Hi all! Many of you are very familiar with the problem of small apartments. Because of this, we have to look for more rational solutions in terms of furniture and equipment of the house, choose transformable elements, etc. All this for the sake of saving space.
One such solution is a built-in ironing board. Everyone needs to iron things, but doing it on the kitchen table or coffee table is completely inconvenient. In order not to take up space with a classic board, a built-in structure comes to the aid of a practical person.
I will try to tell you what they are, what mechanism is used, their strengths and weaknesses. Plus I’ll give you some useful tips on choosing built-in ironing boards.
You take an active part in the discussion, express your own opinion and share your personal experience in using such solutions.
What types of built-in ironing boards are there?
There are 4 main types of cards. The choice of one of them depends on the desired installation location and the preferences of the apartment owners.
Product types:
- Folding. This arrangement of the ironing board is considered classic. It is practically no different from a conventional device, but has a special lifting mechanism. It can be used to lift the table into a vertical position.
- Built-in mirror. An original solution to hide the board. Mirrors can be solid or made in the form of swing doors.
- Retractable. These structures are located in cabinet drawers. Due to limited space, they can be folded in half. This product is considered the least reliable, but at the same time the most compact.
- Built-in wardrobe. These models are heavy and large in size, but are highly reliable and have good stability. Such devices are made to order or purchased ready-made (for example, the Rocket built-in board). A wardrobe with a built-in table looks beautiful and neat in the interior.
A few words about the manufacturers
| Illustrations | Recommendations |
| Iron slim . Wall cabinet with built-in board covered with a sliding mirror. The model is made in gray metallic tones and is more suitable for modern interiors. The closet has a built-in socket. | |
| Shelf On Iron Box Eco . This wall-mounted structure is equipped with a pair of shelves for an iron and other accessories, plus there are options with hinged and sliding doors. | |
| ASKO HI115T . Retractable steel structure with reinforced supporting frame. A specially configured spring mechanism compensates for variable vertical loads. |
How to choose the right built-in whiteboard
Buying an ironing board is a complex matter that requires many nuances. It is better to seek help from specialists who will tell you about the features of each model and warn about their shortcomings. If you choose a product yourself, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Measurement. It is necessary to purchase a board that, after installation, does not interfere with the free movement of people around the apartment. To eliminate the possibility of error, it is necessary to make all the necessary measurements in advance.
- Weight. This indicator is important when choosing products that will be attached to a thin cabinet wall. If the weight is too heavy, the device may fall and break something in the apartment.
- Stability. Burns can never be ruled out when ironing. To prevent this from happening, the foundation must be stable. In addition, an incomprehensible design will cause inconvenience to the owner.
- Maintain quality. To prevent the product from falling out of the cabinet or niche, it must be equipped with a reliable lock. This structural part is made from a variety of durable materials.
- Reliability of the mechanism. The device that allows you to raise and lower the table should work without problems. When purchasing a product, you should ask the seller about the material from which the mechanism is made. It must be strong and durable.
Tips for choosing
When you decide to purchase a built-in ironer for yourself, pay attention to its system. It is not so important where exactly it will be built. Let's look at the main aspects of choosing the board itself with all the components.
- Folding mechanism. Very reliable. This is the basic requirement. Look at the material. If the board looks weak already on display, don’t buy it. Otherwise, you will be disappointed or simply throw it away soon;
- Support. Very high quality. When the support does not have strong devices that allow it to be fixed to the surface of the wall or drawer, the system will simply fall out of the cabinet;
- Weight. Finding the golden mean. Very light ones will not last long, but heavy ones have a powerful effect on the walls of the closet. They will not withstand such an overload;
- Additional functions. Their list depends on the manufacturer. As for me, it’s better to have maximum reliability and a minimum of unnecessary things. But at least the height adjustment function is worth choosing;
- Sustainability. Do not buy structures that become very mobile, wobble, or are not stable enough after extension. Otherwise, you can get burned, drop the iron and encounter other unpleasant situations.
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
The most correct solution is considered to be a board embedded in the mirror. It can be installed in any room and can be easily hidden from prying eyes. The most interesting model of this device is Belsi Verona. In its passive state it is difficult to distinguish it from an ordinary mirror. However, if you do some manipulations, the owner of the room will have the opportunity to iron various items of clothing.
The base of Belsi Verona is made of moisture-resistant plywood coated with a special heat-reflecting material. The length of the product is 128 cm, width 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 stucco;
- ability to withstand up to 20 kg;
- compactness;
- good looking.
