There are things that make a housewife's life easier. This is exactly what an ironing board is. It’s good if the apartment has a place for this item - a storage room or a convenient niche. An alternative to a massive portable stand can be an ironing board built into the cabinet. This ironing surface is very convenient. It saves space, is easy to hide, and when folded is completely invisible.
Retractable option
About the storage features of washing vacuum cleaners
Washing units involve working with a cleaning solution.
After cleaning and drying the container wall, the filters may remain damp. To prevent moldiness and the accompanying odors, you need to either store the device in a ventilated place, or spend a little more time drying. Multifunctional models come with many attachments. At home and in apartments, you have to allocate a separate container, shelf or drawer in the closet for them. Storing vacuum cleaner accessories is a responsible task, because the device owes its multitasking ability to them. The advantage of Thomas washing vacuum cleaners is that the attachments can be stored in a clean water tank between cleaning sessions. This life hack has a lot of advantages. You don't have to look for extra storage space or lose attachments. And during cleaning, the most popular attachments can be installed in special slots on the vacuum cleaner body. Then you won’t have to be distracted; the nozzles are always at hand.
And also all Thomas vacuum cleaners can be stored not only horizontally, but also vertically. Therefore, they park without problems even in narrow closets.
As you can see from the article, storing a vacuum cleaner correctly is very simple, and following the basic principles of storage will ensure the longevity of the device.
Rating of the top 5 best built-in ironing boards
There are 5 main models of boards that are in demand among buyers. All these devices are compact and have good performance characteristics. The choice of one of them depends on the needs of the person and his financial capabilities.
1: Belsi Verona
A board built into a mirror is considered the most correct solution. It can be installed in any room and can be easily hidden from prying eyes. The most interesting model of such a device is Belsi Verona. In its passive state it is difficult to distinguish it from an ordinary mirror. However, it is worth doing a few manipulations, and the owner of the room will have the opportunity to iron various wardrobe items.
Main advantages:
- large selection of colors;
- the presence of decorative moldings;
- ability to withstand up to 20 kg;
- compactness;
- beautiful appearance.
In addition to the advantages, Belsi Verona also has several disadvantages. Among the most important are the lack of a stand for the iron and the complexity of installation.
2: Asko HI 1152 W
Ironing board built into the cabinet saves space
This is especially important for a small room where every square centimeter counts. One of the most interesting representatives of this class of boards is Asko HI 1152 W
It is produced by a popular Swedish company that produces various home appliances.
The main pride of this model is the mechanism of the built-in ironing board. It is highly reliable and durable. Owners of Asko HI 1152 W can use various additional accessories that simplify the ironing process and make it more enjoyable.
Advantages of the model under consideration:
- ease of installation;
- availability of clear installation instructions;
- compact dimensions (length 93 cm and width 31 cm);
- durability;
- possibility of changing the length of the working surface;
- long warranty (24 months).
3: Astra Mini Eco
This is the best Russian ironing board. It is of good quality and reasonable price. The design meets all safety requirements and has a special lock that prevents accidental disassembly. Astra Mini Eco can be quickly disassembled and installed in any room.
The base of the product is made of wood. Its width is 38 cm and its length is 128 cm. When folded, the device fits into a cabinet 8 cm wide.
Advantages of this model:
- compactness;
- safety;
- the presence of a reliable lock that prevents the board from falling out of the cabinet;
- relatively low cost;
- large selection of colors;
- sustainability.
Astra Mini Eco has only one drawback - it is heavy. Depending on the configuration, it can vary from 13 to 15 kg.
4: Janov Temise Eco
This wall mounted ironing board is multipurpose. It can be hidden not only in a special niche, but also in a closet. The body is finished in white oak, which allows the product to fit into almost any interior.
The board is made of chipboard and covered with cotton fabric. It measures 114x35 cm and is easily hidden in a closet or niche with a width of 8.5 cm. By purchasing Janov Temise Eco, the buyer receives several additional accessories. The most important one is the non-stick cover.
Product advantages:
- ease of installation;
- can withstand up to 60 kg of weight;
- it is possible to install a mirror;
- small sizes;
- stylish design.
