Ironing board built into the cabinet: types, materials, production

There are things that make a housewife's life easier. This is exactly what an ironing board is. It’s good if the apartment has a place for this item - a storage room or a convenient niche. An alternative to a massive portable stand can be an ironing board built into the cabinet. This ironing surface is very convenient. It saves space, is easy to hide, and when folded is completely invisible.

Retractable option

Types of built-in ironing tables

Folding models are mounted in cabinet doors. Boards with a simple mechanism turn into a ready-made workplace in a matter of seconds. To do this, they are lowered down from the wardrobe door.

The size of the folding ironer corresponds to the parameters of the cabinet door. You can choose a board model that will fit into the interior of the room and remain invisible.

The retractable design is hidden inside furniture drawers; it is considered the most compact. This table is ideal for small spaces, but the retractable mechanism is more delicate than a folding one and can be damaged if handled carelessly.

Hidden ironing surfaces are hidden behind mirrors, wall panels, paintings, and other interior decorations. The operating principle of the sliding mechanism is simple - the “camouflage” moves to the side, and behind it there is a compartment with a board. To prepare for work, simply pull it down from the opening.

Ironing board in the closet

Expert opinion

Svetlana Kolesnikova

Designer

A closed automatic ironing cabinet is a small unit that completely replaces an iron and steamer. You can place several items of clothing inside at once. Some time after starting the machine, the laundry is ironed.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Ironing device in the closet

Built-in ironing boards in stores are not cheap. Their price ranges from 20–30 thousand rubles. In order not to regret the money spent, before purchasing you should pay attention to the dimensions and design features of the product.

The sliding board mechanism is quite complex. Self-tapping screws or self-tapping screws are used for fastening. They are screwed into the thick wall of cabinets and drawers. The presence of spring blocks ensures smooth sliding of the working surface. Furniture fittings stores sell mechanisms with the ability to rotate the ironing table up to 180 degrees. You can fix the board in a rotated state every 15 degrees.

Depending on the model, the mechanism consists of retractable guides on rollers or a structure made of metal tubes. To ensure that the sliding ironing surface does not sag and is stable, a folding stand-leg or stop is used. It is fixed below the attachment point of the main horizontal plane. Additionally, the boards are equipped with a metal stand for the iron.

Built-in wardrobe mechanism

What are they made from?

To make a built-in ironer, waterproof plywood with a thickness of 10–20 mm is most often used. The surface is insulated with heat-resistant foil and covered with decorative material.

For the manufacture of cheaper models, particle boards are used. The working surface of an ironing board made of this material quickly warps under the influence of high temperature, begins to peel, and creaks during ironing.

Boards made from perforated metal plates are particularly strong and durable. But such products are quite heavy. It takes a lot of effort to get them ready for work. Lighter and easier to use mesh metal plates treated with an anti-corrosion compound.

Mesh metal ironing board

Dimensions

If you are going to buy a ready-made transformer, you only need to select its model. But when it is necessary to integrate an ironing board into a ready-made cabinet, it is important to take into account the dimensions of the existing furniture.

The compact retractable design can be installed in a cabinet with a depth of 50 cm or more. For a more massive ironer, you will need a wardrobe up to 1 m deep.

The size of the box for a board fixed vertically in height should only be a few cm higher than the size of the ironing table. And it is 10–20 cm deep.

Types and device

The design of the built-in ironing board includes three main elements: an ironing board, a stand, and a transformation mechanism. There are two types of opening of the working surface: folding and retractable.

Folding board

The tilting option becomes available after opening the cabinet door.
The folding design is equipped with a supporting metal frame, which is attached to one of the shelves or to the cabinet wall. A lifting mechanism with vertical guides is attached to the frame, providing folding and opening. The surface support is the metal support or the support frame itself.

The option for attaching to a shelf involves cutting the upper shelves so that the structure is positioned without interfering with the doors. In the closet, folding options can be placed in a separate niche. This option is the most convenient, but it significantly hides the functional space of the wardrobe.

The version with a rotating mechanism can be attached to the external wall of the cabinet. To open the ironing board, pull the board towards you and rotate it 90 degrees around the board. This option is relevant for saving space in the closet; it is suitable for modular furniture, between which there is an opening at least 8 cm wide.

Built into the mirror

The folding ironing surface must not be placed in a closet.

