How to choose an ironing board for a house

An ironing board is a very convenient attribute of any household, but, unfortunately, it is not available in every home. And the main reason for this is the small areas of the premises and the bulky size of the product itself. Be that as it may, the board always takes up a lot of space, and it, as is known, is always in "deficit" in the conditions of standard city apartments. Therefore, most housewives, coming out of the situation, adapt for the process of ironing the surface of tables or chests of drawers, covering them with blankets or bedspreads.

Nevertheless, there is an exit. Modern models of ironing boards are developed taking into account the mentioned factor. To understand how to choose an ironing board for the house , for it to be convenient for daily use, and does not take up much space, you need to consider several designs of this convenient device and the criteria for choosing the best model.

Criteria for choosing an ironing board

It is very important to determine the requirements for the ironing board, since it should be comfortable in every way for the hostess and ideally fit the size for a particular room.

• First of all, the ironing board should be suitable for the growth of the person who will most often use it, or it should be equipped with a height adjustment function.
• Adjusting the desired height and securely fixing the countertop in one position should be easy and reliable.
• If the board is mobile, it should have a small weight and a simple design, otherwise it simply does not want to be laid out or, alternatively, folded and removed.
• Strength is one of the most important conditions for the surface and retaining elements of the ironing device. The board should stand firm on the floor, do not stagger and do not bend during its operation, because at this time the design will experience certain loads.
• The ironing surface of the board should have a sufficient area for easy ironing of any size of the thing, since the quality of the work will depend directly on this parameter.
• The work surface of the board must have a smooth, soft coating of natural material that will not melt from the high temperatures of the heated iron. Otherwise, the device will remain melted parts of the fabric of the case, which can damage the thing that is being ironed. The cover must be periodically washed, so it is often made removable.
• The ironing board should not be too large, so that it can be stored and used even in a small area.
• The design is usually equipped with a convenient and reliable iron support. In some models, a socket is attached to the stand for the most convenient connection of an electrical appliance.

These are the basic, most necessary qualities that an ironing board should have. In such a list each hostess can add her own requirements, such as design, placement method, special design and additional equipment of the device.

A variety of designs for ironing boards

Nowadays many ironing board models can be found on the market, differing in design and size, which can be mobile or designed for stationary fastening. To know what they are, and how they can be stored, several basic types of this device should be considered.

Traditional

ironing board Most housewives are very familiar with the simplest, "classic" ironing board design, consisting of a work surface made of metal grill or plywood and folding legs that can be adjusted to three to four height levels.

The ironing surface in this type of model is covered with foam rubber, and on top of it is put on cotton, linen or a removable cover made of water repellent non-stick material. The board has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape with rounded corners and, most often, a metal stand for the iron is fixed in the back part. The standard dimensions of such products are 1300 × 300 mm or 1500 × 380 mm, but they can vary in one direction or the other.

This design of the ironing board is quite cheap, but it has a number of serious drawbacks, which cause inconvenience during ironing and storage.

• If the working surface is made of plywood, then it over time under the influence of high temperatures and steam can deform and exfoliate.

• If the working surface is a metal mesh, the design is more durable, but has less stiffness and stability. In addition, when choosing such a product, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the mesh itself and the reliability of its attachment to the frame, since sometimes even new working mesh surfaces have a marriage. Such a frame ironing board should be necessarily reinforced with metal stiffeners, passing under the mesh surface, otherwise it will eventually sag.

• When choosing an economical variant of the ironing board, it is better to purchase the product with a table top made from a metal perforated sheet, which will give rigidity to the structure and allow moisture and steam to flow freely. Such a working surface will not get laid and will not bend.
• It is very important to pay attention to the swivel joints and fastening of the structural parts - they can be done with screws or rivets. It is not recommended to purchase models, the elements of which are fastened with rivets, since in time they have the property of loosening, after which the design becomes flaky and shaky. If a board with screw connections is chosen, they can always be tightened with a conventional screwdriver.
• Fixing the legs when unfolding the ironing board can be carried out in two ways - stepped and smooth. Smooth regulation allows you to raise the board to any height, but over time, such a system loosens and does not hold the board at the correct height, so it is recommended to choose a more reliable - stepped locking system.
• In order for the board to be stable, its legs should extend in width across the edges of the working surface of the board, but this same factor makes the design less compact when folded. It is recommended to purchase a product equipped with legs with chrome or stainless coating - although this option will cost a bit more, but the parts will not be scratched over time and will not lose their original appearance. The ends of the legs should be worn with rubber or plastic tips, since without these elements, damage to the floor covering is inevitable. In addition, these attachments prevent the ironing board from slipping on the floor.
• Inexpensive for the price of an ironing board can be equipped with a stand under the iron, or not have it. It is recommended, of course, to purchase a product equipped with this device, or even better if an electrical outlet is installed on it. The stand must be firmly connected to the metal frame of the working surface. It is not necessary to choose models in which metal brackets are used in the form of a stand, installed in special landing holes, since such a design is unreliable and unsafe.

