What it does
A ring ladder is a stepped upright with a slot on each step, so a row of rings is shown one above another rather than side by side. It puts a range into a narrow footprint and lets every ring be seen from the front.
Leather on a ring ladder, specifically
Every step in a hide ladder is skived and turned by hand. It is the most expensive ladder we make and it is the one that looks like furniture rather than display.
Getting the proportion right
Step depth and slot pitch together decide how many rings fit and whether the upper ones shadow the lower. A steeper ladder fits more and shows less; a shallower one shows every ring but takes more case height.
How leather is applied to a display form
Hide is cut, skived at the edges and wrapped, and grain varies from panel to panel. On a set of risers we cut every piece from the same hide so the set matches, and we say so on the drawing.
Where it is used
Narrow counter cases and window columns where floor space is tight, and anywhere a graded range has to be read top to bottom.
Leather under case lighting
Hide reflects softly and unevenly, which is what makes it look expensive and what makes it hard to photograph. It also darkens where it is handled, so an open-counter display in hide develops a patina rather than staying new.
The mistake to avoid
A ladder cut for plain bands will not take the same range once a set stone is added — the stone fouls the step above. Cut the steps to the tallest setting in the range, not the average.
Why leather
Leather-covered display carries the grain and the slight colour variation of hide. On a counter it reads as furniture rather than as a prop, and it ages with the shop rather than staying new.
Keep out of direct window sun, which lightens hide unevenly. A conditioner once a year on a piece that stays on show.
What we need from you
| What we need | Why |
|---|---|
| Height and footprint | Step depth and slot pitch together decide how many rings fit and whether the upper ones shadow the lower. |
| Leather colour | Matched to a Pantone reference or a swatch |
| Leather on this form | Every step in a hide ladder is skived and turned by hand. |
Frequently asked questions
Can ring ladders be made in our brand colour?
Yes — the leather is matched to a Pantone reference or a physical swatch, and confirmed on a sample.
What sizes do ring ladders come in?
They are made to your dimensions. Step depth and slot pitch together decide how many rings fit and whether the upper ones shadow the lower. A steeper ladder fits more and shows less; a shallower one shows every ring but takes more case height.
Is leather a good choice for a ring ladder?
Every step in a hide ladder is skived and turned by hand. It is the most expensive ladder we make and it is the one that looks like furniture rather than display.
What goes wrong most often with ring ladders?
A ladder cut for plain bands will not take the same range once a set stone is added — the stone fouls the step above. Cut the steps to the tallest setting in the range, not the average.
Can ring ladders be made to match our boxes?
Yes — the same leather and the same colour across boxes and display, ordered in one run.
Specify your ring ladders
Tell us your case or window height, what the ring ladders have to show, and your brand colour. We’ll send photos of our work and one clear, all-in quote.