Hi all! In this article we will look at a simple way to convert a regular ironing board into a folding one. Probably everyone has such a thing as an ironing board, so I have one! But, unfortunately, there is absolutely no space in the apartment for it. When unfolded, it takes up precious space and interferes with movement around the apartment; when folded, there is also nowhere to put it, so after thinking a little, I decided that it was time to attach it somewhere. The only free space in the apartment was the loggia; the size of the board was perfect, and besides, there were sockets in this place, which undoubtedly simplified everything. All that remained was to figure out a way to adapt the board so that it would be convenient to use. You can find out what I got out of this by reading the article to the end. I have attached detailed instructions and a photo report.
On the wall
It is not known who and when the method of hanging large objects on the wall was invented, but it is used often and quite actively to this day.
Sometimes you can see a bicycle, sled or guitar on the wall. The ironing board was no exception. Quite often it is hung on the wall right in the laundry room, dressing room, bathroom or any other utility room. This is a great option for those who do not want to store the item unfolded. In addition, the chance that you will use it increases if it is “at hand”, next to the washed and hung clothes.
Built-in ironing board mechanism
At its core, the built-in type is no different from the usual one, and this accessory can be easily mounted in kitchen furniture, a wardrobe, and even a niche in the wall.
The ironing board can also be built into kitchen furniture.
All built-in boards used should only fulfill their main purpose efficiently - to help iron things out.
The built-in ironing board can be easily installed in any room.
On the door
A board hanging on the door will not be conspicuous. The main thing is to securely fasten its legs, otherwise every time you open and close the door they will knock on it and on the wall.
Another interesting option is to install a small niche behind the mirror in the floor and hang a board on the back of the glass. She won't be visible there at all. The only problem is that you can design such a secret cabinet only at the stage of creating the apartment design.
Types of built-in ironing boards
At the moment, there are three main types of built-in boards:
- folding;
- retractable;
- built into the closet.
A cabinet or any niche in the wall is suitable for installing a folding board.
One of the advantages of a wall-mounted ironing board is the ability to use any wall niches.
Folding boards are the most popular
This mechanism is valued for its reliability and durability; the main rule is not to overload it. The folding leaf can be decorated with a mirrored door, thus combining not only the laundry room, but also the fitting room in one place.
When installing a built-in ironing board, make sure there is an electrical outlet nearby.
Also, do not forget that there should be a source of electricity for the iron near the place for ironing.
The folding ironing board can be hidden behind the mirror.
It is not recommended to build sockets into the surfaces themselves due to the high fire hazard - although the mechanism is reliable, it does not guarantee complete isolation of metal and wooden elements from electrical wires.
The folding ironing board is reliable and durable.
Pull-out ironing boards are often made in furniture workshops and designed for a specific project. Hence one of the main disadvantages of this type follows - you should forget to plan a built-in board when designing furniture, and after the final assembly it will hardly be possible to allocate free space for it.
A pull-out board in a chest of drawers should be planned for a specific project.
It is also worth remembering that in order to lay out a large board, you will need an appropriately sized furniture chest of drawers, which is not always possible to achieve in ergonomic conditions. If you need a compact folding surface, any free closet can handle this.
A compact ironing board can be placed in a spare closet.
Due to the fact that retractable ironing boards can be folded inside furniture drawers, they can be placed almost anywhere - from a closet in the bedroom or living room, to a kitchen unit, and sometimes even a bathroom cabinet.
A retractable board can be placed almost anywhere.
The ironing board built into the cabinet is closely intertwined with the pull-out ones. However, this is a very conditional similarity, because in a furniture closet it is possible to build in a board for ironing things without using chests of drawers, cabinets or drawers. You can simply attach the mechanism to any furniture wall, and due to its horizontal position inside the furniture, the board will be considered built-in.
The board built into the closet is similar to the retractable ones.
The main question is where to get the electrical power for the iron. This issue should be well researched due to the increased fire hazard of both the cabinet itself and the textiles stored in it.
An ironing board built into a closet requires a thoughtful approach.