• Quite often complete with such a model of the board are additional devices, for example, a shelf for ironing sleeves or a lattice for hanging clothes, which significantly increase the price of the product, but they are not used by very few people. In addition, all these additions make the product heavier and cumbersome, which is very inconvenient, especially for small rooms where it is not possible to install the board permanently, but it is necessary to assemble it and unfold it every time it is necessary to iron something. Therefore, it is worthwhile to think carefully whether these devices are necessary or better to acquire options that are not burdened with unnecessary elements.

Folding ironing board

Another variant of the ironing device is a folding board that is easily retracted into the drawer of the furniture cabinet or chest. This model is perfect for those who do not have enough space to install and store the classical design of the board.

cabinet. The folding board can be fixed to the side walls of a conventional drawer, which has sufficient width and height, and is also sturdy for securing the side panels. In other designs of folding boards, only the facade part of the drawer is used - it is fixed to special guides that act as side walls.

When the board is folded and the drawer is pushed into the closet, it will be indistinguishable from the usual standing next to it.

The board has special fasteners, at the ends of which are fixed rollers, installed in the guides. When the drawer is extended, the spring mechanism lifts the ironing board folded in half on the legs, and it can only be decomposed before the ironing starts. Mostly, the front panel of the box serves as a support for the decomposed part of the board.

After completion of the work, the board is folded and the construction is pushed deep into the cabinet, taking its original position. The compactness of this model can be called its most important advantage, since it will not occupy any one centimeter of the area of ​​the room during storage. Foldable ironing board can be placed in a box having a width of 360 ÷ 500 mm. The total length of the guides in the unfolded form is not more than 950 mm.

Another variant of the folding board differs from the previous one in that it features a rotary mechanism. The advantage of this model is that for it there will be enough drawer, having a depth of only 350 ÷ 500 mm. Proceeding from the fact that, as a rule, cabinets or chests of drawers have a depth of at least 600 mm, we can conclude that you can install such a design in any piece of furniture.

The board in this case not only folds in half, but also rotates by 90 degrees. The retractable mechanism in the design differs from the previous one by its greater compactness in thickness, so a box under it can also be used lower.

In the open position, the drawer support and the board itself are the front panel of the drawer, so its fastening with the retractable swivel design should be sufficiently reliable. The installation of such a rotary mechanism is simple and can be carried out by yourself, since it requires only a screwdriver or a screwdriver.

Folding ironing board

The flap design of the ironing board, which can be wall-mounted or built-in the wardrobe, is quite popular. Some of the models have swivel mechanisms designed to move the board 180 degrees.

Such models are no worse than the previous folding design save space in the apartment, and in addition, are able to perform additional functions. For example, the wall version can be more aesthetic and almost invisible to others if the board is not simply raised to the wall and fixed on it, but hidden in a special box made according to the size and shape of the ironing board.

. In addition, when the structure is opened, this box can act as a stand for the iron, and it can also hide the electrical outlet. On the door of the box most often fixed mirror or decorative panel, which becomes not only a disguise for the entire structure, but even an interior decoration.

The mechanism that unfolds the structure is fairly simple and easy to operate, it is easy to lower the board before starting work, and raise it at the end. Such systems usually go on sale in a box with a locker, and their installation consists of only two actions - determining the optimal location in the room and securely fixing the model on the wall.

If the ironing board model that is attached to one of the walls or partitions of the wardrobe is preferable, then it is worth choosing a design with a slightly different turning mechanism that will allow the product to rotate 90 degrees not only from the vertical position to the horizontal, but also to expose it along the cabinet orperpendicular to it.

Video: original design of the ironing board with placement in the wardrobe

Ironing board-stepladder

This unexpected solution to the problem of the multifunctionality of the ironing board is perfect for both a private house and an apartment. About this design can not be said that it is compact, but it is capable of performing at least three functions - it is a comfortable and stable ironing board, a stepladder and a peculiar shelf that can serve as a bedside table or a stand for flowers pots.

