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.
Installing an ironing board in a closet
In apartments with a standard layout, there is a shortage of free space, so storing an ironing board is inconvenient. To put your wardrobe in order, you need to lay out this device every time or look for a permanent place to place it, which ultimately clutters the interior. What types of built-in ironing devices are there? Manufacturers of sliding wardrobes in St. Petersburg offer a large selection of ironing boards built into cabinet furniture, which will harmoniously fit into the interior and ensure ease of use. There are 4 types of ironing boards built into furniture on the market:
Folding - provides good stability, easily unfolds and puts away for storage, is hidden in an array of furniture, so it does not take up free space.
- In the niche behind the mirror. This original option will require construction work, but the end result will exceed all expectations due to its practicality and convenience.
- Retractable model. Places in a table or chest of drawers when folded. To iron laundry, you will need to pull out the drawer, unfold and lock the ironing board. An economical solution for houses with limited usable space.
- Built into a custom cabinet. Such original solutions are rarely found in ready-made models, but any manufacturer will be able to produce such furniture according to an individual sketch.
Each of the listed options has its own advantages and disadvantages and design features. The most popular is an ironing board built into a custom-made cabinet according to individual sizes. This option is the most convenient, fits well into the interior, can be easily transformed into a full-fledged workplace and can be stored away.
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.
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.
Ironing board built into a wardrobe design and models
We welcome all those who have decided to renovate their own apartment.
Today we are interested in an ironing board built into a wardrobe. With the help of such accessories you can save a lot of storage space and time to get it out and prepare it. After studying this material, you will understand what the advantages of such solutions are, what types of ironing machines there are, etc. Let's start studying the most convenient methods for ironing , photos of which you can also find in the article.
Types of ironing boards
Folding
Any ironing rack must have an excellent margin of strength and durability. Most of all, folding options meet these criteria. It consists of a tabletop that is mounted on a metal frame. All this is connected using a folding mechanism.
The entire structure is fixed to the wall.
The dimensions of the device vary widely. All thanks to the fact that the largest structures can be hidden on the wall. To hide the board, you don't have to make any special efforts, just place it in a wooden frame. By the way, the entire structure is closed by a door or a compartment panel, the design of which you can select individually.
Folding boards built into mirrors
This solution is very practical, and, in turn, very unusual. Guests visiting your home will never see the ironing board, unless, of course, you get it yourself. When it's time to iron, all you have to do is move the mirror away and the ironing rack will lower to a horizontal position.
Using this solution, you not only unload the atmosphere in the room, but also add a mirror that can always decorate the interior. And the choice of materials from which the decoration can be made will simply turn your head. This way, you match the mirror to the room, and not vice versa.
Sometimes you can find this design - an ironing board hiding under a mirror with a small cabinet. A reasonable solution, because you can always hide some small items or laundry.
Retractable
Sometimes, the search for retractable ironing boards can be complicated by the partial absence of the required models in the markets. It doesn’t matter, because you can always try to make it yourself or place an order at furniture factories. Usually, such a board is hidden in a closet. Also, a popular design is a drawer in the kitchen, where the device is folded in half. The advantage of this solution is that the rack is always limited by the size of the box, which means it will not take up much space.
Cabinets with ironing boards
The most popular model today is a wardrobe in which an ironing board is hidden. This combines several advantages at once - good stability, ease of control and the presence of additional free space. We recommend that if you stick to this decision, make room for this even when purchasing the fittings, so that you don’t have to spend extra money on modifications later.
Also, it is quite popular to place the cabinet along with the board on the balcony. But keep in mind that for this you will need a large and warm balcony. By the way, in addition, you can hide a stepladder or stand on which it is convenient to dry clothes.
Many people are interested in the question, who has already started looking for such devices - where to buy a built-in ironing unit? Because It is almost impossible to find it at points of sale; most likely, it will have to be made to order. From here comes the cost, which is more significant than that of other designs. But, all the advantages that this device has quickly offset the high price.
