What is an ironing board? (Explained with types)

An ironing board is a household item used to press clothes. It usually has a padded surface to protect fabrics from heat damage and legs that fold up to make it easy to store.

You will also find that most ironing boards are usually covered with heat-resistant fabric, on which clothes can be ironed.

Also, they usually have a raised edge or lip to keep the iron from falling off and legs that can be adjusted to different heights.

Some also have a steam generator that makes steam to help get rid of wrinkles in clothes. This can be helpful, especially if your iron does not have a steam function.

Types of ironing boards

There are many different kinds of ironing boards, from small, portable ones to big, stationary ones that can hold a lot of clothes.

The type of board you choose will depend on your personal needs and preferences.

Let us look into the most common types of ironing boards below.

Freestanding Portable Ironing Boards

Free-standing ironing boards are the most popular ones and are ideal for people who need to move them around often or don’t have a lot of space in their homes.

These boards come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are typically rectangular in shape.

It typically has four legs that fold up and can be adjusted to different heights. Moreover, they are easy to transport and store.

These ironing boards are usually made of wood or metal and have a padded surface to make ironing easier on your clothes.

Tabletop Ironing Boards

Tabletop ironing boards are a great option for people who have limited space in their homes, especially for a freestanding or wall-mounted board.

These boards can be placed on any flat surface, such as a table or countertop.

Most tabletop ironing boards have folding legs that allow them to be stored when not in use.

These boards have smaller leg supports compared to portable, free-standing boards.

Additionally, they come in a variety of sizes to suit your needs and have adjustable heights, so you can customize them to your exact specifications.

Wall-mounted ironing boards

Wall-mounted ironing boards are another good option for people who have limited space or don’t want a freestanding board.

You can easily fold them down toward the wall after every use. Furthermore, depending on the available space, you can select the size and length of your choice.

These boards can be mounted to the wall in your laundry room or another space of your choice.

Some foldable boards have fold-down legs that can be stretched to the floor when you unfold them.

Rolling boards

Another popular type is the rolling ironing board, which has wheels so you can move it around easily.

These boards are similar to freestanding ironing boards and are ideal for homes that have a lot of space.

Additionally, these types of ironing boards aren’t foldable in most cases, however, they can be used as a multipurpose table.

For example, it can be used for dining or as a makeshift table.

Rolling boards can be a bit more expensive than flat surface boards, but they’re worth it if you have a lot of space to work with.

Ironing Pads

Ironing pads are a good option for people who need an ironing surface but don’t have enough space for a full-size board.

These are typically small and lightweight, making them easy to store.

They can be used on any flat surface and usually have a heat-resistant cover.

Ironing pads are great for small items, such as collars and cuffs, and they can also be used to press clothes while they’re on a hanger.

Steam Ironing Boards

Steam ironing boards are great for those who need an ironing surface that can handle the steam from an iron.

Door Mounted Boards

Door-mounted ironing boards usually have a frame that allows them to be attached to the door instead of the wall.

So, if you’re lacking space or have no empty wall, these types of ironing boards take up minimal storage and can be easily folded when not in use.

In other words, these ironing boards are simply an extension of wall-mounted boards, but they provide additional convenience and flexibility due to their door mount feature.

Compact Ironing Boards

A compact ironing board is a great space-saving solution for small apartments or homes.

You can either place it on top of a regular ironing board to raise the height or on any flat surface and use it.

Some models are even dual-sided, giving you two different sizes of ironing surfaces.

Built-in Boards

Built-in ironing boards can be put together in different ways depending on the model, but most of them have a shallow depth that makes them easy to put together between wall studs.

It is convenient to have a built-in ironing board because it can be concealed from view in a wall-mounted cabinet.

Where should you place your ironing boards?

There are a few things to consider when deciding where to place or use your ironing board for ironing clothes.

For a free-standing board, make sure to place it on a hard, flat surface.

Likewise, for tabletop boards, a table or countertop would be ideal.

You’ll want to make sure the surface is smooth so that the ironing board doesn’t catch on anything and cause creases in your clothes.

Follow these simple tips to place your ironing boards in an ideal location.

• First, you need to find a spot that has enough space to stretch or unfold and use the ironing board comfortably.
• No matter if it’s your freestanding board or a wall-mounted one make sure to choose a location that’s close to a power outlet since electric irons need to be plugged in for power.
• To avoid any tripping hazard, place it away from any furniture and make sure that it is out of reach of children and pets.
• Additionally, choose a space that is well-lit and comfortable for ironing.
• Finally, you should choose a well-ventilated spot too.

Final Thoughts

In the past, a flat surface was all that was needed to set clothes and use pressure to get rid of wrinkles.

But over the years, different kinds of ironing boards have come out or been made, making ironing easier and more comfortable.

The most important thing to consider when deciding where to put your ironing board is the proximity to an outlet for power.

This is especially applicable to electric irons.

With that said, ironing boards are not a mandatory requirement, but they fall into the “good-to-have” category.

To own one is simply a matter of personal preference that varies from person to person.

Lastly, with so many options for ironing boards on the market today, you’ll be sure to find one that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions