Midtone

4 Tier Ladder Shelving Bookcase [Free-Standing] Solid Oak | Mid-Century Modern

£544.05
Tax included.
Size: 80cm
Depth: 15cm

Free UK delivery

Lead time: 4–5 weeks

Handmade to order in Bristol

Questions before ordering? WhatsApp us for a quick reply or call 0117 427 8937

Mid-century inspired 4-Tier Freestanding Ladder Shelving

Our freestanding ladder shelving offers a different structural profile to our wall-mounted range, while maintaining the same minimalist, mid-century aesthetic. While we’ve listed our standard 4-tier model here, it’s worth noting that any of our wall-mounted ladder frame sizes—from 2-tier units to full-height 5-tier systems—can be built as a freestanding version.

Hand-built in our Bristol workshop, these units use a vertical frame design that provides a clean, architectural look for books, media, and records. While the unit supports its own weight, we include integrated fixing points so it can be secured to the wall for absolute stability.

Freestanding shelving System

  • Solid Oak Construction: We use only premium, sustainably sourced solid oak for every shelf. Each piece is finished with natural oils to highlight the unique character of the grain—no shortcuts, just high-quality timber.

  • Industrial-Strength Steel: The frames are hand-welded from 20mm steel box section and powder-coated in Charcoal [RAL 7021]. It’s a rigid, "industrial-meets-scandi" design built to last a lifetime.

  • Bookend Bars: We offer the option of welded 10mm round bar bookends on the shelves to help support vinyl records or book collections.

  • Adjustable Feet: The frames are fitted with adjustable threaded feet, making it simple to level the unit perfectly on uneven floors.

  • Stability & Safety: Although the frame is self-supporting, we provide the necessary fixings to secure the unit to the wall, ensuring it remains rock-solid even when fully loaded.

Technical Specifications & Dimensions

  • Overall Height: 180cm

  • Lower Openings: 40cm

  • Shelf Depths: 15cm, 22cm & 30cm — The 30cm depth is sized to fit large art books and support 12" vinyl records against the frames.

  • Handmade in Bristol: Every piece is made to order by our small team, ensuring the highest level of craftsmanship.


Need a specific size?

Most of our customers have a particular space or collection in mind. Because we build everything to order in our own workshop, we can easily provide a custom quote for specific heights, widths, or shelf configurations. If the standard sizes above aren't quite right for your project, just get in touch and we can chat through what you need.

 

Delivery & Returns

Delivery

All Midtone furniture is handmade to order in our Bristol workshop.

Typical lead time is 4–5 weeks, plus delivery (1-2 working days)

We offer free UK delivery on all furniture.

Your piece will be carefully packed and shipped via a tracked courier service.

Most of our furniture requires some level of assembly for ease of transport and access into your home.

Standard-sized items are shipped via trusted courier services such as TNT/FedEx, UPS, or Royal Mail. For larger or heavier pieces — like dining tables — we use a two-person delivery service. This will be arranged directly with you in advance.

Please note: deliveries are to the doorstep only, and couriers are not able to bring items inside. Many of our pieces are heavy, so we recommend having help on hand to move them safely.

We're based in Bristol — so if you're nearby, there's a good chance we’ll deliver it ourselves!

Returns

We have a 14-day return policy, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a return. This does NOT apply for items that have been made to custom specifications or with custom finishes. If an item arrives damaged or has a defect we will work quickly to provide a replacement. It is your responsibility to re-package and cover the return shipping costs to us. 

To start a return, you can contact us at info@midtone.co.uk

Exchanges

We want you to love your Midtone piece. If you're not completely satisfied with your order, we offer exchanges subject to the following conditions:

  • Eligibility: Items must be returned in their original condition with no marks from use.
  • Custom made pieces: If your order was made to custom specifications not offered on our website, then exchanges are only accepted in cases of sizing issues or product faults. We cannot accept exchanges for changes of mind on custom-made pieces.
  • Timeframe: You must request an exchange within 14 days of receiving your order.
  • Process: To initiate an exchange, please email us at info@midtone.co.uk with your order number and the reason for the exchange.
  • Shipping: Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is faulty or incorrect.
  • Processing: Once your return is received and inspected, we will confirm your exchange and inform you of and expected date for the replacement piece. 

Damages and issues

We ask that you inspect your order upon delivery. If your item arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, please contact us within 48 hours of receipt. This allows us to assess the issue promptly and arrange a suitable resolution, whether that be a repair, replacement, or refund.