Manufacturers offer an interesting option - an ironing surface built into the mirror. This is a design in the form of a narrow hanging box with swinging or sliding panels, on the facade of which a mirror panel is fixed.

The board is attached to the wall with brackets, equipped with a support and clamps for fixing it when not in use.

The ironing board behind the mirror is invisible when folded

The option hidden behind the mirror helps save valuable space in the closet. These models decorate the wall well, visually expand the space of the room and play the role of a mirror in the bedroom or hallway.

The facade of the wall cabinet can be decorated in different styles. These options are indispensable when a mirror is not appropriate in the interior. The ironing board is sold complete with a drawer; you just need to find a place and securely attach it to the wall.

Folding options are adjustable in height, have magnetic or plastic inserts for fixation when assembled, and are equipped with iron supports, extensions and sockets.

Rotating models can be positioned at different angles.

Nuances of choice

Selecting a product to match existing furniture is not easy. For a built-in ironing board, it is better to go to a specialized store or order it from a specialist.

It is difficult to accurately choose a model for a cabinet with a corner location. Therefore, before purchasing, you should make accurate measurements of the niche parameters.

In homes where space allows, you can install a combination cabinet for storing a vacuum cleaner and ironing board.

It is important to pay attention to the quality of the materials from which the ironing board is made. The metal frame must be durable, and the working surface must be made of a material that will not deteriorate from exposure to high temperature or steam. The retractable mechanism should slide smoothly and silently. It should not swing during operation.

Before purchasing a built-in ironing table, you need to check the strength of the folding mechanism. Made of thin metal, it will quickly fail. The board will be unusable. The strength of the support is no less important. In order to withstand the load during ironing, and also not fall out of the cabinet, it must be equipped with high-quality fasteners.

Designer white board

You should ask the seller about the weight of the structure. The cabinet wall may not be able to withstand the load created by an overly heavy table. And the heavy weight of the ironer will cause trouble for the owners.

Location on the balcony

Popular models for built-in cabinets

There are many models of built-in ironing boards on the market from big-name manufacturers and practically unknown factories. There are three most popular companies that manufacture ironing board cabinets:

If you have a question about making a built-in board, you should purchase high-quality fittings. Among the best manufacturers of frames are Starax (Turkey), Hafele (Germany). Holders for folding and folding structures can be purchased in online stores and specialized retail outlets.

ASKO HI 1153T - ready-made design for installation in a cabinet

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.

How to make your own built-in whiteboard

To become the owner of a convenient ironing device, you don’t have to shell out a significant amount of money at an Ikea or other furniture store. If you have the tools, you can make a built-in board yourself.

Making a wall cabinet with ironing board

You will need the following design components:

• support leg;
• frame for wall mounting;
• tabletop.

Separate outer cabinet for ironing board

The size of the device may vary depending on the dimensions of the room where you plan to install the ironer. You should prepare a drawing of the future design in advance and stock up on decorative elements for cladding the product.

Constructing a storage niche for an ironing iron with your own hands:

1. It is necessary to make a recess in the wall. Its size should correspond to the dimensions of the box and be several centimeters larger than the ironer itself.
2. The box is made from boards. Its lower part is fixed at a height of 80 cm from the floor. This is necessary for the stability of the ironing surface during operation.
3. The standard dimensions of a built-in folding ironing board are considered to be length 125 cm, width 40 cm. The product is cut out of plywood or furniture board.
4. Using a pencil and ruler, make marks on the prepared material. The front of the table should be narrowed and rounded. A compass is used to create a contour.
5. After delineating the contours, the material is cut. This is done using an electric jigsaw. Then the side surfaces are sanded with a machine or a block with sandpaper.
6. Hinges are installed where the smoother is attached to the wall. A metal or wood leg is attached to the bottom with a piano loop. At the base of the board, two wooden blocks 40 mm thick and 70 mm wide are mounted. They will provide reliable support for the table while working.
7. After installing the fasteners, the board is beaten. For covering, use a soft base (thin foam rubber, an old blanket), thick cotton fabric. The surface of the material should be taut. This will prevent wrinkles from forming when ironing.
8. Hinges are used to secure the board to the cabinet wall. For safety, it is worth fixing the rotary type stop. This device will prevent arbitrary opening of the structure. Then install the decorative door. It will turn the board invisible.

How to make an internal niche with an ironing board is clearly shown in the photo:

For an alternative option for making an outer cabinet, watch the video:

Download the parts list with explanations for this video