5: Hafele Ironfix
This product is attached to the wall or hidden in a special niche. Even in working position it does not take up much space. Therefore, Hafele Ironfix is often chosen by owners of small living spaces.
Main advantages of the model:
- the presence of a cover made of cotton;
- beautiful appearance;
- small sizes;
- quick folding;
- possibility to choose colors;
- ease of installation;
- compactness.
The disadvantage is the inability to independently adjust the height.
Popular models for built-in cabinets
There are many models of built-in ironing boards on the market from big-name manufacturers and practically unknown factories. There are three most popular companies that manufacture ironing board cabinets:
Manufacturer name | Model | Characteristics |
Shelf.On (Russia) | Aster | Small size model. The work surface is hidden behind a chipboard facade. The depth of the cabinet is 8 cm. It is made in the version with a hinged door or a sliding door. The ironing surface is made of waterproof plywood, protected by a Teflon cover, lined with a layer of foam rubber. The system is equipped with a lock. It protects against accidental loss. The weight of the structure is 13 kg. |
Asko (Sweden) | ASKO HI 1152 W | Pull-out model for installation between washing machine and dryer. Product with a metal base. The retractable mechanism securely fixes the structure in weight. The surface dimensions are 59.5 by 93 cm; an additional section for processing sleeves is mounted. |
Belsi (Italy) | Belsi Verona | The “compartment” design is attached to the wall or the inner surface of the cabinet with six screws. Equipped with decorative moldings. The ironing surface can be covered with a mirror or decorative panel if desired. The board is covered with a cotton cover. There is a built-in socket and iron stand. Table size - 38 by 128 cm. |
If you have a question about making a built-in board, you should purchase high-quality fittings. Among the best manufacturers of frames are Starax (Turkey), Hafele (Germany). Holders for folding and folding structures can be purchased in online stores and specialized retail outlets.
ASKO HI 1153T - ready-made design for installation in a cabinet
How to make it yourself
The easiest way is to make a folding type. Firstly, due to the availability of mechanisms for it, and secondly, due to the absence of the need for additional work on organizing electrical power. We chose any free wall next to the socket - all that remains is to make a rectangular box and attach the folding mechanism to the wall.
The easiest way to make a folding board with your own hands.
Each mechanism has its own maximum load limits, this must also be taken into account. Sometimes you can do without a decorative element, but this option is not very aesthetically pleasing.
Without a decorative element, the board fastening mechanism does not look very aesthetically pleasing.
As a mechanism for fastening the canvas, you can use a simple U-shaped pipe to which the base of the board will be attached. On the one hand, such a canvas can even be fixed with magnets or hooks sold in every hardware store.
You can fix the ironing board cloth in different ways.
The folding board must rest against the wall, and to reliably implement this possibility, a stop connecting the base of the board and the wall is sufficient. It is better that during ironing this stop is fixed to both contacting surfaces.
The same rule applies to the ironing cloth built into the cabinet. It can be installed only if the dimensions of the furniture correspond to the ironing cloth itself in a vertical position and the presence of a mechanism.
When creating a retractable board, you should take into account the dimensions of the furniture.
How to make your own built-in whiteboard
To become the owner of a convenient ironing device, you don’t have to shell out a significant amount of money at an Ikea or other furniture store. If you have the tools, you can make a built-in board yourself.
Making a wall cabinet with ironing board
You will need the following design components:
- support leg;
- frame for wall mounting;
- tabletop.
Separate outer cabinet for ironing board
The size of the device may vary depending on the dimensions of the room where you plan to install the ironer. You should prepare a drawing of the future design in advance and stock up on decorative elements for cladding the product.
Constructing a storage niche for an ironing iron with your own hands:
- It is necessary to make a recess in the wall. Its size should correspond to the dimensions of the box and be several centimeters larger than the ironer itself.
- The box is made from boards. Its lower part is fixed at a height of 80 cm from the floor. This is necessary for the stability of the ironing surface during operation.
- The standard dimensions of a built-in folding ironing board are considered to be length 125 cm, width 40 cm. The product is cut out of plywood or furniture board.
- Using a pencil and ruler, make marks on the prepared material. The front of the table should be narrowed and rounded. A compass is used to create a contour.
- After delineating the contours, the material is cut. This is done using an electric jigsaw. Then the side surfaces are sanded with a machine or a block with sandpaper.
