Ironing is one of those chores nobody loves, but a bulky, wobbly ironing board leaning against the wall makes it so much worse. If you are short on space or simply tired of tripping over laundry room clutter, a fold out ironing board is exactly the upgrade your home needs.
These clever built-in solutions save floor space, look tidy, and actually make ironing faster and easier. Whether you rent a small apartment or own a spacious home, there is a fold out ironing board style to suit your setup. This guide covers every popular option, what competitors miss, key buying tips, and exactly how to install each type.
Why Choose a Fold Out Ironing Board?
A traditional freestanding ironing board is bulky, awkward to store, and tends to fall over every time you open the closet door. A fold out ironing board solves all of that in one move.
Here is why homeowners are making the switch:
- It frees up valuable floor space.
- It stays hidden until you need it.
- It takes seconds to set up and put away.
- It looks clean, intentional, and built-in.
- It keeps the iron and board together in one place.
The convenience factor alone is worth it. Once you install a fold out ironing board, you will wonder how you managed without one.
The 5 Best Fold Out Ironing Board Styles
1. Drawer-Style Pull-Out Ironing Board
This is the most discreet option available. A drawer-style fold out ironing board sits inside a custom cabinet and slides out on heavy-duty drawer runners. You pull the drawer open, unfold the board surface, and you are ready to iron. Close the drawer and it disappears completely.
This style works beautifully in laundry rooms, walk-in closets, and utility rooms. It is ideal for people who love minimalist design because there is no visual clue that an ironing board is hiding inside.
Standard drawer-style boards measure around 11.8 inches wide and 37.7 inches long when fully extended. That is enough space for shirts, trousers, and most garments without any trouble.
Best for: Minimalist spaces, laundry rooms, walk-in closets.
2. Wall-Mounted Fold Out Ironing Board Cabinet
A wall-mounted fold out ironing board is one of the most popular choices on the market. A cabinet is fixed to the wall, and the board folds down from inside when you open the door. When you are finished, fold it back up and close the cabinet.
These units typically measure around 16 x 48 x 8 inches. If you choose this style, avoid standard swing doors as they can block your workspace. Bifold or sliding cabinet doors give you better access and a cleaner finish.
One important tip most guides skip: choose a cabinet that matches your existing cabinetry or wall colour. A mismatched unit looks out of place and defeats the purpose of a built-in look.
Best for: Laundry rooms, utility spaces, anyone who wants a ready-made solution without custom carpentry.
3. In-Wall Fold Out Ironing Board
If you want a truly seamless result, an in-wall fold out ironing board is the gold standard. The board is set directly into the wall cavity, fitted between the studs, and covered with a door that sits flush with the wall surface.
This option takes the most planning but delivers the cleanest result. It is best suited to new builds or full renovations where you can plan for the recess before the drywall goes up. However, it can also be retrofitted into an existing wall as long as you identify a clear stud bay with no electrical or plumbing behind it.
A sliding barn door works well for this setup because it does not swing into your ironing workspace. A traditional hinged door works too if you have the clearance.
Best for: New builds, full renovations, anyone prioritising a seamless finish.
4. Cabinet Pull-Out Unit on Rollers
This is a great solution for very tight spaces. Instead of a fixed cabinet, the entire unit sits on rollers. You pull the whole cabinet out from its slot, then open or unfold the board inside. When you are done, everything rolls neatly back into position.
This style is particularly useful for narrow laundry nooks, tight utility cupboards, or spaces alongside kitchen cabinetry. Because the entire unit moves, you get better workspace access and can position yourself comfortably while ironing.
Best for: Narrow spaces, apartment laundries, kitchens with a utility corner.
5. Rotating Swing-Arm Fold Out Ironing Board
A rotating or swing-arm fold out ironing board looks similar to a drawer style when closed. The difference is that instead of sliding straight out, it pivots on a steel swing arm. This allows the board to swing out to the side, giving you more flexibility over where you stand while ironing.
This style suits left- and right-handed users equally because you can angle the board in either direction. The steel swing arm is rated for significant weight loads, so durability is not a concern.
Best for: Laundry rooms with multiple users, anyone who prefers to adjust the board angle while working.
What Most Guides Get Wrong: Tips Your Competitors Miss
Many fold out ironing board articles focus only on the board itself. Here is what they forget to mention.
Add a Dedicated Power Outlet
One of the biggest frustrations with ironing is hunting for an available plug socket. When you install your fold out ironing board, add a dedicated electrical outlet inside or directly beside the unit. Leave your iron plugged in (switched off at the wall) so it is always ready to go. This one upgrade cuts your setup time dramatically.
Choose the Right Cover Thickness
Not all ironing board covers are equal. A thin cover transfers heat poorly and can scorch your garments. Look for a cover with at least 5mm of padding and a heat-reflective surface. Some built-in boards come with a basic cover. Replacing it with a premium option makes a real difference to ironing quality.