Such features include convenience, compactness, saving useful space, which will come in handy in small rooms. If you have children in your family, ironing becomes almost an everyday activity. Now imagine how much space you free up by removing a large pile of laundry and a bulky ironing board.
How to make a choice
If you want to make the right choice and not make a mistake, think about the following factors in advance:
- In terms of dimensions, the base must be selected so that the open ironing board can be easily walked around without blocking the passage.
- When installing the device in a closet, ensure that there is easy access to all necessary drawers.
The optimal solution is to make the ironing iron so that it is pressed against the side wall.
Advantages and disadvantages
Any housewife dreams of an ironing board that will be hidden from guests. Therefore, built-in models are suitable precisely for such needs - visitors to your home will see a neat mirror or cabinet, and our shelving will be hidden inside. Let's list the main advantages of such devices:
- The hidden model will not bother you and your guests.
- The design of the room will not suffer at all if you choose the right wardrobe or mirror.
- Safety and convenience - you can safely walk around the house without fear of tripping over the ironing iron, knocking over the iron, etc.
- Ease of use.
- When placing an ironing board on the wall, its size may be limited, except by the dimensions of the apartment itself.
- When installed correctly, it is safe to use.
The only significant drawback that can be noted with ironing boards is their rather high cost compared to conventional models. But such a remark is quickly justified once operation begins.
By the way, some users say that the stationary nature bothers them - they cannot move the device to another location while ironing. But, as we have already understood, such disadvantages will in no way be superior to all the advantages that built-in boards bring to the house. We hope you will like the proposed ideas and you will be able to learn something for yourself. Happy shopping!
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.
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.
Step-by-step description of making an ironing board
1
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First we determine the optimal board size. The approximate length of the tabletop is 120–130 cm, and its width is 30–40 cm. Based on these parameters, we measure out a piece of furniture board. If possible, choose a shield with rounded corners; if not, round it. This way the upholstery will not be damaged while using the board. 2
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We will prepare a pair of beams with dimensions of 3.5x4x30 centimeters, and three beams - 3.5x4x110 cm. Their sizes may vary, depending on the space in the room and the height of the users. 3
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To cut out all the parts, we use an electric jigsaw, and to process the edges, we use a milling machine. 4
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We take one long beam and measure 52 cm from one end, and 58 cm from the other. We mark the places and drill a through hole in them using a drill and a drill bit with a diameter of 8 mm. We carry out a similar procedure with the remaining long bars. 5
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We make a sample on two long beams using a cork drill. This way the bolt heads will be immersed in the material and will not stand out on the surface. 6
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We connect three beams with bolts, marking M10. Rotate the middle element 180 degrees. 7
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We retreat 3 cm from the edge of each short beam and make holes with a diameter of 8 mm in these areas. A sample is made on one side. 8
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On the other edges of the short beams we drill similar holes, but step back 2 cm. We make samples on one side. 9
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After this, we connect the short and long beams with bolts. 10
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We fix the support, made of long and short beams, on the tabletop - we retreat from its edge about 16–18 cm. 11
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At the other end of the tabletop, using a milling machine, we make a small recess - one leg will fit into it when the board is unfolded. If this area is further removed from the edge, the tabletop will be higher when unfolded. 12
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We cut out the upholstery panel, taking into account the size of the tabletop. The optimal solution in this case is 150x50 cm. 13
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We trace the tabletop onto the lining material, cut out the fabric and place it on the surface. 14
. turn the tabletop over and place it on the upholstery fabric - place it inside out. We wrap the edges of the material and fix it on the board using a stapler.
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.
What to choose: comparisons
The folding ironing board is attached to a metal frame, and in working condition is installed on a support.
Advantages:
- ease of use;
- saving space;
- possibility of hidden use in any interior design;
- the board can be of any size;
- simplified design;
- quick preparation for work.
Flaws:
- frequent breakdowns of inexpensive models.
The pull-out board is hidden inside the cabinet and saves more space than the folding version.
Among the advantages:
- ease of use;
- possibility of equipment in a closet in any room (kitchen, living room, bedroom);
- hidden state in the interior outside of work.
