If you’re not a fan of the colors “construction orange” or “safety yellow” glaring at you each time you open the garage door, outfitting your tool supply isn’t going to be easy. For example, the mid-size utility ladder—a couple rungs taller than a kitchen step ladder but not so massive as to reach the second story—often comes in orange or yellow. But it’s essential for tasks like changing a ceiling bulb or reaching the top of a high window sill. Luckily there are some more basic, more subdued options out there that’ll get the job done without marring your visual display. Here are our 10 favorites.
Above: For the true aesthete, the Step Up Ladder from Olby Design in Sweden is really designed for indoor use alone and is made to be hung on the wall when not in use. Contact Olby Design for price and ordering information. For similar, albeit smaller, wood step ladders see our post 10 Easy Pieces: Step Stools and Ladders.
above: The straightforward 6-Foot Aluminum Step Ladder from Werner for $196.99 on Amazon. Also available are 8-, 10-, and 12-foot sizes.
Above: The Rubbermaid 4-Step Aluminum Step Stool is $79.99 at The Home Depot.
Above: The Dewalt Type 1 Fiberglass 8-Foot Step Ladder is the tallest on our list but makes the cut for it’s simple shape and black powdercoating; $203.72 on Amazon.
Above: The Louisville (AM1006) Aluminum 6-Foot Step Ladder is $214.36 on Amazon.
Above: For a classic no-fuss wood ladder, the Michigan 5-Foot Wood Step Ladder is $124.99 at Wayfair.
Above: The Polder 5-Step Aluminum Folding Ladder is $99.99 at The Container Store.
Above: One of favorite mid-size ladders, the Frontgate Ultralight Slimline 4-Step Ladder that’s a little over 5 feet tall and available in five colors (shown in Lagoon) for $149 each at Frontgate.
Above: Another style from Werner with a black paint tray is the 6-Foot Aluminum Step Ladder for $112 at ULine.
Above: At last, the Summerhill & Bishop Wood Four Step Ladder barely makes the cut (it’s only 4 feet high) but worth a mention for its good looks. It’s £95 at Summerhill & Bishop in the UK.
For more step ladders and garage tools see our posts: