In modern small-sized apartments, owners strive to arrange furniture and interior items as compactly as possible in order to save free space. But even in spacious houses, there is sometimes nowhere to place such an important thing as an ironing board so that it does not interfere, does not clutter up the space, but is at hand at the right time. The solution to this problem is an ironing board built into the cabinet. It will not take up much space, will be hidden from prying prying eyes, and at the same time, it is convenient to use thanks to the folding mechanism. The hostess will not have to think about how to organize ironing in order to sit comfortably and not disturb anyone.
Features of built-in ironing boards
As the name suggests, built-in ironing boards are built (integrated) into pieces of furniture or special niches. They are indispensable in small apartments and studios. Ready-made products from different manufacturers and brands are available for sale; sometimes they are made to order from furniture making specialists. There are craftsmen who make such devices on their own. Usually they are built into compartments of a wardrobe or dressing room, sometimes hidden in a special niche behind a mirror or decorative panel, in chests of drawers, even in a kitchen set - there are a lot of options. In appearance, purpose and design, they are no different from traditional floor-standing ones, except for the fastening and folding mechanism. They are made of plywood, chipboard or a metal base and covered with durable, high-temperature-resistant fabric with a layer of printed material.
Types of ironing boards
First, let's figure out what they are:
- Folding
This is a classic model. It differs from a regular board in the fastening mechanism, with the help of which the device rises vertically. To improve the system, a structure similar to a cabinet is built around the ironer, or it is purchased immediately, taking into account the required dimensions
- Retractable
They are located in niches or in furniture drawers. Due to limited space, they can be folded several times. They are considered the smallest.
- Built-in cabinet
They are reliable to use. They look beautiful and neat in the interior. As a rule, they are made to order, taking into account the size of the furniture.
- Hidden
Install in a niche behind a shelf or behind a mirror.
- Hanging
This design can be easily mounted to a wall or door, making it easy to put the ironing device into working position and quickly remove it after use. Due to the fact that such a ironing iron is not hidden in any way in the interior, it is usually installed in special cleaning rooms or, for example, in the bathroom. You can store board elements in different places, this will not affect the functionality in any way.
Advantages and disadvantages
If we talk about the advantages and disadvantages of built-in ironing devices, the advantages definitely outweigh. Among the advantages are the following:
- Rational use of living space: the built-in ironing device takes up little space.
- Ease of use: easy to take out, iron the clothes and fold them back, no need to think every time where to put and connect the iron.
- A harmonious combination with the interior of the room: you can decorate the ironing panel with a mirror, a wall panel, or simply hide it in furniture.
- Individual solutions: often ordered exactly to the dimensions of existing furniture in order to optimally fit into the design of the room.
- Functionality: often built-in models have sockets and iron stands, mirrors and other useful accessories.
There are also negative aspects to solutions of this type; the following are usually noted among the disadvantages:
- Lack of mobility - the structure cannot be moved to another room.
- The price is high compared to traditional models, but this is more than compensated by all the advantages of this solution.
Ironing board accessories
Some irons come with additional parts included. The more of them, the more comfortable ironing is. The following accessories will be useful to use:
- Iron stand. It is usually made of heat-resistant metal. It is a mandatory attribute of the package. It can be of different types and shapes, with an attached socket and wire holder. There are also options suitable for left and right hands. The video below shows several types of stands.
- A small board for ironing sleeves. It is used for convenience and is practical. The shape varies slightly.
- Extension socket. Compact and easy to use. Gives mobility to your actions. Built-in sockets often come with a cord holder, which makes ironing more convenient and increases user safety.
- Spare case. Its fabric is usually heat-resistant and padded with soft padding. The colors can be any.
Types of designs
Based on the type of design, there are three main types of built-in ironing boards - retractable, folding and hidden. Their differences are presented in more detail in the table below.
| Construction type | Where is it located? | How it transforms |
| Retractable | In wardrobe/chest drawers | Pulls forward, can additionally be folded in half |
| Folding | Behind the wardrobe/dressing room door | Transferring to horizontal position from vertical |
| Hidden | In a special niche in the wall, hidden by a mirror or decorative door/panel | Transfer to horizontal position from vertical by hidden mechanism |
Retractable
As a rule, retractable ironing devices are made to order and are rarely found in stores. The cost is slightly higher than that of folding ones, but they are more compact and more convenient. The dimensions of retractable ironing boards are limited by the size of the drawer in which they are built: they must fit there completely or folded in half. There are models with a rotating mechanism; they are much more convenient to use than static ones, but they are also more expensive. You can build a pull-out panel into a chest of drawers or cabinets; there are options integrated into kitchen furniture. But here you should take into account the comfort of use. It’s not always convenient to have a pile of laundry and an iron in the kitchen; besides, you need to clean it thoroughly before doing this.