- Hinges are installed where the smoother is attached to the wall. A metal or wood leg is attached to the bottom with a piano loop. At the base of the board, two wooden blocks 40 mm thick and 70 mm wide are mounted. They will provide reliable support for the table while working.
- After installing the fasteners, the board is beaten. For covering, use a soft base (thin foam rubber, an old blanket), thick cotton fabric. The surface of the material should be taut. This will prevent wrinkles from forming when ironing.
- Hinges are used to secure the board to the cabinet wall. For safety, it is worth fixing the rotary type stop. This device will prevent arbitrary opening of the structure. Then install the decorative door. It will turn the board invisible.
How to make an internal niche with an ironing board is clearly shown in the photo:
For an alternative option for making an outer cabinet, watch the video:
Download the parts list with explanations for this video
How to choose?
Many people find it difficult to choose retractable ironing boards for their home. It is especially difficult to choose such a device for a wall cabinet. Such products must be purchased from reputable furniture stores. It is better to buy them immediately along with the cabinet in which you are going to install this structure. If you have already purchased a cabinet or set, you need to select such a model to order, taking into account the parameters of the place where you are going to install it.
It is very difficult to choose such a model for a corner cabinet, and you need to be very careful with measurements. Also, some people put the interior of the house first. That is why they prefer models with a hidden type of device. Very often such products are hidden behind a mirror. No one will guess that there is such a board behind it.
Such a product will become not only a functional ironing device, but also a stylish decorative element.
The ironing board should not wobble when moving out of the cabinet. Such a product should move out smoothly and softly. Avoid the low-quality mechanism of such a product; it will not serve you for long.
Also make sure that the fastenings are very secure. Otherwise, the structure may fall out of the cabinet when pulled out suddenly. Also, when choosing, you should take into account the size of the cabinet. Small drawers will not support heavy ironing boards. Such a box may simply fall out along with the board.
When choosing such devices, try to give preference to the most interesting and functional models. So, there are convenient retractable designs that are distinguished by their compactness and are very practical. It is best if such a device has a built-in extension cord, as well as a position adjustment function. Try not to skimp on such a product, and it will serve you for a very long time.
Is it possible to store a vacuum cleaner on the balcony?
If your house has an open balcony without glazing or a canopy, storing the device is not recommended. Excessive dust, rain, and drizzle can damage the unit irrevocably. Like most household appliances, cleaning equipment is afraid of water.
You can store the device on a glazed balcony or loggia. But you need to take into account the climatic features of the area where you live. If in the summer the air outside your window heats up to +40 or in the winter it drops to the same temperatures, before taking it out onto the balcony, take care to pack it tightly. Large changes in temperature can cause damage.
Kinds
Depending on their placement in the closet, built-in boards are divided into two main types - folding and retractable.
Folding
The folding board is located in the cabinet in a vertical position. It can be mounted either on the wall or on the cabinet door. This design is fixed either using a special lever or using a magnet.
In order to bring the board into working condition, you need to release it from the clamps and tilt it to the side, and then unfold the support and adjust the desired height. After ironing is completed, these steps are carried out in reverse order.
The folding design can also have a slightly different format - a neat wall cabinet with a board and a mirror. In appearance, it is a simple cabinet with a mirror surface, behind the door of which there is a small space where an ironing board can be placed. In order to bring the board into working condition, you need to move the door with a mirror surface to the side and lower the board into a horizontal position.
With this design solution you can visually expand the space. Manufacturers have different configurations of this design. The cabinet door can be hinged, or can slide to the right or left.
Retractable
An equally convenient option is a retractable folding ironing board. As a rule, it is installed in the drawers of any cabinets or chests of drawers. Sometimes the board is located in a kitchen drawer.
The ironing board built into the cabinet has a slightly different design compared to the folding version. Here the base, or rather its wide part, is attached to the guides on both sides. Unlike the folding version, the retractable design is very compact. The design, or rather the ironing surface, can be folded in half, or can completely fit into a drawer.
In order to start ironing, you need to pull out the drawer, lay out the surface and lock it in the desired position. If the retractable version is equipped with a surface that cannot be folded out, then, as a rule, the drawer in which the surface is located can be transformed into the desired position.