In addition to its advantages, Belsey Verona has several other disadvantages. Among the most important are the lack of iron support 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 inch counts. One of the most interesting representatives of this class of boards is Asko HI 1152 W. It is produced by a well-known Swedish company that produces various household appliances.
The main advantage of this model is the built-in ironing board mechanism. It is very reliable and durable. Owners of Asko HI 1152 W can use various additional accessories that will make ironing easier and more enjoyable.
Advantages of the model under consideration:
- ease of installation;
- availability of clear installation instructions;
- compact size (length 93 cm, width 31 cm);
- duration;
- ability to change 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. Also, the device is not universal. This can only be corrected by additions made by Asko.
3: Astra Mini Eco
This is the best Russian ironing board. 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 latch that prevents the card from falling out of the cabinet;
- relatively low cost;
- large selection of colors;
- stability.
Astra Mini Eco has only one drawback: heavy weight. Depending on the configuration, it can vary from 13 to 15 kg.
4: Janov Temise Eco
This wall mounted ironing board is versatile. 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 be adapted to almost any interior.
The table is made of chipboard and covered with cotton fabric. Its dimensions are 114 × 35 cm, it can be easily hidden in a closet or in an 8.5 cm wide niche. By purchasing Janov Temise Eco, the buyer receives several additional accessories. The most important of these is the non-stick coating.
Product advantages:
- ease of installation;
- can withstand up to 60 kg of weight;
- it is possible to install a mirror;
- small size;
- elegant design.
The disadvantages of Janov Temise Eco include the lack of support and support.
5: Hafele Ironfix
This product is attached to the wall or hidden in a special niche. Even in working position it takes up little space. Therefore, Hafele Ironfix is often chosen by owners of small residential premises.
Main advantages of the model:
- presence of cotton lining;
- beautiful appearance;
- small size;
- fast deployment;
- color selection;
- ease of installation;
- compactness.
The disadvantage is the inability to independently adjust the height.
In a wall cabinet
You can also make a small hanging cabinet yourself. Its difference from the previous version is that not only a board, but also an iron and ironing supplies fit inside the structure. The cabinet is slightly wider than the mirror, but fits perfectly into the decor and serves as additional storage space.
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.
Step-by-step instruction}
Installation includes work with the frame and ironing board. Depending on the type of structure, work begins by creating a niche.
Fundamentally! When installing into a wall, the work must be approved on a legitimate basis. This will protect you from possible problems with regulatory authorities.
- An ironing board is cut out, about 125 mm long and about 40 mm wide. Change sizes based on the room and your own preferences.
- They make a frame for installation. The depth is calculated from the size of the shiny pipe, the thickness of the back wall, and the protruding parts of the flange.
- After creating the frame, install a jumper in the frame. It must rotate freely. For this, it is best to use special bolts for upholstered furniture. They don't perform. Hole size – 10 mm. They are drilled at a distance of 10 mm from the edge, in front - 15 mm, from below - 110 mm. If the bolts have small protrusions, trim the jumper approximately 6 mm less than the internal width of the frame.
- Strengthen the jumper to the guides. For fastening, two methods are used: a bolt with a turned head or a long block. Option 2 is easier. The block, about 100 mm long, is quickly driven in with a mallet. To do this, place the pipe on a piece of wood and hit it from the other side. Make a hole in the center of the hammered block. Attach with screws from the inside of the guides.
- On the other hand, handles are installed. They are needed to remove the fixation. Trim the bolt for a strong fastener.
- Bend the corner on the guides where the handle is located 45 degrees inward. This must be created before fixing it on the structure.
- Bend the plate inward 45 degrees and attach it to the frame.
- Fix the fastening of the central tube exactly in the middle. The tube is immediately inserted and the screw is tightened to secure it.
- Assemble the remaining system of tubes.
- In order for the ironing board to be parallel to the floor, you need to properly strengthen the guides. Take into account the thickness of the board. Therefore, you need to make the tube hang in the air 16 mm from the wall (approximately). They make notes.
- Pull out the guides. Fasten with screws.
- Inspect the angle of the resulting structure in the extended state. The angle with the table should be 90 degrees. Also inspected in a vertical position.
- For safety, you can install latches.
- Then they install the sawn board. Cover with material using a stapler and staples.
