Kiva ladders or Wooden Indian log ladders as they are also called are one of the most interesting elements of southwest decor. While traveling or visiting the southwest you will undoubtedly notice that wooden log ladders are the most universal symbols of Native style design and art, used for unique, rustic and western style home decorating. Kiva ladders are decorative wooden ladders usually made of pine poles that have been scraped by hand. The ladder rungs are then attached to the two long poles with rawhide string. The ladder is narrower at the top than it is at the bottom, creating a dimension of height.



One interesting way to add the pueblo look and feel in your room, without actually decorating with pueblo designs, is to use the same simple, pueblo ladder or kiva log ladder. The ladders will create a subtle but unmistakable pueblo or western look in the design. A kiva ladder also creates a terrific way to display some of your most beautiful western tapestries or throw blankets. Other elements that look wonderful with wooden ladders are Mexican style throws, Indian pottery and drums, wood dough bowls and primitive style lamps with rawhide lamp shades. Ladders can also be used to emphasize special designs you may like such as the kokopelli or other pueblo designs. Using the kiva ladder as a way to display trinkets and nick-nacks will heighten the western decor in your home, add additional colors, and give the ladder a stronger sense of purpose and function.

There is something very beautiful about village style dwellings made of adobe with their wooden ladders on the roofs. This image has become an icon in southwestern decorating and style. Many homes in the southwestern states are designed after the style of the early pueblos, and the kiva ladder is always present. Pueblo designs are found on rugs, dolls, pottery, paintings, art, and rustic furniture. And, the rustic wood ladders have become popular in cabins, lodge style homes and also anywhere people like primitive or country style.

Use some creativity. There is no right or wrong way to how rustic ladders can be used. You can create an interesting display or book shelf by putting two ladders together and connecting them with boards in the middle. It is possible you already own some rugs or tapestries you can use and put a small table beside it or an American Indian style drum and you will have created a unique and functional design.

A lot people also use kiva ladders to hang Native style throws to bundle up in during those chilly winter evenings. You can use kiva ladders as a place to hang decorative blankets or comforters in your bedroom when not in use. Try using kiva style wooden ladders in each of your rooms, in the same style or differently without it looking overly done. So, if you want a truly outstanding Native Indian style element to incorporate into your interior decorating, try using rustic wooden kiva ladders.