

$5,375

H 34.85 in W 21.46 in D 26.38 in

English Metamorphic Library Chair with Steps

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are is delighted to offer for sale this large and collectable vintage metamorphic armchair which converts into Library steps with Berger seat and leather upholstered steps A go...

Category

20th Century English Victorian Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

A Regency style Mahogany library chair /steps.  England
A Regency style Mahogany library chair /steps.  England

A Regency style Mahogany library chair /steps. England

$1,939

H 34.26 in W 20.48 in D 21.66 in

A Regency style Mahogany library chair /steps. England

By Thomas Chippendale

Located in Den Haag, NL

A beautiful Regency style solid Mahogany Library chair/steps . Just folding the Chair open and there are the steps . Green Leather on the steps .The seat is made of Wicker . Good stu...

Category

Vintage 1970s English Regency Ladders

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London
Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London

Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

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Italian Architectural Wall Unit in Walnut
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Italian Architectural Wall Unit in Walnut

$18,400

H 106.3 in W 118.12 in D 25.4 in

Italian Architectural Wall Unit in Walnut

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Wall unit or wardrobe, walnut, Italy, 1970s This striking wall unit from the 1970s reflects a bold modernist approach with an architectural appearance. Crafted from rich walnut, the...

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Authentic Antique Brass Ship’s Ladder from the Late 19th Century
Authentic Antique Brass Ship’s Ladder from the Late 19th Century

Authentic Antique Brass Ship’s Ladder from the Late 19th Century

Located in Hamburg, DE

Step into the past with our authentic antique brass ship’s ladder dating back to the late 19th century. Originally crafted for ship cabins, this meticulously designed ladder seamless...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Belle Époque Ladders

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Brass

French Victorian Walnut Bird cage
French Victorian Walnut Bird cage

French Victorian Walnut Bird cage

$35,000

H 67.5 in W 46.5 in D 22.25 in

French Victorian Walnut Bird cage

Located in Queens, NY

French Victorian style (19/20th Cent) walnut large birdcage with 3 red dome tops having ebonized finials and trimmed with filigree tracery carving. Some decorations broken/missing

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Bird Cages

Materials

Walnut, Wood

6ft Very Tall 19th Century Decorators Ladder  This is a pretty big piece
6ft Very Tall 19th Century Decorators Ladder  This is a pretty big piece

6ft Very Tall 19th Century Decorators Ladder This is a pretty big piece

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

6ft Very Tall 19th Century Decorators Ladder This is a pretty big piece, it would make a superb decorative piece and has the original manufacturer’s label on the back The Ladder...

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Small size oak wood library staircase
Small size oak wood library staircase

Small size oak wood library staircase

$1,052

H 53.94 in W 21.26 in D 24.02 in

Small size oak wood library staircase

Located in MILL, NL

Gave library stairs / stairs. Early 20th century. Made of oak. Solid and sturdy. Dimensions: 54W x 137H x 61D

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Paint Splattered Simplex Safety Step Ladder
Paint Splattered Simplex Safety Step Ladder

Paint Splattered Simplex Safety Step Ladder

By Simplex

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

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1900s French Vintage Artists Painting Ladder / Library Steps / Shop Display
1900s French Vintage Artists Painting Ladder / Library Steps / Shop Display

1900s French Vintage Artists Painting Ladder / Library Steps / Shop Display

$238Sale Price|36% Off

H 40.56 in W 16.54 in D 28.75 in

1900s French Vintage Artists Painting Ladder / Library Steps / Shop Display

Located in Markington, GB

1900s French vintage fruit picking / painting ladder. 1900s French vintage artists painting ladder library steps / shop display This ladder will be great as an vintage library step...

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Metal

Late 19th Century Sculptors or Library Steps
Late 19th Century Sculptors or Library Steps

Late 19th Century Sculptors or Library Steps

$2,953

H 43.31 in W 28.35 in D 44.89 in

Late 19th Century Sculptors or Library Steps

Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex

Large Scale Sculptors or Library Steps. Original castors Late 19th Century Robust and strong. France, Circa 1880.

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Antique Late 19th Century French Ladders

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Oak

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Folding Library Step For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal folding library step for your home. A folding library step — often made from wood, metal and iron — can elevate any home. Your living room may not be complete without a folding library step — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Each folding library step bearing Mid-Century Modern or Victorian hallmarks is very popular.

Finding the Right Ladders for You

Vintage, new and antique ladders are not only a must-have structure designed to safely reach higher places in your kitchen and the rest of your space. A ladder can also be repurposed as a decorative home accent for use in nearly any room in your home.

While the exact date that ladders were invented is unclear, a painting of a crude ladder that is believed to be more than 10,000 years old was uncovered in a cave in Spain.

Ladders have taken on all forms over the years to meet certain needs. Rope ladders have come into use for emergency rescues by air and sea, extendable ladders are still pivotal to the dangerous work that firefighters do daily, and stepladders are a big part of getting you where you need to go at home.

Antique ladders can be found in a variety of styles and materials. You can occasionally find a modest-sized antique stepladder, perhaps designed in the neoclassical style, that may have been for library use and resembles a short staircase with small drawers built into the front and the sides of the steps. On 1stDibs, browse a collection of wood ladders and metal ladders that were crafted in the modern, Georgian, Victorian and other styles.

Decorating with an old farmhouse ladder can give it a new purpose and also breathe a bit of life into a dining room, living room or mudroom. For those drawn to the warmth and coziness that farmhouse-style furniture and decor can bring into a space — which usually refers to an amalgam of other rustically rooted styles, such as cottage, French country and industrial — an antique farmhouse ladder can serve a functional purpose as well as meet your needs to dress up a space with creative flourishes.

Lean your wood ladder up against a wall and use its rungs to display your treasured mid-century modern textiles, rare books or potted plants. Drape your patterned dish towels over the ladder steps for easy access as well as to make sure your towels are clean and dry for the next round of dishes. Get some help to properly suspend your farmhouse ladder from the ceiling above your rustic farm dining table and hang your antique lanterns from its rungs and sides for a welcome experience at mealtime.

On 1stDibs, find an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage ladders today.