The final step is to install the door or sash. Several options are used: swing doors or a retractable system. The extreme option is considered smaller in size, since it saves space and does not interfere with work. This depends on the location of the ironing board. Paintings, mirrors, side paneling and other options are used as decorative parts.
Such a do-it-yourself system does not require a lot of time and money. It takes up little space, fits into the interior from the outside, and is comfortable to use.
Reviews
Ironing systems from LG receive a lot of positive reviews . In particular, M.video repeatedly notes that the LG styler is a convenient and reliable assistant in everyday life, making it easier to care for clothes for a large family.
Users do not highlight any particular disadvantages in use. There are several negative reviews, which note that the equipment takes up a lot of space, does not remove stains (stain removal is not included in the stated functionality of the device) and does not smooth clothes thoroughly enough: sometimes you have to additionally iron them.
These cabinets are also discussed on the forums. For example, here and here.
The lineup
On the Russian market, the product is presented in three models: white, coffee and black. These are Styler S3WER and S3RERB with a steamer and dimensions 185x44.5x58.5 cm and weighing 83 kg. And a slightly more massive S5BB with dimensions 196x60x59.6 cm and a weight of 95 kg.
All models have the following technical characteristics:
- power supply 220V, maximum power consumption 1850 W;
- inverter compressor for drying with a 10-year warranty;
- 1 year warranty on other parts;
- electronic, touch and mobile control;
- mobile diagnostics Smart Diagnosis, which monitors the operation of the device and, if necessary, sends fault messages to the consumer and the service center;
- 3 mobile hangers, removable shelf and trouser hanger;
- aroma cassette;
- special fluff filter;
- 2 tanks - one for water, the other for condensate.
Why do you need a steam wardrobe for clothes at home?
The first steam ovens for the home appeared on the household appliances market about 10 years ago. Previously, industrial models could only be found in large laundries and luxury hotels.
First of all, a steam cabinet (ironing cabinet) is suitable for caring for items made of delicate fabrics: cashmere cardigans, fine silk blouses, lace underwear. Hot steam gives clothes a fresh and neat look. The home unit replaces the services of expensive dry cleaners and is used to maintain a first-class appearance for clothes that cannot be washed automatically.
Thanks to the action of hot steam, small wrinkles on clothes are smoothed out, dust and unpleasant odors (for example, tobacco smoke) are eliminated. A steam cabinet is indispensable for pre-processing items to facilitate the ironing process. The device can be compared with an iron steam generator, which only operates in automatic mode and does not require any user effort.
Another application of the device is steam “soaking”. Steam penetrates deeply into the fibers of things, and the high temperature allows you to break down stubborn dirt. You can work on stubborn wine, rust or coffee stains.
For families with small children, a steam cabinet has a sterilization function that eliminates germs and bacteria. It can be used to process bed linen, baby clothes, soft toys and diapers. The device guarantees 99.9% removal of allergens.
The last advantage of the ironing cabinet is the quick drying of things, as well as the ability to treat clothes with fragrances or your favorite perfume.
Technical Innovation
As they write in reviews of LG Styler steam ovens, the latest Tag-On tag system is worthy of special attention. 95% of buyers appreciated the presence of the function.
Now owners have the great ability to download cycles designed for specific items or items of clothing, and even program the Styler by controlling it from an app on their phone.
Even if the system fails or a minor problem occurs in the operation of the styler, the intelligent diagnostic device mounted on the phone (Smart Diagnosis) will notify you about this in the form of a notification. So, by calling a technician on time, you will be able to avoid more serious work failures.
Is it possible to store a vacuum cleaner on the balcony?
If your house has an open balcony without glazing or a canopy, storing the device is not recommended. Excessive dust, rain, and drizzle can damage the unit irrevocably. Like most household appliances, cleaning equipment is afraid of water.
You can store the device on a glazed balcony or loggia. But you need to take into account the climatic features of the area where you live. If in the summer the air outside your window heats up to +40 or in the winter it drops to the same temperatures, before taking it out onto the balcony, take care to pack it tightly. Large changes in temperature can cause damage.
Functions, programs
The LG Styler steam cabinet provides gentle drying of items, keeping them warm and dry. The functions include mobile diagnostics - if maintenance is required, a notification will be sent to your smartphone. For safety there is a child lock.
The steam cabinet provides several basic and additional programs. The main modes include:
- refreshment;
- hygiene;
- intensive hygiene;
- drying;
- drying by time;
- removal of odors.
Drying time is set within 30-150 minutes (30 minute increments).
