Narrow Painter's Ladder Shelf

Cut the legs per the cut list. For the front legs, also square up the top back corners with a circular saw so the ladder meets the wall cleanly at its 15° rake. The front legs are longer than the backs because of the lean — don't mix them up.

Attach each front leg to a back leg. This is not a structural joint — a couple of 2" nails or screws from the back with glue is plenty. Pocket holes work too, but keep them on the back side so they don't show. Build both side ladders the same.

Join the two side ladders together at the back with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue, or pocket holes from the back side. This sets the overall width, which in turn sets your shelf-trim length — measure it now before cutting the front trim.

Trim each shelf with 1x3: attach the side trim first with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue, then measure and cut the front and back trim (about 12-3/4") to fit and attach to the front and back of every shelf. The graduated depths — 4-3/4", 8-1/2", 12-1/4", 16" — are what fit the ladder's taper, so keep them in order.

Attach the shelves to the sides with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails — you can nail from outside the legs if that's easier. Drive the 2" trim-head screws where you want extra hold. Sand and finish. Because it leans, tip it against the wall and check it sits stable before loading it.