There are options on sale where, in addition to the ironing surface, there is space for other things. A cabinet for storing a vacuum cleaner and a board is the best option for small apartments, as well as for owners of studio apartments.
A folding or pull-out version of the board can also be placed in a corner cabinet. To do this, you need to purchase a design with a rotating mechanism that smoothly unfolds in two directions. In addition, some manufacturers produce a transforming wardrobe, where, in addition to the ironing board, folding shelves are installed. A very convenient configuration that allows you to fold already ironed laundry and prepare things for ironing.
Types of wall boards
Depending on the method of operation, it will be a wall-mounted folding, hanging, wall-mounted or built-in ironing board. Manufacturers often offer combined options (built-in structures with a folding surface or folding hanging boards). The classic folding system remains the most reliable and durable among all types.
When not needed, its ironing surface is simply adjacent to the wall. As soon as it is time to iron, it is easily understood (or lowered depending on the model) and fixed at right angles to the wall surface. A hanging board is usually hung on brackets and requires additional supports (cabinet shelves, clamps) to fold.
Types of cabinets
So that you don’t have to stuff the board under the bed every time after cleaning and take the vacuum cleaner to the balcony, you should think again about buying a special cabinet. Fortunately, the modern variety of such designs allows you to make the right choice from a wide range.
By design
According to this criterion, these products can be divided into the following types:
built-in products are inexpensive and allow you to save space, but there is a caveat: they are suitable only for those who have the space to build such a large niche;
free-standing special cabinets came to the market not so long ago, however, they are offered in a wide variety and help save space;
cabinet for household appliances as part of a large closet. If you don’t have one, you can arrange it yourself.
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By material
Depending on the material, these products are classified in the same way as ordinary cabinets. They can be made of wood, veneer, chipboard, plastic.
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So we looked at the features of cabinets designed for storing certain household items. A competent approach to their selection and use will allow you to get a rationally organized space and enjoy a lot of free space.
We do it ourselves
Of course, today there are no problems finding ironing boards. In any specialized store you can find many different models. And yet, there is another fairly simple way that will allow you to acquire this necessary item in your everyday life - you can make an ironing board with your own hands. You can even give such a thing as a gift to a loved one. Such a gift will be appreciated when they find out that you did everything yourself.
We washed and then ironed all the clothes and linen, now the question arises: “Where to put and hide the board?” Typically, ironing boards are left unfolded in the room, and some people fold it every time after ironing and put it behind some furniture to free up space in the room. But this kind of folding and unfolding takes a lot of time and effort. There is a great solution - a retractable ironing board.
This built-in type of ironing design combines many advantages.
- Easy installation. For maximum ease of use, the board is attached to the wall. Several special fasteners are screwed to the wall, and the board itself is then installed on them. By the way, it is recommended to carefully choose a place so that there is an outlet next to the built-in structure.
- Significant savings in free space. Household members do not have to be limited in their movement, because the ironing unit can now be hidden in a closet, and this, in turn, will give the room more free space.
- Practicality. You need to iron the clothes - the board is taken out of the closet, ironed - then hidden back.
- Appearance. The folding ironing structure is designed to match the style of the interior, thereby complementing the overall picture of the entire space.
- Reliability of the strongest design. All these qualities provide the ironing board with a long service life. For example, there are models that are equipped with a strong metal frame with thoughtful details.
Iron storage options
The iron is not so large that it is impossible to find a secluded place for it. Most housewives do not look for it very creatively: they place a hot object on the windowsill so that it cools down there. And they forget about it until the next ironing.
But there are more elegant solutions.
For the iron, you can select a shelf in the chest of drawers, in one of the furniture drawers.
In a case
An equally elegant option that eliminates financial costs, but requires time and perseverance: sew a box-cover, for example, using the patchwork technique.
She will need unnecessary clothes or beautiful rags. An iron in such an elegant case can even be placed on an open shelf, where it will become an interior decoration.
In the closet
Don't like the "rustic" look of the case? Then you have to go to a hardware store and choose a holder for your iron and ironing board.
Mobile designs are available for sale that can be hung on any door from above. And there are holders that are screwed to the wall or the inside of the door of any cabinet that is suitable in size.
