As an alternative to a traditional bookcase these leaning ladder style shelves have a lot going for them. Lightweight and airy they provide a smart way to store books or display ornaments in just about any room around the house.

Industrial-chic style ladder with a black metal frame and 5 rustic oak-effect shelves.
W64 × D34 × H186 cm
Available from amazon.co.uk

Light oak and white Scandi-style ladder with 4 shelves and a drawer.
W55 × D48 × H180 cm
Available from amazon.co.uk

5-tier bookcase with a white or grey painted finish.
W56 × D32 × H189 cm
Available from amazon.co.uk

This oak-effect option sports a set of 5 ledged shelves with smooth-rounded front edges.
W53 × D35 × H179cm
£59
(plus standard delivery charge of £3.99 from very.co.uk)

A pair of 4-tier ladder shelves with a sleek, black-painted finish.
£129 (plus standard delivery charge of £3.99 from very.co.uk)

A solid oak unit with 5 shelves.
W50 × D40 × H195 cm
£190 from laredoute.co.uk

Rustic style, solid spruce ladder with 6 shelves.
W49 × D40 × H178 cm
Available from amazon.co.uk

A stunning combination of natural woodgrain and a black-painted frame.
W259 × D192 × H90 cm
£179from johnlewis.com

5 acacia wood shelves with a gold-coloured lip on the back. The metal frame itself is also painted gold.
W30 × D50 × H180 cm
£379 from johnlewis.com

W80 × D50 × H180 cm
£499 from johnlewis.com

Industrial-style bookcase with a balck, welded iron rame and a set of chunky oak shelves.
W90 × D40 × H200 cm
£499 from johnlewis.com
*For stability it is advisable to secure your ladder shelf to the wall at the top end, or to the floor at the base.