Pull-out and built-in ironing boards
From the name it is clear that such boards are integrated into special furniture niches. They are great for studio apartments or one-room apartments, as well as in the homes of those who strive for ergonomics.
Built-in boards are great for small spaces.
Usually they are built into wardrobes or dressing rooms, where the board is “hidden” in a niche behind a mirror or decorative panel. Also, a folding board can be mounted in a chest of drawers or a kitchen set.
Typically, boards are built into dressing rooms or wardrobes.
When unfolded, the household accessory is no different from the floor board, with the exception of the folding mechanism and type of support. They are made from pressed sheet materials, plywood or metal, with a layer of filler covered with heat-resistant fabric.
When unfolded, the built-in board is no different from the stationary one.
In a wall cabinet
You can also make a small hanging cabinet yourself. Its difference from the previous version is that not only a board, but also an iron and ironing supplies fit inside the structure. The cabinet is slightly wider than the mirror, but fits perfectly into the decor and serves as additional storage space.
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.
Installing an ironing board in a closet
When folded, the pull-out ironing board in the closet should align with the drawer. The most comfortable models to use are equipped with rotating mechanisms.
The pullout board must be the right size for the drawer.
However, pull-out boards are often inferior to folding boards in terms of convenience: they are often built into kitchen units, and due to the limited space, using them can be problematic.
Pull-out boards are often built into kitchen units.
Folding boards are not only more convenient, but also easier to manufacture. They are mounted on a metal frame, which is fixed on a wall, shelf or in a niche. The most practical are boards attached to a shelf.
Folding boards are much more convenient than retractable ones.
Firstly, you immediately have access to the drawers where the laundry is stored.
Secondly, the space is used ergonomically and there is no need to allocate additional space for household appliances. Thanks to the adjustable support, the board can be fixed at a convenient height.
The board can be fixed at a convenient height.
A type of folding boards are hidden boards. Their difference is that the equipment is stored behind a decorative overlay. Most often - a mirror or panel that slides according to the compartment principle or opens in a hinged manner.
Hidden boards are hidden behind a mirror or decorative panel.
Advantages and disadvantages
An ironing board, securely hidden from prying eyes, is the dream of any housewife. None of the guests will ever guess that behind a beautiful wall mirror or behind the door of a magnificent designer wardrobe hides such a banality as an ironing board. These ironing boards have several positive qualities:
- the board is not an eyesore for house guests;
- does not spoil the design of the apartment;
- all residents of the house can move freely around the apartment without fear of accidentally catching a board, iron or linen;
- ease of use;
- you can use a very large board;
- safety during operation.
There is only one drawback to such boards - a slightly higher price than classic models. But this cost is quite justified. Some housewives also say that while ironing it is impossible to move to another place, because the board is stationary.
But still, retractable and folding boards are chosen by people who think rationally and do not want to clutter their living space with unnecessary household elements.
DIY ironing board built into the closet
To assemble the board with your own hands, you first need to allocate space for the ironing board in the closet.
First you need to decide on a place for the board in the closet.
Attention! It is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the board. To use the mechanism comfortably, the lower limiter is placed no higher than 80 cm from the floor.
For comfortable use, the board must meet certain dimensions.
How to do:
- choose the size of the product, standard dimensions will be 120x30 or 130x40 cm;
- Focusing on the parameters, cut out the workpiece and, if possible, round the edges;
- take two beams (standard dimensions 3.5x4x30 cm) and three beams (standard dimensions (3.5x4x110 cm);
- process the parts using a jigsaw and milling machine;
- on long bars, make two marks - with an indentation of 52 cm on one edge and 58 cm on the other edge;
- drill through holes (drill diameter 8 mm);
- connect the bars with M10 bolts, turn the middle one 180 degrees;
- on short beams, make 2 holes on each side - retreat 3 cm on one side, 2 cm on the other end (drill diameter 8 mm);
- connect short and long bars;
- fix the support on the tabletop with a distance of 18 cm from the edge;
- using a milling machine, make a small recess on the other edge of the tabletop, it is necessary for the folding leg;
- make upholstery according to the dimensions of the tabletop (taking into account allowances of 10-20 cm, the standard size will be 150x50 cm);
- secure the covering to the board using a furniture stapler.
This way you can make your own built-in folding ironing board.
Varieties
Ironing boards built into the wall differ from each other in several ways, such as material of manufacture, dimensions, plane of location and other elements. Let's consider each of them separately.
Materials
Material from which the work surface is made:
- Most often, the ironing surface is made of multi-layer plywood. This option is inexpensive and very practical. In addition, it is distinguished by its durability and resistance to moisture.
- Metal mesh or profiled metal sheet on a base. This design has an unlimited service life, and is also distinguished by its lightness and high cost.
Important! Each model of built-in ironing device must be equipped with a cover that improves the quality of ironing.
Layout plane
The plane where the smoother is located:
- The base of the structure is installed vertically. When it unfolds, the board takes a horizontal position.
- There are models that first recline down 90 degrees, and only then turn the working side up.
- In addition, it happens that the base is placed horizontally from the very beginning (for example, inside a drawer). When the ironing board built into the cabinet is unfolded, the surface rotates as needed and extends.
Important! Many models are capable of extending in several planes simultaneously, thereby increasing ease of use.
Dimensions
Let's talk about dimensions. When choosing the size of your ironing board, pay attention to the interior dimensions of the cabinet. Most often, built-in mechanisms are not large in size, but there are exceptions. The most compact designs are most often installed inside drawers, while others are mounted to the wall.
Equipment
An ironing board built into a cabinet or other surface may additionally include other elements that simplify the process of folding and unfolding:
- Closers. Ensures that the device opens or closes when the user gives it the initial impulse.
- Support bearing. Protects the floor from possible damage.
- A spring block that simplifies manual work.
- Other details.
Where can I buy a finished board?
Manufacturers and stores do not often offer such products in finished form. However, an ironing board for a cabinet can be made to order in any furniture workshop or company that produces components.
Built-in boards are often manufactured off-the-shelf.
The optimal solution is to check with the manufacturer when purchasing furniture whether he can additionally produce an ironing board for the cabinet.
The folding board can also be made to order.
This will guarantee the perfect integration of the household accessory into the interior space of the furniture.
Ironing board on the door
For expressive personalities who can slam the door in the heat of the moment, this option is clearly not suitable. But if you have a calm character and like to decorate your interior, you may be interested in the placement of the board on the door. You can attach it using the same principle as on the wall, using hooks. Just for reliability, so that the ironer does not rattle every time it opens and closes, mount a few additional nails into the surface of the door and bend them. If necessary, you can use them to fix the ironing board, and it will be firmly secured.