How to use this design when folded - will depend directly on the material and design in which it is made. Such a transformer can be made of wood in retro style, or from metal in the style of hi-tech. This variety allows you to choose a model for any interior and well fit into the composition with other pieces of furniture.

The design of this ironing board is designed so that when it is brought to a horizontal position it becomes a reliable and durable working surface for ironing. When the board is lifted vertically, the transformer becomes an equally reliable stepladder, which will never be superfluous in any farm. It is used not only during repairs, but also during regular cleaning. If the design does not want to be used as a bookcase, then for a period of unclaimedness, it can be carried to a balcony or simply hidden in a pantry.

Ironing board-chest

Ironing board-chest of drawers will become not only functional, but also a decorative element of interior and perfectly suitable for storage of children's things and various accessories. This design does not take up much space, since it is compact enough. The only thing that needs to be foreseen is a place that will be necessary to lift one or both side "wings" of the board when it is brought into the working position.

The design of the board-chest is quite simple. It consists of the chest itself and a folding ironing board fixed on top of it. The central part of the board fulfills the role of the countertop, while the side parts of it, when not needed, descend along the walls of the chest. Before starting work, these parts are raised and fixed on special retaining brackets.

This board can be equipped with a stand for iron, which adds extra comfort during ironing. The shelves and baskets under the ironing board are convenient for immediately putting together the ironed things in them, and not looking for a temporary place for them, which also adds convenience to its operation.

The only drawback of the design can be called lack of mobility, as it is not equipped with wheels, and moving it from place to place is quite difficult and inconvenient. Therefore, if you really liked this version of the ironing board, then immediately it is necessary to provide for it a separate place, convenient for work.

Ironing board, fixed to glass or other smooth surface

This version of the ironing board design can not yet be found in stores, but it can be produced easily enough if it is necessary and desired.

A robust base in this model is formed by a structure consisting of a ball bearing, which allows to install the board under the desired slope, and telescopic "legs", at the ends of which special suction cups are fixed.

construction shop. As the board is fixed in this case with the help of special pneumatic suction cups, they can be fixed to securely installed double-glazed windows with panoramic glazing of the insulated loggia or balcony, or to another perfectly smooth surface.

Usually the loggia is not permanently used, so the ironing board fixed on its territory will not be a big hindrance.

The model presented in the photo was designed by the Canadian designer Tony Zakraisec, and he provided not only a reliable fastening of the product to the glass, but also gave the board a boomerang shape that is ergonomic enough, since it can be inscribed in the balcony corner or on its straight section.

The most important and new in this design is the original way of fixing it on the surface without special tools and drilling the walls. In other respects, the product does not differ from other ironing boards having different shapes and made of different materials.

Ironing board with built-in steamer

Today in the stores you can find ironing devices equipped with several functions that make it possible to produce the process professionally - this is a steam generator, blowing, steam-heating and heating of the working surface. In addition, a set with such an ironing board usually comes with an iron and even a comfortable high chair for a comfortable process. Similar models are made by several foreign manufacturers, and one of them is the Italian company "MIE".

The design, despite its numerous functions, has a relatively small weight, a neat appearance and compact size. The device is easy to move, as its legs are equipped with wheels. In addition, such an ironing board can be stored both in a horizontal and vertical position, as it is easy to fold and unfold.

You can take a closer look at the functions that are not available in conventional ironing boards, since it is important to know how they work.

• This variety can be called the whole system, which includes a steam generator, iron and the ironing board itself. The whole complex operates on a hot steam, which is supplied under high pressure. The steam generator is equipped with a dosing function, which allows replenishing the water supply directly during operation. The forming steam is fed into the iron, and also, through special openings - directly to the work surface.
• Typically, such systems are equipped with a professional iron, in which special troughs are provided, passing through which wet steam acquires the properties of dry.
• This system also includes a sleeve platform, convenient for ironing not only sleeves, but also collars, as well as details of clothing that require a special approach.
• The vacuum function protects against a large amount of steam reflected from the work surface, and as if sucks the laundry on the board, making it stationary, which is very convenient for ironing.
• The air blowing, which forms a peculiar air cushion on the board surface, allows you to iron such delicate fabrics as chiffon, silk, organza and others.
• Heating the work surface helps to cope with the smoothing of heat-resistant fabrics, for example, flax or materials that have it in its composition.
• The steamer is designed to supply steam directly to the ironing surface, not allowing it to be sprayed. This function is used when ironing knitwear, wool, silk, as well as decorative finishes of clothing - appliqués or embroideries. The steamer is supplied through the holes of the working surface from below and makes it possible to smooth the fabric with your hands, without using an iron.
• The steam hose with various nozzles included in the complex is used for steam cleaning of clothing, as well as tiles, glass, upholstery, linoleum, curtains and other interior elements, without the use of chemical compounds. A powerful jet of hot steam can dissolve the most persistent contamination of the surfaces and structure of the material.
• The set with a steam hose comes with several nozzles of different configurations, which direct the steam to the desired area, which requires processing. Thanks to them, you can clean the most inaccessible places, such as clearances in radiators, grilles of kitchen hoods, skirting boards, etc. In addition, if you attach a brush head to the hose, you can clean carpets, upholstered furniture and outer clothing from dirt and foreign smells.