Design
It is necessary to take into account many sizes and correlate them in one product. You can consider the project in the form of a strict drawing or make preliminary sketches. They display:
- shape of parts (guides, ironing board, frame elements, legs);
- dimensions of all structural elements;
- joints connecting parts to each other and to cabinet elements.
The diagram will help you calculate the amount of material, hardware, and bolts. If changes are needed in the process, they are easier to track on the drawing and adjust.
Peculiarities
A retractable ironing board can be installed in any closet. Such a thing always has its place, and housewives do not have to think about where to put the product away when guests come. She doesn't interfere at all. In addition, such a structure does not have to be carried, unfolded and installed every time. Before you start ironing, you just need to pull it out of the cabinet drawer.
It does not interfere at all when moving around the house and is completely safe for children. In addition, it easily fits into any interior design and does not violate its style. Such an ironing device can be very easily prepared. To do this, you only need to open the cabinet in which it is built.
Such products are much more compact compared to standard models. A special feature of the design is the complex transformation mechanism. It is very reliable and durable, so such boards last not for years, but for decades.
Also, depending on where such a board is mounted, it can unfold in different directions. In some cabinets, this product can be pulled out either straight or obliquely.
This is a very practical device that is quite easy to maintain. To care for such a product, no special manipulations are required. Such products can be built into almost any cabinets. They will fit perfectly into the interior of a spacious house, where residents want to hide this device from prying eyes, and in small apartments, where every square centimeter counts. The only drawback of such a product is its rather high price, but this is due to the peculiarity of the transformation mechanism.
Case and backing
The working surface of the ironing board is covered with a cover with which the sole of the hot iron comes into contact. Cases are made from various materials:
- cotton fabrics are an economical option, they are easy to wash and there are no scorch marks on the surface;
- canvas - linen or half-linen fabric with a non-slip texture;
- heat-resistant synthetics - heat-resistant fabric based on silicone or with a metallized coating;
- felt is a dense material that tolerates high temperatures well and does not slip.
The lining for the cover is made of foam rubber, batting or padding polyester. All materials provide the substrate with resistance to steam and thermal influences.
On wooden ironing tabletops, the cover and backing can often be secured using nails and tacks. If the coating or lining is damaged, replacing them will be problematic and the entire board will most likely have to be replaced.
Dimensions
Ironing boards are usually purchased already built into cabinets. In this case, you do not have to adjust the required size and select the most suitable model. You don't have to worry about the design not fitting into your closet. But there are also cases when you don’t want to change the wall or cabinet, but you need to build the ironing board into the drawer. That is why you can choose a model that already matches a ready-made box.
But not every closet will fit such an addition. These should be deep and large-sized headsets. The depth of such a structure should be at least 50 cm. And then, in this case, a very small compact retractable board will fit there. It is better if the cabinet depth is about 1 m.
Advantages and disadvantages
Almost everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. You shouldn’t choose built-in irons just because you liked them from the photo. First, evaluate their actual characteristics. It is possible that you will decide to buy a classic board that will be stored somewhere in a chest of drawers.
Among the undeniable advantages of built-in ironing boards are the following:
- high level of practicality;
- space saving;
- quick folding;
- convenient storage;
- ease of operation;
- the ability to easily fit into any design;
- invisible when folded;
- variety of designs;
- a large assortment.
But don't rush to conclusions.
There are several disadvantages to the situation with built-in ironing boards, regardless of the mechanism used. They appear as follows:
- Cheap designs are made from low-quality materials, which leads to short service life;
- The design is more complex than in a regular board, and therefore the likelihood of breakdowns is higher;
- Quite a big price. Not everyone will want to buy such a solution based on savings.
You decide. But for myself I made one simple conclusion. If you correctly and in advance provide the same wardrobe with a built-in ironing board, and at the same time order a high-quality design, these costs will be fully justified.
As a parent, I realized how every little thing makes a difference when you have kids running around the house. Having caught on the ironing board several times and received corresponding injuries, it was decided to get rid of the old ironing board. Instead, I used a built-in mechanism in the closet.
Eventually:
- no one clings to the board;
- it does not spoil the appearance of the room;
- the board does not take up extra space in the closet;
- When needed, the board is at your disposal.
