I got a new ironing board and heat resistant iron store and I'm in love. Who knew ironing could be so much fun?
A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece about my very practical, if somewhat less than pretty, laundry room. Well, the use of the word very may not have been super accurate. You see, when it came to washing and drying or getting in and out of the room in the dark, baskets in hand, it was a very practical space.
When it came to ironing, an essential part of the laundry process...eh, not so much.
*This post is sponsored by Brabantia. Of course, all content and opinions are my very own.
Recently however, I received a few ironing supplies from Brabantia and everything changed.
My laundry room is downstairs. When clothes were dry...and presumably required ironing...I had to lug them upstairs and get the iron out...which was stored, here.
In my kitchen, under a cabinet, on my lazy Susan, behind the toaster and the mixer.
Yikes.
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You think that's bad? Well, the ironing board was in a closet in the hall, tucked into the side wall...blocked by extra rolls of paper towel, the wrapping paper organizer (a total misnomer by the way), covered up by old Halloween costumes, gowns I've worn only once and a giant faux, floor length fur coat I thought was super fashionable and just had to have about a decade ago.
Ah, live and learn.
Obviously, getting the board in and out of that space was daunting.
Hence the wrinkles.
So when my lovely new ironing board and iron store from Brabantia showed up, you can imagine my excitement.
First of all, the ironing board was stunning, bright blue, with a pretty feather design. It was certainly an upgrade from the tattered, burned and plain grey cover my current board was sporting.
My daughter remarked that it would look great hanging in her blue bedroom.
Artwork, mom.
So far, two thumbs up.
The rave reviews continued in the basement where my husband examined it. He was super impressed with the heavy construction. The board is solidly built. It was very sturdy when set up, did not wobble or bounce, locked in place nicely and had several height options to make ironing comfortable no matter your size.
Hmm. Perfect for a petite teenager who wants to worship the artwork. She can admire it while ironing at an appropriate height for her stature.
If only.
The mesh frame was different to me. My old board has a solid slab of metal with holes in it. This top allows steam to flow more freely though the material, yet it feels perfectly solid.
The Heat Resistant Iron Store is a nifty product that allows for organized, compact and attractive access to your iron and board. The iron can even be put away while it's still hot.
I love that feature. I always worry when there's a hot iron hanging around.
I was really excited about this piece, because, well, we've already discussed my current storage situation.
Now, I am not the tool girl, so I enlisted my husband to help me out, but after watching him do it, I could've easily done it myself.
The Iron Store came with screws and anchors. I did not need the anchors, as our wall is solid wood. My husband loved the way the holes for mounting were positioned. He said that they made for simple leveling.
Installation was a breeze. We settled on a height, drilled the screws into the wall and voila, instant storage. Even in a room with extremely limited wall space and a low ceiling, this set up worked out beautifully.
Fabulous!
Okay, but how did it all function?
Perfectly.
The clothes came out of the washer, were hung on the rack and when dry, I grabbed my ironing board from the wall, set it up, plugged in my iron and got to work.
As expected, the board's large surface and mesh top made ironing a breeze. The board did not wobble and the shelf on the end of the table gave me a safe place to tuck the iron in between garments. The lovely feather cover remained taut and in place, so I never had to pull at it or smooth it under my shirts.
When I was done, I unplugged my iron, let it cool to the point that the steam stopped coming out of the top, then set it in the Iron Store and wrapped the cord around the base. I easily collapsed the ironing board with a quick motion, locked the legs in place and hung it on the iron store hook.
In the old ironing days, that board would be left propped up in the hallway for days until I could get the energy to wrestle the closet and the iron would be sitting on the stove, with me yelling at everyone that walked by that it was hot, until I was sure it was completely cooled off. I could not put it under the counter if it were even a smidge warm.
Needless to say, this experience has been a laundry dream!
One little note about the ironing board. If I had the room, I would keep it up all the time. It has such a nice, ample workspace and it really is so sturdy, I could see myself using it as a folding table or an additional sewing area. The flexible height adjustments make it suitable for those tasks and I could always use another table for laying out and pinning fabric.