Folding
The folding one is easier to make; you can do it yourself. It is usually attached to a metal frame fixed to the wall. You can hide the folding platform in a closet in a special niche or attach it to one of the shelves inside. In the first case, space is used less rationally, so this option is suitable when there is enough free space in the closet. The advantage of this option is that when ironing it is convenient to immediately lay out the laundry on the shelves and store the iron in the same section. The board can be brought into working position and then stored for storage in a matter of seconds. By adjusting the position of the support, it can take several height positions, which is sometimes very convenient: a higher position is suitable for bed linen or curtains, a low position is ideal for small items.
Hidden
It is a type of folding design, but is usually hidden in a special niche, covered either with a mirror or with a decorative door that fits well into the interior. The mirror opens forward or slides to the side, like a wardrobe door, and from behind it a panel fixed to the wall is removed. It all depends on the imagination of the owners or the designer’s ideas, as well as on the availability of free space. Such a compact wall design will be the optimal solution for small-sized apartments - the board behind it is not visible, and assembling and disassembling it if necessary is a matter of seconds. Guests will not guess what is hiding behind a mirror or a beautiful wall panel.
Types and device
The design of built-in ironing boards includes three main elements: an ironing surface, a support, and a transformation mechanism. There are two types of work surface folding: folding and retractable.
Folding board
The folding option becomes available after opening the cabinet door.
The folding design is equipped with a supporting metal frame, which is attached to one of the shelves or the wall of the furniture. A lifting mechanism with vertical guides is attached to the frame, which ensures folding and unfolding. The surface is supported by a metal stand or the supporting frame itself.
The option attached to a shelf requires trimming the upper shelves so that the structure fits without interfering with the door panels. In the closet, folding options can be located in a separate niche. This option is the most convenient, but significantly hides the functional space of the cabinet.
The version with a rotating mechanism can be attached to the outer wall of the cabinet. To unfold the ironing surface, you need to pull the board towards you and turn it around its axis 90 degrees. This option is relevant for saving space in the closet; it is suitable for modular furniture, between the racks of which there is an opening with a minimum width of 8 cm.
Built into the mirror
The folding ironing surface does not have to be located in the closet
Manufacturers offer an interesting option - an ironing surface built into the mirror. This is a design in the form of a suspended narrow box with hinged or sliding panels, on the facade of which a mirror panel is fixed.
The board is attached to the wall using brackets, equipped with a support leg and clamps for securing it when not in use.
The ironing board behind the mirror is invisible when folded
The option hidden behind the mirror helps save useful cabinet space. These models decorate the wall well, visually expand the space of the room and play the role of a mirror in the bedroom or hallway.
The facade of a hanging cabinet can be designed in different styles. These options are indispensable when a mirror is not appropriate in the interior. Ironing boards are sold complete with a box; all you have to do is choose a place and securely attach it to the wall.
Folding options are adjustable in height, have magnetic or plastic inserts for fixation when assembled, and are equipped with iron stands, extension cords and sockets.
Models with rotating mechanisms can be positioned at different angles.
Pull out from cabinet
This modification is mounted using supporting frames inside the cabinet drawer. The board is equipped with a transformation mechanism that folds, unfolds, and extends the ironing surface. The support for the retractable options is the drawer design.
When folded, the surface dimensions are halved and completely hidden in the drawer. At the same time, there are requirements for the minimum size of the box. It depends on the model - depth from 500 mm, width from 300 mm, height from 130 mm.
Pull-out ironing board takes up the space of just one drawer
Retractable boards can be additionally equipped with rotating mechanisms. The ironing surface can be positioned and fixed at a convenient angle.
Pull-out options are mainly made to order in furniture shops to fit the dimensions of a specific cabinet drawer. This option takes up less space and is much more convenient to use than the folding design. But such models are more expensive.
Fastening mechanisms
There are different options for attaching built-in boards, starting with the most basic support, ending with a complex transformer with functions of rotation, height adjustment, etc. The main thing when choosing a mechanism is that it is strong and durable; It is better to immediately discard options with flimsy hinges and wobbly supports. In retractable variations, telescopic mechanisms are often used. They are undoubtedly convenient, but usually only imported ones are on sale, which are not cheap. Installing them yourself is a difficult task; It is better to seek the help of a specialist. When installing it yourself, they usually use door canopies or hidden hinges - the latter are more problematic to install, and their price is higher. The choice of accessories is now huge, it is not recommended to skimp on its quality, because the product will last a long time.
Board material
The material of the platform itself can also be different:
- plywood, chipboard, fiberboard, MDF - characterized by low price and ubiquity, but not very durable;
- metal alloys (usually aluminum) are strong, durable, but prone to rust over time. Also, aluminum can bend and deform during operation;
- thermoplastic - modern, lightweight, reliable, but relatively expensive.
The coating can be classic fabric (cotton, canvas, carbon fiber) or modern Teflon. The Teflon case is fireproof and durable, but its price is higher. It is a fabric with a specialized coating that improves the quality of ironing and creates thermal protection: if you leave a hot iron on it for some time, the fabric will not catch fire. Between the base and the coating there is usually a layer of foam rubber, padding polyester or batting.
Ironing board table top
The main part of the ironer is the table top . It comes in different sizes, but the quality of workmanship is directly proportional to its durability. Materials for production can be:
- Chipboard. Used for the production of inexpensive models. The working part of the ironing device made from such raw materials under the influence of water and steam begins to peel and creak.
