How to Make a Blanket Ladder for Only $20!!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO!

Hi lovelies! For those of you who don’t know, I moved to Houston in March of 2018 to start a new job, which means I got my own apartment to DECORATE!!! Little side note about me: I am OBSESSED with decorating and looking at different home styles. HGTV is almost always on in my apartment (seriously, I even leave it on during the day for my cat to watch).

That being said, I’m sure if any of you have ever decorated a living space, you know it can get very expensive very quickly. That was when I really took to DIY projects! They have really helped me save money on making my apartment feel like a home and putting my own touch on things.

That brings me to our DIY project today — A DIY Blanket Ladder!

I needed a place to put my blankets in my living room, but I didn’t really have room for an ottoman. I started looking around at different options and found that blanket ladders were a perfect way to get throw blankets off the back of the couch and also add a rustic touch to a room!

However, when I started shopping for one online, I quickly found out they were INSANELY expensive. Some places were selling these for over $250!! I was shocked. There was no way I could afford that.

So after looking at different styles of blanket ladders (and consulting my dad because I had no idea how to build something like this), I was able to make my own and it turned out GREAT!

And the best part… It only cost me $20 to make!!!

*jaw dropping and applause appreciated, thank you, thank you*

So if you’re ready to save a ton of money and make your own blanket ladder, read on!

Tools Needed

Drill (I tried to do it without one at first… take my word, you really need a drill)

Screwdriver

Cloth (for staining)

Measuring Tape

Materials Needed

2 – 5ft strip boards (2” x 2” x 8’) – I purchased from Hobby Lobby!

4 – 18in strip boards (2” x 2” x 8’) –*Tip: Buy 2 – 8ft strip boards and ask them to cut them to 5 ft. Then ask them to cut both of the 3 ft strips left over in half!*

Wood Stain (½ pint) – I used Minwax Wood Stain in Dark Walnut!

8 – 2½ inch wood screws

Clear coat for stain

Sandpaper

Directions

Step 1: Take your sandpaper and begin sanding the edges and surfaces of the wood pieces to ensure they are smooth (especially the 18’ pieces since these are where your blankets will be hanging).

Step 2: Lay down newspaper to prevent stain transferring to other surfaces. Place wood pieces on newspaper and begin staining using cloth to achieve desired darkness.

Step 3: After stain has dried, take the clear coat and spray over the stained pieces, coating evenly.

Step 4: After clear coat dries, lay out the pieces in a ladder position (see pic). I placed the first 18” strip 18” from the bottom and placed the 3 remaining 18” strips 12” apart after that.

*This should leave a little room at the top so the top blanket will not fall off or rest on the wall.*

Step 5: Drill holes on the outside of the pieces where the screws will go.

*I found it easier to drill the holes on the outside of the 5’ boards first and then drill the holes on the ends of the 18” boards.*

Step 6: Lastly, after pre-drilling the holes, begin screwing in the wood screws on the outside of the 5’ boards to attach the 18” boards for the ladder.