The following is a guest post from regular contributor, Rachel at Useful Beautiful Home.
Happy winter wonderland wishes! Is everyone surviving polar vortex round two? Last time I was visiting, I talked about organizing an everyday Hot Drink Station HERE to keep warm. Little did I know, my station would be put to good use this past week. Today I’m moving on to how I organize my other best friend(s) this time of year – throw blankets.
A blanket & hot tea were two warm tangibles during those fretful hours. Oh, and the solace of a piece of chocolate or two. Turns out, when you’ve lost contact with your husband during a declared state of emergency, prayer and eating Hershey’s Kisses can be rather comforting.
Back to those blankets, I have several available in the family room but they were driving me crazy when not in use. They always landed on the floor, fell behind the sofa, or crumpled underneath our dog (she’s really good about finding abandoned blankets and making them her own).
I wanted to keep the blankets off the floor and an upright blanket ladder seemed like the best way to accomplish this. I knew my family wouldn’t be diligent in folding and then putting our cozies away in a blanket basket. But, I had a hunch they would be more likely to fling them over a ladder rung, and I was right! Even our preschooler easily hangs her little snowman blanket, which means my ladder also incorporates a little kiddie organizing independence.
I was so excited to get our blankets organized, that I didn’t have the patience for paint or stain to dry. I’ll probably do the finish sometime in the Spring when we no longer need our cuddly throws on a daily basis.
As an added bonus, a blanket ladder is a fun prop to add seasonal decorations and a bit of cheer; making it both useful and beautiful.
Stay safe and warm dear friends!
In the professional world, I’m a nurse by trade. But, around our house, I’m known as Mommy to our young daughter. My two worlds collided and began shaping into a blog. Useful Beautiful Home represents the hours I’ve dedicated to managing my household as efficiently as possible. I offer you motivation to keep your home healthy, organized, and welcoming. My goal is to share what I’ve implemented in my home to inspire you with fresh ideas and to encourage you to keep up the good work in yours!
Jodie says
That’s a great idea. And it looks pretty too. I just have an ottoman with storage inside so I just stuff my blanket in there and put the lid on haha.
Rachel says
Love the idea of hiding them in the ottoman! Thanks for sharing, Jodie!
CONNIE says
Wow love the ladder idea-the thought to build my own never crossed my mind. Thanks to you I can add another thing to my to do list 😀
Connie @ http//:bradhsawshouse(dot) blogspot(dot)com
Rachel says
Haha! I hear ya, Connie! Painting our blanket ladder is on my to do list. 🙂
Crista says
I love it! I have the perfect spot for one, too :-D. And I hear ya on the dog cozy :/
Glad your husband made it home safe!
Trine @ Creative Pink Butterfly says
This is such a great idea! It looks pretty and I do think ladders can be so pretty – love the seasonal decorating as well 🙂
Becky L says
We have warm blankets as well in our living room. Two are folded on one in end of couch, another one on other end, folded, and one folded over the back of my recliner. They are to be folded when person is done with them. Once in awhile they are not. But it works. I like the idea of your ladder though! Glad your husband got home safe in the storm in Atlanta. I’ve seen pictures…wow! stay warm~safe, God bless!
lynn richards says
If my blankets were as cute as yours, I would do this in a heartbeat….
Rachel says
Laura, Thanks for the fantastic idea!! Can you tell me if you have a post on how you did your tray? I just bought a very similar one at Goodwill and am wanting to refinish it. I love how you incorporated a pattern.
Rachel says
Ah, just saw that Rachel was the author of this post… sorry about that. Rachel… do you have a post on the tray? 🙂 Thanks, ladies!