Being able to glide through the chores and make short work of the housework is something many people understandably want to do. After all, who looks forward to spending a big chunk of their weekend trying to juggle half a dozen chores? And if you have a small space in which to work, like a nice modern apartment or flat, then things can become even trickier to manage. To help, we’re going to show you how to pick a small ironing board that can make life that little bit easier.
The benefits of a small ironing board
Making the most of the space you have to hand is what having a compact ironing board is all about. Here are the key benefits that this approach to getting through the laundry pile can give you:
- Space to get things done when you live in a small flat or apartmentÂ
- The option to take a compact board with you when travelling, should you wish to
- Flexibility to iron in different areas of the home, should you need to
- More floor space, especially if you are doing multiple chores in parallelÂ
And because you will be able to make setting up your ironing board and starting that little bit easier, you may find that the stress of housework goes down a little. When you consider that you will iron again and again during the course of your life, having a lower-stress way to take care of it could add up to a much bigger positive impact than you first expect.
Different types of smaller ironing boards to consider
There are various options when you are looking for a small ironing board, so here are three main approaches that manufacturers have taken in recent years:
- Compact ironing boards designed to be put on a level surface such as a kitchen worktop or dining table
- Foldaway boards that can be easily stored so that they take up the minimum of space when not in useÂ
- Wall-mounted ironing boards that are easily stored and have the benefit of defining the area in which they can be usedÂ
Let’s take a closer look at each of these main categories so you can learn a little more about the options that are out there for you.
Compact small ironing boards: No additional floor space usage
Compact boards are often table-top and counter-top designs so that they don’t require any additional floorspace. An important point, however, is to make sure the final height of the ironing surface relative to the floor is comfortable, safe, and ergonomic. While a traditional ironing board will generally be at the correct height for most average UK adults, there is no such guarantee here. This is because you could technically put it on a low hallway bench or an elevated kitchen island, giving very different final heights.
Foldable ironing boards: Stored away out of sight
A regular folding ironing board will allow you to put it away out of sight while giving more ironing space than a compact ironing board. Some will have adjustable legs so that you can change the height of the platform for greater comfort. You may also find that some models have resting plates where you can put a hot iron when you are laying a new garment on the board. If you pick this type of ironing board, it’s really important to make sure that you have a safe and level area in which to work. You will also need easy access to a plug socket so that there is plenty of slack in the iron’s wire. If not, then it could easily snag or tug while you’re ironing, potentially increasing the risk of accidentally burning yourself in the process.
Wall-mounted ironing boards: Simple, fast storage solution
A wall-mounted board is probably the quickest and easiest to store because it has its own dedicated space. The issue for some, however, may be that you don’t necessarily want to be able to see your board when it’s not in use. With this in mind, you may find that this type of board is best used in a dedicated laundry room. Wall-mounted boards that are bigger than compact table-top boards would give you more flexibility and space when ironing long-sleeve shirts and dresses. You may find that this can make things a little easier when you want to have plenty of board space to work your way around buttons and delicate embroidered areas.
How to get the best out of the ironing board you choose
Whether you choose a foldable ironing board or a different variety, the most important thing is to ensure that you feel comfortable using your new setup. Making sure that it is set at the correct height so that you’re neither reaching nor stooping will help you avoid backache. At the same time, making sure that you can easily move it should you wish to can help give you additional flexibility.
FAQs
Is it safe to use a mini ironing board?
If you use it in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, it should be safe. If in doubt, double-check the usage requirements before purchasing.Â
Will a space-saving ironing board make housework less stressful?Â
A small ironing board could make getting through the housework a bit less stressful if you find that it helps you to make better use of your space.Â
Could you just skip ironing altogether?
While we understand that sometimes it can certainly feel tempting, there are plenty of occasions where the lived-in look won’t quite fit. Job interviews, corporate settings, and meals out at nice restaurants are all examples of times when a smooth shirt or dress will generally be preferred.Â
What happens if you iron directly onto a countertop?
We would always strongly advise against this because the countertop will not have been designed to safely absorb the heat of an iron. Depending on what your units are topped with, you could incur varying degrees of damage.Â
