Hi all! Many of you are very familiar with the problem of small apartments. Because of this, we have to look for more rational solutions in terms of furniture and equipment of the house, choose transformable elements, etc. All this for the sake of saving space.
One such solution is a built-in ironing board. Everyone needs to iron things, but doing it on the kitchen table or coffee table is completely inconvenient. In order not to take up space with a classic board, a built-in structure comes to the aid of a practical person.
I will try to tell you what they are, what mechanism is used, their strengths and weaknesses. Plus I’ll give you some useful tips on choosing built-in ironing boards.
You take an active part in the discussion, express your own opinion and share your personal experience in using such solutions.
What types of built-in ironing boards are there?
There are 4 main types of boards. The choice of one of them depends on the desired installation location and the preferences of the apartment owners.
Types of products:
- Folding. This type of ironing board device is considered classic. It is practically no different from an ordinary device, but has a special lifting mechanism. It can be used to raise the board to a vertical position.
- Built into the mirror. An original solution that makes it possible to hide the board. Mirrors can be solid or made in the form of swinging doors.
- Retractable. These structures are placed in cabinet drawers. Due to limited space, they can be folded in half. This product is considered the least reliable, but the most compact.
- Built into the closet. These models are heavy and large, but provide high reliability and good stability. Such devices are made to order or purchased ready-made (for example, the built-in Rocket board). A cabinet with a built-in board in the interior looks beautiful and neat.
Advantages
Among the main advantages of built-in ironing boards are the following:
- special compactness, functionality and comfortable operation with regular use;
- reliable and simple fastening in both positions;
- the presence of a convenient transformation mechanism;
- possibility of fixation in separate positions and at different angles.
The only drawback of built-in ironing boards is still the relatively high cost. However, this minus is more than compensated by noticeable savings in free space, practicality, ease of maintenance and long service life.
In general, it does not matter whether the built-in ironing board will be used in an ordinary private house, a spacious country cottage or a relatively cramped city apartment. The fittings of this plan look relevant, an extremely successful solution, regardless of the conditions and nature of the room.
How to choose the right built-in whiteboard
Buying an ironing board is a complex task that requires taking into account a large number of nuances. It is best to seek help from specialists who will tell you the features of each model and warn about their shortcomings. If you choose a product yourself, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Size. You need to buy a board that, after installation, will not interfere with the free movement of people around the apartment. To eliminate the possibility of error, you should make all the necessary measurements in advance.
- Weight. This indicator is important when choosing products that will be attached to a thin cabinet wall. If the weight is too heavy, the device may fall and break something in the apartment.
- Sustainability. When ironing, you can never rule out the possibility of getting burned. To prevent this from happening, the foundation must be stable. In addition, a shaky structure will cause inconvenience to the owner.
- Quality of support. To prevent the product from falling out of the cabinet or niche, it must be equipped with a reliable lock. This structural part is made from a variety of durable materials.
- Reliability of the mechanism. The device that allows you to raise and lower the board should work without any problems. When purchasing a product, you should ask the seller about the material from which the mechanism is made. It must be strong and durable.
Table top material
The materials for the working surface of the ironing board are mainly recycled wood and metal. Inexpensive models also use thermoplastic, MDF, chipboard and plywood.
Pressed wood boards are lighter than plywood, so this ironing board is more convenient for transportation. Plastic is durable, but too light, which negatively affects the stability of the structure.
This also applies to metallized boards, the surface of which can be used much longer than a wooden one. In this case, the metal is susceptible to corrosion.
When choosing a material for a countertop, it is recommended to pay attention to a metal board with perforations or a surface made of a metal mesh sheet. They allow steam to pass through and do not accumulate moisture. This prevents things from getting wet during ironing and prevents rust.
If you plan to use a steam generator for ironing, the tabletop should be made of multilayer material to ensure air circulation and ease of sliding.
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.
The base of Belsi Verona is made of moisture-resistant plywood, which is covered with a special heat-reflecting material. The length of the product is 128 cm and the width is 38 cm. The board has a felt lining and a removable cover made of natural material.
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
An ironing board built into the closet 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 accessories.
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).
The main disadvantage of Asko HI 1152 W is its high price compared to other boards. In addition, the device is not universal. It can only be adjusted using add-ons manufactured by Asko.
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.
The disadvantages of Janov Temise Eco include the absence of a stand and holder.
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.
Features to Pay Attention to
When purchasing an ironing board, you need to pay attention that, in addition to the ironing surface itself, the kit may also include additional elements that speed up and simplify the ironing process:
- iron stand or steam generator - ensure fire safety when ironing and prevent burns and scorches on the cover;
- iron cord holder - helps to support the iron cord and adjust its length;
- extension cord with socket - makes it possible to place the iron at a convenient distance from the socket;
- additional shelf - an attached panel for storing accessories and already ironed items.
The ironing board may also come with a special sleeve, an ironing pad or a board with a folding surface, which makes ironing shirts, blouses and individual pieces of clothing easier.
Some boards come with a universal cover that can be removed and washed. The lining of such a cover must be at least 2 mm thick, otherwise things may stick to the ironing surface.
The operation of an ironing board made of any material can be greatly simplified with additional functions
- a vacuum that allows clothes to come into close contact with the board and prevents creases on things;
- blowing warm air makes it easier to iron delicate fabrics - velor, velvet, silk, chiffon;
- heated tabletop, which helps to cope with ironing much faster.
The blower is used together with a steam generator and steam exhaust. The ironing process is carried out using a protective sleeve, which helps to avoid getting burned.
How to make a retractable board on the wall with your own hands
Making a folding board with your own hands is quite simple. To complete the work, you need to correctly draw up drawings, as well as prepare the required tools and materials.
For work you will need the following items:
- plywood sheet;
- long wooden stick;
- wooden blocks;
- fasteners;
- a simple pencil;
- metal ruler;
- sandpaper;
- piano loop;
- a piece of fabric;
- staples;
- hammer;
- scissors;
- furniture stapler;
- Sander;
- electric jigsaw.
To hide a board in a niche or cabinet, you need to correctly perform several simple operations. You can even use an old board as the base of the product. At the same time, it must be durable and without any damage.
Sequencing:
- Draw a drawing of the future product, on which all the necessary dimensions are indicated.
- Using a simple pencil, the outlines of the future structure are drawn onto a sheet of plywood. The shape and dimensions are chosen independently, taking into account the dimensions of the cabinet or niche in the wall.
- Using an electric jigsaw, cut out the base.
- The edges of the workpiece are processed using a grinding machine or sandpaper. It is important that they are smooth and even.
- To make a fixing leg, take a wooden stick.
- It is cut to the required length and sanded.
- The finished part is attached to the bottom of the base using a piano loop.
- From the bars, the width of which should be approximately 70 mm and the thickness - 40 mm, 2 identical parts are cut out.
- They are attached to the base where the board is attached to the niche.
- A piece of cloth is placed on the board.
- It is stretched and attached to the base using a furniture stapler.
- Several additional staples are hammered into the corners with a hammer. This is necessary to ensure that the fabric is securely fastened and does not create problems during ironing.
- The facing material is attached to the edges of the base. It can be a special tape or any fabric that will not lose its appearance when in contact with a hot iron.
- The product is installed in a niche using hinged fasteners.
A built-in ironing board is an excellent solution for a small apartment. Such a device should be purchased ready-made or made independently. You can install it in a dressing room, bedroom or any other room.
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.
