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dedicated to Laundry room Amazing comfort and luxury of any size. With so much square footage it can be easy to pack in all the amenities you need to make laundry day a breeze. However, there are also plenty of small-space solutions to maximize the efficiency of small laundry rooms. However, one solution can help optimize tight laundry space: a built-in wall ironing board cabinet. These clever units work by moving into the wall between studs to take advantage of unused space. It’s a total game-changer for undersized laundry spaces where every square inch really counts. When it’s time to iron, you open the cabinet door to reveal a fold-down board. There is also storage space inside for iron and other supplies.
Built-in wall ironing boards are hardly a new concept, as they have been around for over a century. They got their start in the 1920s during a wave of home design that focused on functionality, such as in Sears home kits. However, the rise in popularity of synthetic, wash-and-wear fabrics in the 50s and 60s meant less time spent ironing. Hence, there was a declining need for built-in ironing boards as a staple in new homes.
Fast forward to today’s reinvigorated quest to maximize efficiency, storage and functionality in small spaces. You see we’ve come full circle, with more people looking for improved versions of built-in ironing boards as a solution for small laundry rooms. If you don’t have the original fold-out ironing board built into the historic property, there are ways to incorporate the idea in a more up-to-date way.
Features and styles of built-in wall ironing board cabinets
There are several options on the market for built-in ironing board cabinets, all designed to be narrow enough to rest comfortably between. Standard distance wall studs. Basic built-in models with tilt-out or swivel boards, eg Household Essentials Stowaway Ironing BoardUsually in the $100 to $200 dollar range. Many must have an internal depth to accommodate the iron inside the cabinet when the boards are folded. Some units also feature hooks for clothes in progress, while others have a secondary narrow fold-down sleeve board. Many have fixed or adjustable shelves for storing laundry essentials behind closed doors. Some units also boast an integrated outlet, timer, work light and cord bracket for an all-in-one storage and power solution. Some basic cabinets have mirrored or standard white laminate door fronts. But there are also high-end units made from real wood to match your existing cabinetry.
Even if you can’t (or don’t care to) cut into your drywall, you can accomplish the same idea. There are also low-profile units, viz Evasion’s Ironing Board Cabinetwhich can be wall-mounted on a surface. While they will be slightly deeper than their recessed counterparts, you are still able to achieve a wall-mounted ironing board cabinet with just a few drywall holes versus a large cutout.
If you’re a renter looking for a damage-free solution, they make an over-the-door fold-down ironing board with removable hooks. Some models, viz Over the Door Ironing Board from SiritexAlso features iron holders and storage. While this may not be as attractive as the options with doors, the board hides nicely behind the door.
Installing a built-in wall ironing board cabinet in your laundry room
While features may vary, the installation process for built-in wall ironing board cabinets is generally the same. Start by finding the perfect spot, with plenty of room to fold or turn the board, as well as close to an electrical outlet. Some cabinets come with a built-in outlet that is professionally hard wired. Once the location is determined, Use the stud finder To locate the two surrounding wall studs. After that, mount the cabinet according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Instructions may come with a recommended height from floor to bottom. However, feel free to adjust this height from the ground for your personal preferences. Some cabinets have a board adjustment feature to allow for small changes in workspace height after installation. This will give you a custom ironing space that is ideal for your needs and can be removed when not in use.