Of course, the children found other interior elements to bump into. Therefore, here you have to think further about how to solve a new problem.
But the fact is that built-in irons have much more advantages. And the shortcomings are extremely conditional. If you don't save money, the money spent will be completely worth it.
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.
Preparation of materials and tools
To make a niche you will need: a leg for support, a frame for wall mounting, plywood for cutting out the base of the board. For the surface prepare: plywood sheet 16 - 20 cm thick, metal guide rails, confirmants, self-tapping screws, piano hinges, upholstery fabric, soft padding, interlining.
List of tools:
- electric jigsaw, manual or electric router, drill with a set of drills;
- stapler and staples No. 8;
- hammer, chisel, knife, level, square, scissors;
- compass, pliers, Phillips and flat-head screwdriver, wrench to fit the bolts.
Use sandpaper of grit No. 60, 80, 120; to use it you need a wooden block. Self-tapping screws are prepared for woodworking (with large carvings). Typically M10 bolts with corresponding nuts are used. Glue the base fabric onto the PVA compound.
Inappropriate storage areas
Inexperienced housewives can most often put the vacuum cleaner in the place where it is convenient for them, without taking into account the peculiarities of household items. The bathtub is the most forbidden place for storage. Even an ordinary washing vacuum cleaner cannot be located where it is damp and humid, and even more so the vacuum cleaner is an electric device. You should also not store the vacuum cleaner on the balcony. If circumstances arise that you have to send the vacuum cleaner to “winter” on the balcony, then it is imperative to provide high-quality protection from the cold.
There is an option - wrap it in a warm cover or in high-quality plastic film. This will prevent condensation from forming and prevent damage to the vacuum cleaner. Such protection will extend the life of the electrical appliance for a long time. Thus, taking into account the dimensions of the vacuum cleaner is a very important component, as well as appearance, power and operating efficiency. For convenient storage, do not forget about the size of the electrical appliance, because you need to allocate a suitable place for this.
Niche preparation
In order to mount the board, you first need to make a niche where it will fit when folded. In other words, this is storage for the ironing board. In frame houses it will not be difficult to prepare a niche - just pull out the inner lining and give it a shape by limiting the space. For this you will need boards.
It is worth considering that the dimensions of the niche must match the dimensions of the ironing board. The lower part (lower limiter) should not be higher than 80 centimeters of floor level. This will allow you to install the board at an acceptable height when unfolding.
In houses made of brick, wood or blocks, this operation will take more effort.
Cutting the ironing board correctly
Acceptable dimensions for an ironing board are 40 in width and 125 in length. The ideal material for this part of the structure is a sheet of plywood. The width should not be less than 12mm. Furniture panels made from any type of wood are also suitable for this purpose.
Now you will need a 1m metal ruler and a pencil. With their help we make markings. In other words, we draw a board on the material. The leading edge needs to be made using a cylindrical object. This could be a saucer, a large roll of tape. Anything that will allow you to draw a curve in a given place. It would not be superfluous to resort to the help of a compass.
After applying the dimensions to the material, it’s time to cut out the resulting shape from it. For cutting curved sections, a regular electric jigsaw is suitable. Straight lines are cut using a circular saw that has small teeth at the end.
Next we move on to grinding the edge and both planes. There are two ways to do this:
- use an electric grinder;
- attach the skin to a wooden block by nailing it with nails, and sand it yourself.
It is worth considering that this type of work involves a lot of dust, so it is necessary to prepare the room. If possible, cut out the ironing board in a specially designated place (workshop, street). Don't forget about the hinges in the place where you plan to attach the board to the niche.
Fixing the board
Having prepared plywood, the thickness of which will not be less than 10mm, we make a retaining leg. This element is simple, and to construct it, it is enough to cut an ordinary stick.
Using a piano loop, attach the leg to the base of the board. Other types of hinges will also work in this capacity. This operation will allow, in the future, simple tilting of the legs when unfolding the structure. It will also be easier to hide when folded.
To make the support more reliable, we attach two equal-sized bars to the base of the ironing board (at the point where the board is attached to the niche). The thickness of the bars should be at least 40mm, and the width should be about 70mm. It is necessary to saw off the edges of these bars. And do it perpendicularly. Among them you can hide a retaining leg.
