How to Design a Hidden Foldable Ironing Board in a Small Laundry Room?

Ironing clothes can often feel like an unavoidable chore. Yet, in small homes or apartments where space is a premium, finding a place to store your ironing board can be a real challenge. The good news is, there’s a solution that can help you save space and make ironing less of a hassle: a hidden, foldable ironing board. In today’s article, we will be guiding you on how to incorporate this clever design into your laundry room.

1. Identifying the Perfect Spot

Before we dive into the design and technicalities, firstly, we need to identify the perfect spot for your ironing board. When doing so, there are a few factors that you need to consider.

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In most homes, the laundry room is the most logical choice. There, you can easily access freshly washed clothes ready to be ironed and stored away. However, not all laundry rooms are created equal. In particularly small spaces, every inch of surface space counts.

The wall is your best bet. Look for a wall that is at least 16 inches wide to accommodate a standard ironing board. Make sure the wall is not shared with a bathroom to avoid potential water damage. Also, consider the lighting in the room. You’ll need sufficient lighting to iron effectively. If the lighting is poor, you might need to add some lamps or additional lighting fixtures.

2. Customizing the Cabinet Design

Once you’ve chosen the perfect wall, the next step is to design the cabinet that will house your ironing board. The cabinet should blend in with the existing design of the room.

A popular choice is to match the cabinet with the existing cabinets in your laundry room. This ensures that your hidden ironing board blends seamlessly into the room’s design. Houzz has numerous design ideas that you can draw inspiration from.

Remember that while aesthetics are important, functionality should not be compromised. The cabinet should be sturdy and must be able to support the weight of the ironing board. Further, the design should allow for easy pull-out and fold-up of the board.

3. Adding Other Functional Elements

While the main goal here is to create a hidden, foldable ironing board, you can also leverage this opportunity to add other functional elements to your laundry room.

For instance, consider adding additional storage space within the cabinet. This can hold your iron and other ironing accessories like starch spray and iron cleaner. You can also add hooks on the inside of the cabinet door for hanging clothes.

Also, think about including a small cabinet at the bottom to hold your laundry basket. This way, your laundry room stays tidy and everything has its place.

4. Installing the Ironing Board

After you’ve designed and built (or purchased) your cabinet, it’s time to install your ironing board. Here, you’ll be attaching the board to the inside of the cabinet. Ensure that it’s firmly attached and that it can easily be pulled out and folded up.

Remember to position the ironing board at an appropriate height. It should be comfortable for a person of average height to iron without having to bend over excessively or reach up too high.

5. Outdoor and Closet Considerations

If you don’t have a suitable wall in your laundry room or if it’s just too small, don’t worry. There are other spaces in your home where you can install a hidden, foldable ironing board.

An outdoor laundry area is a good consideration. It provides plenty of natural light, making ironing easier and more efficient. Alternatively, if you have a large enough closet, it can be converted into a laundry/ironing area.

In conclusion, a hidden, foldable ironing board is a practical and space-saving solution for small homes or apartments. It offers the convenience of easy access to an ironing board without the hassle of storage. Plus, it can be designed to blend seamlessly into your home’s design, making it not just functional, but also aesthetically pleasing.

6. Incorporating Technology and Sustainability

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s possible to incorporate innovative features into your hidden ironing board design. Consider adding features like an auto-off function for your iron to conserve energy and increase safety. This function turns the iron off automatically when left idle for a certain period.

You could also incorporate a steam generator, which produces powerful steam that makes ironing more efficient. Consider an iron with a pull ironing function, which uses steam to remove wrinkles and creases with minimal effort. This feature can be especially handy when ironing hefty items like curtains or bedding.

In terms of sustainability, opt for eco-friendly materials when choosing your ironing board and cabinet. For instance, you might choose a bamboo ironing board instead of a traditional metal one. Bamboo is a sustainable resource and offers excellent durability.

To further enhance your laundry room’s sustainability, you could use LED lights for your outdoor lighting. LED lights consume less energy than traditional bulbs, reducing your environmental footprint and saving you money in the long run.

7. Contracting Professionals

If designing and building a hidden ironing board seems overwhelming, hiring general contractors can be a worthwhile investment. They can help with every aspect of the project, from identifying the perfect spot to managing the software project of designing and installing the unit.

When hiring contractors, it’s important to consider their experience with similar projects. Check their portfolio to see if they have completed projects that involve incorporating hidden ironing boards in laundry rooms or kitchens. Their ability to create a custom website for the project can also be a good indicator of their professionalism and attention to detail.

You should also inquire about their invoicing and billing system. A generation invoicing system that’s transparent and straightforward can prevent misunderstandings and disagreements later on.

Conclusion

Incorporating a hidden, foldable ironing board in a small laundry room is a clever way to save space while making the chore of ironing less daunting. Whether you choose to add it in your laundry room, kitchen, dining area, or even an outdoor space, this feature can bring convenience and efficiency to your home.

Remember to consider factors like the optimal location, the design and functionality of the cabinet, additional storage options, and the installation of the ironing board. To maximize the benefits of this feature, consider incorporating technology and sustainability in your design.

If the task seems overwhelming, don’t hesitate to hire professionals. While it may be an additional cost upfront, their expertise can ensure the successful implementation of this useful and stylish home feature.

Overall, a hidden, foldable ironing board can contribute to a neat, well-organized home. It’s a practical solution that marries form and function, offering both visual appeal and utility. With careful planning and implementation, this feature can transform your laundry experience, turning a mundane chore into a more enjoyable task.