I think it is a fabulous idea if the interior of the closet allowed it. AND if what is up high will be accessed regularly. Otherwise, it would be in the way, I think, of the lower cabinets/drawers/shelves you were wanting to get at.

We have 10ft ceilig in our master closet. The stock mdf cabinets and shelves the builder put in, did not utilize the space at all. This past summer, we tore it all out and had a custom cabinet man do our built-ins. Having most of it done in solid ash with the shelves mdf with an ash veneer was less than half what two closet system people quoted for white melamine, with not as many drawers.

For a while, I wished that I had some type of ladder system in there, as I was using the step stool a lot. Then, I realized, I was using it just to put things back or find a place for in the new closet. Those things high up are not regularly accessed, and when they are, I take out the step stool (I did buy one just for the closet) and get what I need.

I should explain a little better. It would probably be considered a built in wardrobe, not a closet. Perhaps some pictures might help explain better.

These are cupboards that are built in our laundry/mud room and the wardrobe would be somewhat similar in appearance.

This is my inspiration for the bedroom storage.

This is the wall where the wardrobe would be built. Not sure if we should/would build over the bathroom door or not.

Forgot to add, we would be moving the bed to the other end of the room. :-)

Love the idea! I had actually shopped these library ladders a lot bc we needed one in our kids room to access a little play loft space we carved out over the closet in their bedroom. I found that they were super expensive! I eventually had my FIL just make one for me.

My old house have 12 ft ceilings downstairs, including the master closet. What a PITA! And like you, I thought of the rolling library ladder solution. Aren't they gorgeous?

But like Gobruno, I found they were super expensive...

What I ended up with and would recommend you look into is called a 'Retrieval Pole' and it's used in retail stores to load/unload clothes from high hanging rods. It's a $6 solution to the problem. You can find them online, or in any store that sells 'retail fixtures'.

Here is a link that might be useful: Retrieval Pole

Another option would be pull down closet rods.

Here is a link that might be useful: pull down rod

Love the idea! I think the built out closets are so much in keeping with your lovely home, and I think that the rolling ladder would be fabulous.
Now that my arthritis is getting worse, I think I would want one with a handrail! LOL

Since several of you mentioned the cost of the ladder I did some further investigation on-line last night. Looks like the ladder is not in our budget. I also looked at just the hardware kits and that is a possibility if I can get DH to agree to build the ladder.

I showed the picture to DH and he too thinks the built out close will work in that room. So hoping that after the holidays it will be a project we will work on.

Thanks everyone for your input.

lovely inspiration pics, and i think the built-ins will look great in your room.
i'm doing a similar built-in closet in my mstr bdrm, though my ceilings are cathedral and i have a window 8" from the corner to contend with.
i like the library ladder, wonder if they make one which goes around a corner...

I love the look of a ladder. Here is one in a kitchen, one of my favorites rooms.

Jane

{{!gwi}}