How To Choose An Ironing Board For Your Home: Selection Criteria

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

How to choose an ironing board: we take into account all the criteria and choose the best

The ironing board is a great helper in everyday life. It makes it much easier to iron your laundry than on the floor or table. But choosing the right ironing board that is both comfortable and will fit in your room is not easy. In this article, we will give some tips to help you understand such a complex matter.

Content

• 1 Variety of species

• 2 Basic purchase requirements

  • 2.1 Table top

    • 2.1.1 Dimensions
    • 2.1.2 Cover material
  • 2.2 Height and stability
• 3 Optional accessories
• 4 Video: everything about choosing and using an ironing board

Variety of species

There is a wide range of ironing devices on the modern market. Basically, they can be divided into the following types.

1. Built-in ironing board fixed to the wall at one end. It does not take up space in the room; it is pulled out if necessary. Such a board is a great option for a small apartment. Such boards are usually built into a wardrobe or mounted in a special cabinet. They can become a decorative element if the outer side of the board is made in the form of a picture.

   

   The built-in ironing board is often used in small spaces

2. Portable ironing board. It is a small foldable device whose main advantage is mobility. On such a board, you can iron in any room, and then fold it and hide it in a secluded place.

   

   Portable ironing board

3. Drawer or chest of drawers for linen with built-in ironing board. In this case, the work surface is located on the chest of drawers and unfolds to the desired size. Such a chest of drawers with a board will fit very well into the decor of the room.

   

   Chest of drawers with integrated ironing board

4. Ironing boards built into furniture. They are installed inside furniture walls and cabinets, therefore, they significantly save space. These boards have rollers that move them out of the box and back.

   

   Buying a board built into furniture will save space

5. Ironing boards with additional features. These possibilities include, for example, a steam generator or other mains powered devices. They help to securely fix things on the board, dry them and steam them. These boards are suitable for synthetic and stretch fabrics.

   

   Board with additional function - steam generator

Basic purchase requirements

New ironing boards are introduced every year. Manufacturers are constantly improving them, complementing them with various devices, making them more convenient and mobile. In order not to get confused among so many offers and not incur extra costs, you need to decide in advance on what you need, relying on several properties.

1. Ease. Ironing boards are mainly used by women, so the device should be lightweight.
2. Strength. The structure must be stable, not wobbly or bend. It is very important that the lightness of the board is not offset by its strength.
3. Compactness. The board should take up little space when folded for easy storage.
4. Quality. The covering of the board must be soft and non-stick.
5. Convenience. The board should have a wide working surface on which the ironing process will be quick and easy. It is advisable that the board has a stand for the iron and a carrier with a mount for an outlet.
6. Mobility. The board should be adjustable in height so that you can adjust it to your height. Adjustment should be easy and fastening secure.

Ironing board device

If the ironing board you like meets all these parameters, and also has a reasonable price, you can safely buy it. But first, it is worth paying attention to some more features.

Table top

This ironing board element is one of the most important. You will be ironing the laundry on the surface of the countertop, so it is so important that it meets certain criteria.

There are four types of countertops:

• Chipboard;
• grid;
• solid metal sheet;
• thermoplastic.

Thermoplastic ironing board

Chipboard boards are the cheapest, and therefore the most affordable. They are also quite lightweight. But they have a significant drawback: over time, under the influence of steam and moisture, plywood deforms, becomes wavy.

The mesh can be different: braided, all-metal with holes for steam outlet, etc.

Planks with an all-metal worktop are durable and quality. Over time, such a base does not sag. But if there are few holes for steam out, the cover will quickly deteriorate. It is better if the iron tabletop is covered with wood.

Thermoplastic is a relatively new material invented. It is perfect for making ironing board tops because it is lightweight, highly durable, reflects heat well and allows steam to pass through. True, such an ironing board is expensive.

Dimensions

There are no standard, average tabletop sizes. But it is considered to be the most convenient boards with a surface width of 38 cm and a length of about 150 cm.

On sale most often you can see models with parameters:

• 110 X 30 cm and 120 X 38 cm - classic;
• 140 X 40 and 148 X 45 cm - modern.

If you choose an ironing board based on the size of your tabletop, your personal preference will play a major role. But ironing is much more convenient on a wide working surface.

Cover material

Choose your board cover wisely. It is not only a reliable coating, but also a colorful accessory that can liven up the interior. In addition, the cover wears out quickly and may need to be replaced over time.

Printed cover can decorate your interior

When choosing a cover, pay attention to the following:

1. Material. For inexpensive models of ironing boards, cotton covers are most often used. Expensive models are equipped with a coating of heat-resistant, moisture-proof and non-stick fabrics.
2. Softness. The cover should have a double lining to make ironing easier.
3. Convenience. Many manufacturers make removable covers, which is very convenient for replacing them. Such a cover should be securely attached to the surface and not fidget on the board.
4. Additional functions. In modern models, special inclusions are often used on the surface of the cover, which clean the iron, or metal inserts, which provide the effect of double-sided ironing.

Height and stability

These parameters are also very important, the convenience of the workflow depends on them.

Legs are a structural element that provides stability. It is better if they protrude slightly beyond the edges of the board in width. This will lead to a small loss of compactness, but will significantly increase the durability. The legs should be made of lightweight material such as aluminum. It depends on how lightweight and compact the design will be when carrying. To avoid damaging the floor, the feet must be equipped with plastic or rubber tips.

How the ironing board is installed will determine the convenience of work

The legs are attached to the board using:

• welding;
• bolts;
• rivets.

Among the methods of fixing the height, there are smooth and stepped ones. With a smooth lock, you will have more options for adjusting the height you want, but the board will loosen quickly. It is better to choose the stepped fixation option. It assumes 3 established levels, but the devices will last much longer.

These criteria will help you find a reliable and safe ironing board.

Optional accessories

Modern ironing boards can have many additional accessories. Someone will think that this is overkill, but most housewives are happy with such innovations, since they greatly facilitate the ironing process.

Let's look at the most common and useful additions to the board.

1. Pull-out or fixed iron stand. You can conveniently place an iron on it. So that he is at the same time at hand and does not take up much space. Usually a stand is an attachment to the side of the structure.
2. Sleeve ironing board. If you often have to iron shirts, this element is a must. It is better if this board is removable, and not stationary: this way it will not take up space on the work surface and will be used only when necessary.
3. Stand for fixing the cord from the iron. This accessory will restrict the movement of the cord so that it does not dangle during ironing.
4. Extension socket. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to install the board next to an outlet in the wall, and it is inconvenient to use the carrier. Such an accessory will cope well with this problem.
5. The laundry rack will help you to fold ironed items right away without leaving the board. The absence of such an element will not cause discomfort, but if the shelf is available, you will quickly cope with work without distraction.
6. Bracket with clothes hangers. The purpose is the same as for the linen rack. The accessory is located on the side of the board, you can hang planers on it immediately after ironing. The absence is also not critical, but the presence will create additional conveniences.

Ironing board with accessories

It is very important not to overdo it when choosing accessories on your ironing board. Otherwise, the design will become cumbersome, bulky and non-compact, which will affect the usability. In addition, if you have a small room, such a board will take up too much space.

Video: everything about choosing and using an ironing board

These criteria will help you find the most suitable ironing board. Also, do not forget that the dimensions of your home are of great importance. Share with us in the comments your experience of choosing an ironing board. We hope our tips will help you make the right choice. Good luck to you!