Covering the main part
An ironing board built into a wall is not considered complete without the last important operation - paneling. Otherwise, how can you ensure comfort when ironing things? For this operation you will need:
For this operation you will need:
- bath towel;
- furniture stapler;
- staples;
- scissors;
- hammer.
Remember that the wrapping occurs after the hinge fasteners are inserted into the board. We wrap a cloth (bath towel) around the surface of the board and fasten the corners with a stapler. The main thing is to stretch the fabric enough so that wrinkles do not form on the base of the board. Those staples that will not clog easily can be finished off with a hammer. Or try repeating the action with a stapler.
The next layer is the facing material - any fabric that suits your taste, but at the same time, is resistant to high temperatures. Using a stapler and a hammer, we carry out the fastening procedure as we did with the first layer (bath towel). Use scissors to cut off excess pieces of fabric.
Installation
Using hinged fasteners, we mount the ironing board in a niche. It wouldn’t hurt to install a swivel stop on top to hold the ironing board. The ironing board is ready!
The features of this design allow you to simultaneously make ironing comfortable and not create difficulties due to clutter in the room.
Types of built-in ironing tables
Folding models are mounted in cabinet doors. Boards with a simple mechanism turn into a ready-made workplace in a matter of seconds. To do this, they are lowered down from the wardrobe door.
The size of the folding ironer corresponds to the parameters of the cabinet door. You can choose a board model that will fit into the interior of the room and remain invisible.
The retractable design is hidden inside furniture drawers; it is considered the most compact
This table is ideal for small spaces, but the retractable mechanism is more delicate than a folding one and can be damaged if handled carelessly
Folded Mechanism Unfolded
Hidden ironing surfaces are hidden behind mirrors, wall panels, paintings, and other interior decorations. The operating principle of the sliding mechanism is simple - the “camouflage” moves to the side, and behind it there is a compartment with a board. To prepare for work, simply pull it down from the opening.
Ironing board in the closet
Expert opinion Svetlana Kolesnikova Designer
A closed automatic ironing cabinet is a small unit that completely replaces an iron and steamer. You can place several items of clothing inside at once. Some time after starting the machine, the laundry is ironed.
Tips for choosing
Like any solution, a built-in ironing board has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- The built-in ironing board does not spoil the appearance of the room and does not stand out from the interior. It will not be conspicuous and remind guests of the hardships of homework.
- Takes up little space. You won't think about where to store it, you won't trip over it or drop it.
- Quick and easy setup and cleaning. You need to get a regular ironing board, bring it to the place of work and install it. After ironing, collect and take to storage place. The built-in one is brought into working condition and removed with one movement of the hand.
Minuses:
- Ready-made furniture with a built-in ironing surface is difficult to find. If you find it, you may not be satisfied with the size or quality of the surface itself. Most likely, you will have to make it to order. The cost of custom-made furniture is higher than the cost of ready-made furniture.
- Sometimes you want to move it closer to the TV or sofa so you can iron clothes while watching your favorite show. The built-in ironing board cannot be moved around the apartment.
Nuances of choice
Selecting a product to match existing furniture is not easy. For a built-in ironing board, it is better to go to a specialized store or order it from a specialist.
It is difficult to accurately choose a model for a cabinet with a corner location. Therefore, before purchasing, you should make accurate measurements of the niche parameters.
In homes where space allows, you can install a combination cabinet for storing a vacuum cleaner and ironing board.
It is important to pay attention to the quality of the materials from which the ironing board is made. The metal frame must be durable, and the working surface must be made of a material that will not deteriorate from exposure to high temperature or steam. The retractable mechanism should slide smoothly and silently. It should not swing during operation.
Before purchasing a built-in ironing table, you need to check the strength of the folding mechanism. Made of thin metal, it will quickly fail. The board will be unusable. The strength of the support is no less important. In order to withstand the load during ironing, and also not fall out of the cabinet, it must be equipped with high-quality fasteners.
Designer white board
You should ask the seller about the weight of the structure. The cabinet wall may not be able to withstand the load created by an overly heavy table. And the heavy weight of the ironer will cause trouble for the owners.
Location on the balcony