- Waterproof plywood. The thickness of such a sheet should be 10-20 mm. The surface is covered with heat-resistant foil, after which it is covered with a decorative element. It is considered the most common option for making modern smoothing irons.
- Perforated metal plates. Products made from such raw materials are heavy, but quite durable and strong.
- Thermoplastic. Lightweight and durable material, resistant to deformation under high temperatures, which ensures a longer service life.
- Metal mesh plates. Products made from these raw materials are lightweight and easy to use.
Dimensions
The standard sizes of commercially available models are 128x38 cm. Those who have enough free space in the closet can choose larger options - 130x35 cm or 150x45-46 cm. More compact options have dimensions of 70x30 cm and a thickness of about 1 cm. You can iron panel and to order according to individual parameters, depending on the design features and free space in the apartment. The main thing is that it does not block the passage and does not cause inconvenience.
How to store?
The most practical storage option that is suitable for even the tiniest room is a transformable ironing board.
Depending on the type of room and its style, it can be securely hidden from human eyes in a variety of places: for example, in a desk drawer, closet or even bedside table.
Such boards can be different in size, however, we recommend choosing a smaller option: this way you will reduce the risk of breakage and eliminate the difficulties when unfolding.
would be a good idea :
it is placed on the wall or hidden in a special cabinet, in which you can additionally place an iron and the necessary items for ironing, which greatly facilitates and speeds up the process of ironing clothes. A cabinet with a board will fit well into any interior - you can decorate it to your liking.
If you already have a regular ironing board and you want to somehow place it in the interior, then the most acceptable option is to hang it behind the door.
Quite often the space there is not used, and in this case you will have a chance to fix it. For more ideas on how to arrange the space behind the door, see this article. It is also possible to store the board on the door itself, but in this case you should take into account the degree of injury risk: if you slam the door harder, the board may unexpectedly fall on your leg or crush a peacefully sleeping cat.
Tips and tricks for choosing
When choosing a built-in ironing panel, you need to take into account all the parameters: location, dimensions, base and coating material, reliability of the mechanism. You need to make sure that the dimensions fit exactly into the niche; for this, it is recommended to make the required measurements in advance. The mechanism must be reliable and durable, because, most likely, the thing will last for more than one year. The fixation must be strong - accidental dropping of the iron often leads to serious burns and injuries. You also need to take into account the weight of the ironing surface itself so that the walls of the furniture can support it.
Before you go shopping, it is advisable to look at photos of various models in catalogs or videos with reviews, and determine the optimal placement option and the most suitable model. If you buy a completely ready-made device, it makes sense to give preference to already proven brands. For example, Iron Slim, Shelf On Iron Box Eco, ASKO HI115T are widely known. Many models are equipped with built-in sockets, iron stands, mirrors, etc. These additional features increase the cost of the product, but are of great practical importance.
How to make it yourself
If you wish and have the necessary skills, you can make a built-in ironing board yourself. It is better to entrust the retractable design to professionals, but it is not difficult to handle the folding one. The simplest option is a panel mounted on one of the cabinet shelves. The easiest way to secure it is with door hinges. It is recommended to attach the support to the wall using the same loops. Hooks are placed underneath the panel at the bottom. All that is required to put the structure into working condition is to fold the lower support forward, and then lower the ironing surface onto it so that the support fits into the hooks. You can make a wall box for the ironing board a little more complicated (for this it is better to sketch out a schematic drawing in advance). You will first need to assemble a box of plywood 0.5-0.7 cm wide. Install a horizontal support inside it, slightly narrower than the assembled box. Screw the panel to the support (for example, using door awnings). The support in this version is attached directly to the base, again with the help of canopies.
The built-in model will help save space in the apartment and functionally use the living space. It is important to choose the right design so that it lasts for many years and can not only make household work such as ironing easier, but also fit optimally into the interior and decorate it. When installing built-in structures, one should not forget about fire safety, because a hot iron can serve as a source of ignition. Therefore, it is better to take care in advance of a stand for it made of fire-resistant material and a safe location of electrical wires and sockets.
How to hide a board in furniture?
Most homes have closets or chests of drawers that can accommodate an ironing board. This solution is suitable for small boards that will fit in a drawer.
Related article: Bedroom for newlyweds: what should the interior of a bedroom be like for a young family?
To apply this solution, it is important to choose the correct location of the chest of drawers or cabinet, so that the board pulled out of the drawer does not interfere with the passage or opening of doors and it would be comfortable to iron things on it.
Some manufacturers of modern furniture took care of people experiencing this problem and immediately installed the board in a special drawer of a dresser or cabinet.
Many modern cabinets are equipped with vertical drawers, which are perfect for placing a board. You can install the board on hooks or hangers inside the box. For a more secure fastening, you can stretch the elastic band, securing it on both sides. The elastic band can be pulled out easily, so it won’t interfere much with getting the board out.
You can hide the board in a kitchen drawer. This solution will be useful for owners of studio apartments.