If it is necessary to use a steam hose, it is connected to the steam generator instead of the iron.

• This system can also include a steam iron, in which a heating element is built in, which also heats the steam at its outlet. Steam iron is equipped with an anti-condensation system, which prevents the formation of water droplets on the surface of this device.

Such a steam complex will not only allow to keep the outer clothing and underwear in order, but will also become an indispensable assistant in everyday life.

Video: multifunctional ironing complex "Polti Vaporella Stira & Aspira"

Ironing press

«Vauth-Sagel», Germany	The folding ironing board "Vauth-Sagel" is suitable for installation in drawers with a facade width of 400 ÷ 450 mm and a height of at least 120 mm. The design is equipped with telescopic frame guides for full extension to the outside - this is the kind of system that allows you to quickly lay out a board for work, and also to fold after its completion. The board in the unfolded form is installed level with the counter top of the chest, which becomes like its continuation, which is convenient for installing the iron. To the ironing board, a removable fire cover is included, which allows easy maintenance of the work surface. The board has a size of 950 × 300 mm and is designed for a load of 20 kg. The kit includes fasteners for all elements of the structure, as well as for the facade of the box. This board is not suitable for cabinets with paneled facade.	13600
«Janov Firene», Hungary	«Janov Firene» is a complete set consisting of a folding ironing board installed in a box, equipped with an aluminum frame door frame with a mirror mounted in it, which has a protection from the anti-fragmentation film on the back side. Aluminum frame perfectly fits in with the mirror, and this combination fits well with modern interiors. The manufacturer offers a choice of several colors of the side walls of the product - metallized titanium, mocha, dark wenge, light vodeline, cream and milk oak. In the box there is an ironing board mechanism - it is held in vertical position by two gas cartridges, without additional latches and latches. In the working horizontal position, the ironing board is literally driven by one hand. The product is designed for a load of 60 kg, which contributes to the retaining leg, and the built-in telescopic mechanism allows you to set the board at a comfortable height. The work surface of the board is made of a perforated steel sheet having the effect of reflecting steam. Included with the board is a metallized Teflon cover, reflecting the heat of the iron and making the ironing process more straightforward. The support leg is set to a height of 750 to 900 mm. The size of the product is 500 × 85 × 1300 mm, the size of the working surface of the board is 1140 × 350 mm. Weight of the construction 19 kg. Style of execution - high-tech.	16000
"Econom", Russia	This is a more economical model of the flap of the domestic manufacturer. It consists of the following elements: - a box made of laminated chipboard with a size of 1300 × 450 × 110 mm; - the working surface of the ironing board made of waterproof plywood measuring 350 × 1220 mm, 12 mm thick; - a cotton cover with a soft lining; - metal support post. This model differs from others in that the box is installed at a certain height from the floor - it depends on the height of the support pillar, which is 760 mm. One side of the rack is installed on the floor, and the other is fixed on the ironing board. The stand and ironing surface are connected by a gas shock absorber, which eliminates the risk of accidental folding of the structure. The door of the box opens at 165 degrees, and you can choose the right or left opening. The total weight of the structure is 15 kg.	4700
«Ariva-220», China	"Ariva-220" is an ironing board-chest of drawers made of natural paulownia wood. The design consists of the following elements: - a chest of drawers with three spacious baskets woven from a water hyacinth, in which removable covers are made of fabric consisting of 80% cotton and 20% polyester; - folding ironing board, the working surface size of which is 1200 × 350 mm, equipped with a stand for iron. Overall dimensions of the construction are 680 × 350 × 820 mm( W × D × H). Weight of the board-chest of 7 kg.	8000 ÷ 8300
«Jata 848N», Spain	«Jata 848N» is an ironing board, stepladder, which easily turns into one and the other necessary economic element. The size of the working surface of the ironing board is 950 × 340 mm, it is equipped with a pedestal with a rubberized base for the iron. The cover for the ironing board is made of cotton fabric with a soft lining of non-woven material. The stepladder has three steps, measuring 240 × 55 mm, with a relief pattern, and stable legs with rubber anti-slip tips. The frame of the structure is made of steel pipe, diameter 22 mm, coated with metallic paint by spraying. The work surface of the board is made of a metal mesh that does not retain steam. The size of the ironing board in the folded form is 1250 × 350 × 110 mm. The height from the floor to the upper step of the ladder is 700 mm. The weight of the structure is 8.7 kg, and the maximum load on it is 100 kg.	4500 ÷ 5000
«Sheffilton HZA018», China	Ironing board-pedestal, made of natural softwood wood. Its working surface has a foam rubber lining, which is covered with a cotton cloth. This design is convenient because it allows you to simultaneously get an ironing board and a cabinet for storing various things. When the structure is added, the legs that serve as a support for the ironing surface are shifted like an accordion, and the ironing board descends, masking an open cabinet. The size of the working surface of the board is 1500 × 395 mm. In the combined form, its uf, fhbns is 845 × 355 × 395 mm( H × D × W). Weight of the structure - 6 kg.	6100
«DUETTO BASE», Italy	«DUETTO BASE» is a multifunctional ironing board that includes in its design the heating of the working surface, blowing and vacuum. The board is equipped with a stand with rubber inserts that will protect the ironing device from slipping, as well as a socket for connecting an iron or steam generator. The design can be adjusted in height by six levels, so it can be adjusted to any height. The work surface is made of perforated sheet metal, covered with a soft gasket, and then - a cover made of strong cotton fabric. The legs located under the stand for the iron, equipped with wheels, which allows you to easily move the structure in the folded form. The end of the other leg is equipped with a rubber tip, preventing it from slipping and damaging the floor covering. Under the ironing board are fixed two fans, creating on the work surface "air cushion", which makes it more effective to iron things from delicate fabrics. Vacuum mode removes excess steam under the work surface, which makes the ironing process not only good, but also comfortable. The size of the ironing board is 1510 × 460 mm, supports for iron or steam generator 300 × 460 mm. Fan power 350 W, working voltage 220 V.	24500
Illustration, model name, country of manufacture	Short description and model specifications	Average price in rubles as of April 2016