The hangers for things are movable. Vibration allows steam to better penetrate the folds of clothing, which ensures effective smoothing.
Additional programs are available when using the mobile application. After loading, you can use the following modes:
- silent;
- scarves and ties;
- Stuffed Toys;
- after the rain;
- antistatic;
- heating;
- air refreshment;
- additional care for trousers.
Included with the steam cabinet, the manufacturer provides 3 mobile hangers, a separate hanger and trouser press, a shelf for knitwear and accessories, a lint filter and an aroma cassette.
Vacuum cleaner care
It is very important not only to clean the house, but also the vacuum cleaner itself, because if it is not washed properly, it itself can become a dangerous source and threaten your health. Therefore you should:
- — wipe all components of the Rainbow vacuum cleaner with a damp cloth;
- - at least once a month - completely rinse all parts, from hoses and nozzles to body parts;
- — undergo a technical inspection by a specialist at least once every six months (this will allow you to identify faults at the initial stages, without bringing the system to a complete breakdown);
- — drying is a mandatory condition for servicing this equipment. After each use, it is necessary to completely dry all components so as not to breed unnecessary parasites and prevent water from stagnating.
It is worth noting that thanks to the instructions, technical inspection can be carried out independently. A visual aid to the use and maintenance of the Rainbow vacuum cleaner, thanks to visual diagrams, allows you to disassemble the body, as well as the nozzles themselves and inspect the internal parts of the entire system.
Such simple recommendations can extend the life of the Rainbow vacuum cleaner, as well as significantly improve the quality of cleaning.
To summarize, we can conclude that, despite its size and fairly rich equipment, the Rainbow vacuum cleaner can be conveniently stored. Constant, timely care will prevent unexpected breakdowns and also ensure safe operation of this equipment.
Find out more about the capabilities of the Rainbow vacuum cleaner...
design
LG Styler really looks like this. Our review unit came with a black glass front door, but there is also a white option. It's quite tall (1850mm) and narrow (449mm) with a depth of 585mm, meaning it's hard to get into the position you want. The LG Styler also weighs over 80 kilograms, which also poses a problem for you if you live upstairs and don't have a lift. It's bulky in its packaging, and the cardboard and polystyrene protective material is simply heavy.
LG's promotional images show the Styler looking super cool in posh apartments, with a dedicated walk-in closet or walk-in closet being the perfect spot for it. You can also tuck it into built-ins if you want a seamless design feel. Keep in mind that the LG Styler generates heat, so it needs space for air to circulate. The manual provides a handy guide to tolerances.
Filter sheets allow the LG Styler to add a touch of fragrance to your clothes (Image credit: Rob Clymo)
The best vacuum cleaners: from cordless Dyson to Roomba robot
The unit comes with a foot box that includes leveling options if you are installing it on hard floors. There's also a pair of pointed carpet feet that are designed to push through fibers and backing to keep the unit securely in place.
LG Styler creates a certain vibration. During our time, the steam engine seemed to almost oscillate, which is probably due to the suspension mechanism inside, which rocks back and forth as the appliance does its job. The Styler is fairly quiet, although it has a displacement of 40dB(A) thanks to its inverter motor, which is as good as they come. So, on the hard floor, the LG Styler gets a nod on the operational front.
Balcony is a favorite place
Since such structures appeared, people have used them to store necessary things, and not quite necessary ones either. But, if you use the balcony for growing plants or as a place of privacy, then you can build a small cabinet or shelf where small appliances, including a vacuum cleaner, will be stored.
Related links: How to adapt a pantry into a dressing room
Inappropriate storage areas
Inexperienced housewives can most often put the vacuum cleaner in the place where it is convenient for them, without taking into account the peculiarities of household items. The bathtub is the most forbidden place for storage. Even an ordinary washing vacuum cleaner cannot be located where it is damp and humid, and even more so the vacuum cleaner is an electric device. You should also not store the vacuum cleaner on the balcony. If circumstances arise that you have to send the vacuum cleaner to “winter” on the balcony, then it is imperative to provide high-quality protection from the cold.
There is an option - wrap it in a warm cover or in high-quality plastic film. This will prevent condensation from forming and prevent damage to the vacuum cleaner. Such protection will extend the life of the electrical appliance for a long time. Thus, taking into account the dimensions of the vacuum cleaner is a very important component, as well as appearance, power and operating efficiency. For convenient storage, do not forget about the size of the electrical appliance, because you need to allocate a suitable place for this.