Behind the closet
The easiest option is to put the folded board behind the closet. Of course, there is a possibility that you will completely forget about it, since it is inconvenient to take out and lay out a heavy object, it will take a long time to wipe off the dust from it, and you may not have any strength or desire left for ironing.
It is better if the apartment has a niche equipped with shelves. In this case, the board can be placed in this recess and blocked off the shelves with it. And if you pre-pack it in a case that matches the color of the walls, it will turn out absolutely perfect.
How to choose the right ironing board
Here you should first of all start from the availability of free space and convenience for people. After all, thanks to the great variety of types, the board can be located anywhere.
You should choose an ironing board based on the available space in the apartment.
If you want to be able to iron things immediately after washing them, choose a pull-out type in your bathroom furniture. If you like to try on ironed clothes, a folding option closed with a mirror door is perfect for you.
Note! The main factor is the presence of an outlet nearby. After all, an ironing board with meters of extension cords cannot be called comfortable.
Features of folding ironing boards
From a mechanical point of view, for normal functioning such a board requires a mechanism capable of performing two functions:
- fix the surface in a vertical position;
- support the structure and the items and household appliances placed on it during ironing.
And if both conditions are met, then the board will be able to perform its functions for a long time.
If you choose the right built-in ironing board, you will enjoy it for a long time.
As you can see, the main thing when choosing a built-in ironing board is to understand your needs and compare them with the existing ergonomics of the room in which you plan to place it. Decent board options can be easily found in many furniture stores in your neighborhood.
Selection rules
If you want to purchase a model of ironing board that is installed against a wall or in a closet, then you should know the important criteria for choosing it. Knowledge of the rules and qualities that need to be taken into account when purchasing this product will help you buy a quality model.
Placing the ironing fixture
The main selection criteria include the following:
- Structure weight. The weight of the product is of great importance, because the easy and comfortable use of the structure depends on it. The best option is a folding model of medium weight. But a product that is too light should alert you; most likely it is made of low quality material;
- Mobility. The board should be easy to fold, fixed to the required height, adjustable and installed in the desired position;
- Options. Designs for ironing clothes are divided into two types - modern and classic. Classic type products usually have standard sizes of 110x30 and 120x38, they are ideal for apartments with a small area. Compact dimensions take up very little space, and the small surface is suitable for ironing everyday items and linen. But modern products have larger sizes - 140x40 and 148x45;
- Design. When choosing an ironing structure, be sure to pay attention to the type of its design. In stores you often find products with rounded corners. They are made from plywood sheets with a layer of foam rubber. It is important to choose a high-quality product with a solid base; it can last for a long period;
- Degree of stability. This indicator is determined by the legs. When choosing, be sure to check the stability of the product; it must be laid out and placed on legs, and they must protrude beyond the edges of the working surface;
- When choosing, it is worth considering the type of connection of the legs to the structure. They should be attached with strong bolts, but it is better if they are welded. But models with rivets, despite their low cost, will make the structure unstable and shaky in the future;
- The price of an ironing board depends on the type of coating material. Cheap models are covered with cotton fabric, but more expensive and high-quality products have a removable cover, which is made of a heat-resistant base;
- Additional elements. Modern models may have additional components - an iron stand, a cord lock, a plug, a mesh for clothes, special rollers for ironing sleeves and small laundry.
In a wall cabinet
If you like to make furniture with your own hands, you can make a special wall cabinet for the ironing machine. This will make your interior more harmonious and attractive, as well as functional.
Ironing board in wall cabinet
The ironing board can be hidden in a single cabinet or the design can be supplemented with shelves for storing household chemicals and various small items. And don’t forget that such a piece of furniture should fit harmoniously into your interior, so think carefully about its color scheme and the material from which it will be made.
Compact cabinet for ironing board
It’s so convenient not only to hide the board, but also to use it for its intended purpose.
And a few more important details that should not be forgotten: • Place the place to store the ironing iron next to the outlet. • Keep the iron and socket out of the reach of small children. If the outlet is located at a low level, cover it with special protective plugs, which are sold at any hardware store.
Wooden ironing board cabinet
A great way to hide not only the ironing board, but also the socket.
yfnecz
source: https://odomah.org/637684255564499148/