In addition to regular boards, ironing is often used by a convenient electric appliance - ironing press. The device is compact enough and can fit even on a coffee table, provided, of course, its sufficient strength, since the press has a decent weight, reaching up to 18 ÷ 20 kg.

The design of the device is simple. It consists of two metal heated plates, the bottom of which has a soft pad made of foam rubber or batting, and on top of it is put on a removable cotton cover. On the bottom sole is laid out the laundry, and then presses the top plate. The size of these surfaces is almost 10 times larger than the average size of the iron, which speeds up the ironing process and makes it more efficient.

Such devices are necessarily equipped with an integrated thermostat, which allows you to adjust the heating temperature depending on the tissue being treated. In addition, the system provides for adjusting the pressure of the upper plate on the lower one, since dense tissues require a stronger impact than thin ones.

There are models equipped with a steaming function that allows you to iron even the heaviest fabrics.

The ironing press can be used not only standing, but also sitting, without special efforts. Using ironing for such a device eliminates the risk of damage to the fabric, since each compression of the plates, with the correct mode selected, is calculated for a certain period of time - after its expiration, the device will give an audible signal that it is time to raise the upper sole and process the next section of the thing.

The press can have different shapes - rectangular, square or rounded with one of the sides. Some models are equipped with a special platform for ironing sleeves. Press is great for putting in order any kinds of clothes, as well as bed linen and baby diapers.

. It is very important that the device is compact, and in a closed form it can be mounted vertically to the plane provided for it at the rear of the device;it takes a lot of space.

This device is safe, easy to learn and use, and also convenient to store. The price for quality products of this class, depending on the manufacturer and performance characteristics, for April 2016 starts from 15 ÷ 18 thousand rubles.

Overview of models of ironing boards

In order to have an idea of ​​which ironing board models can be found on sale, and roughly determine the prices, it is worth paying attention to the table below.

Having determined which model of the ironing board is the most suitable for its functions, configuration and cost, you can start searching for the desired option. For a start, you can go through the pages of online stores, asking price, and having reviewed the selected design in more detail. Well, then, if a suitable board is not found, it is worth looking for it in the usual retail outlets. Possessing the information presented in the article, it will be much easier to make a successful purchase.