Think About Ventilation
Steam irons release moisture. If your fold out ironing board is enclosed in a cabinet, poor ventilation can cause moisture to build up inside the unit over time, leading to mould or damage to the cabinet interior. Choose a unit with ventilation gaps, or leave the cabinet door open while ironing. In-wall units should also have a small ventilation gap at the base.
Match the Board Height to Your Height
Standard ironing boards sit at around 86 to 94cm when in use. If you are taller or shorter than average, an adjustable-height fold out ironing board makes a genuine difference to your posture and comfort. Look for units with at least three height settings.
Consider the Closet Option
Most laundry room guides suggest the laundry room as the default location. But a fold out ironing board installed in your bedroom wardrobe or walk-in closet is often more practical. Many people notice ironing needs in the closet, pulling out a shirt right before work or a night out. Having the board right there saves a separate trip to the laundry room.
How to Install a Fold Out Ironing Board: Key Steps
You do not need to be a professional to install a drawer-style or wall-mounted unit. Here is a general process for the most common types.
For a drawer-style unit:
- Measure the drawer opening width and depth carefully. The board must fit without forcing.
- Fix heavy-duty soft-close drawer runners to the cabinet interior at the correct height.
- Slot the ironing board unit onto the runners and test the glide before fixing permanently.
- Add a knob or handle that matches your existing cabinet hardware.
For a wall-mounted cabinet:
- Locate studs in the wall and mark their positions.
- Fix a solid timber batten between two studs to create a secure mounting point.
- Attach the cabinet using long bolts into the batten, not just into the plasterboard.
- Check the cabinet is level before tightening fully.
For an in-wall unit:
- Identify a suitable stud bay with no services running behind it.
- Cut the drywall opening to the exact size specified by the manufacturer.
- Build a timber frame inside the recess to support the unit.
- Fix the unit to the timber frame and install the door.
If you are not confident with carpentry or electrical work, bring in a professional for the installation. The board itself is straightforward; the cabinetry and power outlet are where most DIY mistakes happen.
Fold Out Ironing Board Buying Checklist
Before you buy, run through this list:
- Measure your available space carefully. Width, depth, and height all matter.
- Check the weight rating of the drawer runners or swing arm.
- Confirm the board cover is replaceable so you can upgrade it later.
- Look for a unit that stores the iron alongside the board.
- Check whether the door style suits your space (bifold, sliding, or hinged).
- Consider whether you need an adjustable height option.
- Read reviews specifically about long-term durability, not just first impressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a fold out ironing board?
A fold out ironing board is a space-saving ironing solution that stores inside a drawer, cabinet, or wall recess and folds out when needed. It takes up no floor space when not in use.
2. Where is the best place to install a fold out ironing board?
The laundry room is the most common location, but a bedroom wardrobe or walk-in closet is often more practical. Install it wherever you most frequently notice that clothes need ironing.
3. How long is a typical fold out ironing board?
Most built-in fold out ironing boards measure between 90cm and 105cm in length when fully extended. Drawer-style models are often shorter, around 95cm, while wall-mounted options can be longer.
4. Can I install a fold out ironing board in a rental property?
Wall-mounted and in-wall options require fixing into the wall, which may not be suitable for renters. A free-standing pull-out cabinet on rollers is a better choice for rental properties as it does not require permanent installation.
5. Are fold out ironing boards sturdy enough for regular use?
Yes. Quality built-in boards are rated for significant weight loads and use heavy-duty steel runners or swing arms. Units that have been in use for over seven years without problems are widely reported by homeowners.
6. What size cabinet do I need for a wall-mounted fold out ironing board?
Standard wall-mounted ironing board cabinets measure approximately 40cm wide, 120cm tall, and 15cm deep. Always check the manufacturer specifications for the specific model you choose.
7. Do I need an electrician to install a fold out ironing board?
The board itself does not require an electrician. However, if you plan to add a dedicated power outlet inside or beside the unit, a licensed electrician should carry out that work.
8. Can a fold out ironing board be installed in a small apartment?
Yes. A drawer-style unit or roller cabinet is ideal for small apartments. These options work within existing cabinetry and do not require wall alterations.
9. How do I keep my ironing board cover in good condition?
Remove the cover and wash it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Replace it as soon as it becomes scorched, thin, or rough. A good cover directly affects ironing quality.
10. What is the difference between a fold out and a pull-out ironing board?
These terms are often used interchangeably. A pull-out board slides horizontally on drawer runners, while a fold out board unfolds from a wall cabinet or recess. Both achieve the same goal of saving space and hiding the board when not in use.
Final Thoughts
A fold out ironing board is one of those small home upgrades that makes a big difference to your daily routine. It removes clutter, saves space, and turns a frustrating chore into a quick, organised task. Whether you go for a drawer-style hidden unit, a wall-mounted cabinet, or a full in-wall solution, the key is matching the style to your space and your habits. Take time to measure properly, plan your power supply, and choose a board cover that does the job well. Do that, and your fold out ironing board will serve you reliably for years.