Refunds

We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process the refund.
If more than 14 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at info@midtone.co.uk

Materials & Finishes


Steelwork - Our frames are all produced in our Bristol workshop from industrial grade steel with a powder-coated or clear-seal finish

Wood - Our Solid Oak boards are made using sustainably sourced kiln dried, prime grade Oak. Our Veneered Birch Ply is the highest quality FSC certified material available

All units are finished using Fiddes Hard Wax Oil, a high-quality finish that enhances the natural grain of the oak while providing excellent durability and protection. Available in five finishes. Please see our other listings for Sample Packs.


FAQ's

Where do we ship?

We ship to mainland UK for free, however there will be additional costs for shipping to the Highlands, Channel Islands and Northern Ireland. Please get in touch for quotes on shipping to these areas as it will vary depending on size of the order. 

Mainland European shipping is available, please get in touch for a quote.

We do not currently ship to the United states or the rest of world. 

Who do we ship with?

We ship most orders with Fed-Ex or UPS on their Next day service. For smaller orders and samples we ship with Royal Mail. 

If you live locally to our workshop in Bristol we will usually look to deliver ourselves. 

Can I have the designs made to any size?

Most of our designs can be made to almost any size. Just get in touch with the specification you're looking for and we'll let you know if it's viable!

How long will my order take to be made?

Our typical lead time on orders is 4-5 weeks, although this can vary during busy periods. We will keep up to date lead time estimates displayed on product pages.

Samples will be shipped within 3 working days. 

Can you make my furniture using different species of wood?

Yes, we can make most designs from other species such as Walnut, Ash, Beech, Iroko & Sapele. This will sometimes impact the price and lead time, so get in touch for a quote. 

How difficult are the pieces to assemble?

Most pieces are straightforward to assemble and come with clear instructions. Basic tools such as a drill, screwdriver and occasionally a spanner or socket set will be required.

For items that need fixing to the wall (such as shelving), we supply fixings suitable for solid walls like brick or masonry. If you are installing into other wall types — such as plasterboard — we recommend seeking advice on the appropriate fixings, as requirements can vary. Please note that some wall types may not be suitable for supporting larger shelving units.

Is all your packaging recyclable? 

We try and use home-recyclable packaging where possible, although in some instances we will use small amounts of plastic wrapping (this can be recycled at facilities that offer recycling of other single use plastics such as carrier bags). 

We never use polystyrene or blister packaging. 

Can I cancel my order?

Typically once an order is placed it cannot be cancelled. We order materials regularly in order to fulfil upcoming orders, so your order will likely already have been factored into our material order. 

If you've placed an order in error or need to make an amendment, please get in touch via email as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate. 

Is there a warranty on my purchase?

Yes — every Midtone piece comes with a lifetime structural warranty.

This covers the core construction of your furniture. Surface finishes are not covered, as they may naturally wear or require re-coating over time, especially on high-use surfaces.

As with all wooden furniture, some movement is to be expected as the piece adjusts to its environment. Changes in humidity can cause minor warping, hairline cracks, or shrinkage — all normal characteristics of natural timber.

We will always assess any issues individually, but reserve the right not to replace items unless the overall structural integrity or usability of the piece is affected.

Do you offer an assembly service?

In some instances we can offer an assembly service. However the cost for this will largely depend on your proximity to our team in Bristol and the size of the order. Please get in touch if you'd like a quote. 

 

Our Guarantee

We want you to love your Midtone piece. All our furniture is made to the highest standards.

Every Midtone piece comes with a lifetime structural warranty.

This covers the core construction of your furniture. Surface finishes are not covered, as they may naturally wear or require re-coating over time, especially on high-use surfaces.

As with all solid wood furniture, some movement is to be expected as the piece adjusts to its environment. Changes in humidity can cause minor warping, hairline cracks, or shrinkage — all normal characteristics of natural timber.

We will always assess any issues individually, but reserve the right not to replace items unless the overall structural integrity or usability of the piece is affected.

Lead times

Typically our lead times are 4-6 weeks. However this may be longer during busy periods or for custom orders. We will keep updated lead times visible on our 'delivery & returns page'

Custom sizes

If you require a custom size not listed, please use the contact form on our 'Custom sizes' page, or email us at info@midtone.co.uk

Looking for a custom size..?

All of our designs can be tailored to suit your space. Get in touch for a quote, or click the link below to find out more!

Learn more about our Custom Sizing
Learn more about our finish options

custom tones to suit your home

Need a finish to match your space?

Want a darker wood finish? Or a custom powdercoated finish to match your colour scheme? See our 'Custom finishes' page.