Besides, I know how important ironing is in the sewing process, but because of the aforementioned obstacles I usually skipped that step.
No more.
Now, I'm an ironing junkie.
Who's got wrinkles?
I'm ready to iron!
The iron and ironing board are perfect in your laundry room now Kim! I have mine down in mine laundry room too like you. It makes it more easy to do that one chore that I hate and detest the most! LOL.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great weekend.
Julie xo
I have to say, Julie, what a difference organization and the proper tools make! I am actually excited to iron and do laundry now! Well...almost! ;)
DeleteFunny... in that you were not ironing. Things do get buried in a small house. xoxo Su
ReplyDeleteA small house is definitely a challenge. I never realized what a difference a few well placed supplies could make! ;)
DeleteWould you believe I just had to replace my 25 year old iron? And that's just because I dropped it and it cracked. That goes to show you how often I iron. Ha! I avoid it at all costs, so no wonder that iron lasted so long. I could have sold it as "gently used." :) I do love how this one looks so easy though! I love that it has that little iron store. I always have to put mine in the bathroom with the door closed until it cools because I'm always afraid my cat will play with the cord and pull it down on herself. This would be much more convenient, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI have two irons, Lisa. One is for clothes....the other has glue and paint and some kind of tacky substance stuck to it from years of crafting! I still keep that one up in the kitchen! I agree with the closed bathroom door and the kitties. I used to lock my iron away when the kids were small and we had cats. The Iron Store works out much better!! :)
DeleteKim, I can relate--I buy clothes that don't NEED ironing. I am much more likely to iron a table cloth, lol! Great solution!
ReplyDeleteI am with you Cecilia! The kids tend to buy those “definitely needs ironing” garments. I used to avoid those items at all costs, although my new set up has opened me up to the idea of some new choices!! ;)
DeleteI am not an ironer of clothing except on rare occasions. I have my old vintage board set up for sewing. In total honesty it was set up for sewing even the years that I was not sewing or rarely sewing. It looks to be a beautiful set up. Good quality and very practical. And the iron rest on the end of the board is such a good idea. Nice.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I am not a big functional purchase fan. I get more excited about the decor stuff, but having the right tools really does make a huge difference. I am looking forward to trying it out and sewing something soon. Ironing my seams was always such a pain. Now I am excited to give it a try!
DeleteI really need a new ironing board and some place to put it besides in my clothes closet, but I chose their outdoor clothesline because I felt I needed that more. I just may have to break down and get this!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
An outdoor clothesline brings back a lot of memories, Brenda!! I have to say, it’s been wonderful to iron without lugging that board in and out of the closet! :)
DeleteI had bought an ironing board many years ago and because of the wind in the house the iron would constantly fall over. I went through about 4 irons before I realized that I needed a new ironing board, one that was a bit sturdier and did not succumb to the wind. I've had my sturdy board for many years now, but I've lost my enthusiasm for ironing. Can you blame me, I've only been doing it for 40 years? Anyway my board is stilling on the balcony right now, getting some fresh air. It also works very well when I want to photograph a project. I just pop on a white table cloth and ta da!
ReplyDeleteI used to love ironing, Mary, there was something meditative about it, like washing the dishing...but then the kids came along and the hassle of dragging out all the supplies, took away some of my steam. With the right tools, I think I have found my groove again. Om! ; )
Deletei relate to your daughter! it kinda looks like a beautiful surf board to me.
ReplyDeletei hate to tell you the last time i ironed anything. it was years ago.
i only leave things in the dryer for a minute or two at the most. then i take them out and hang them immediately to dry naturally. voila! no wrinkles! or not enough for me to mind anyway.
and you keep saying how bad your laundry room looks. i think it's lovely!
and now... it's SUPER functional! it's all good.
xo
Now it is super functional Tammy...and with my new surf board...I mean ironing board...it is finally pretty enough for me!! :)
DeleteI love this piece, great idea
ReplyDeleteThanks Marty!! I really love this one, too!!
DeleteKim, wow, really great new iron and board. It all sounds so glamarous, although I have never thought of ironing as one of the arts! I iron pillow cases, top sheets, napkins and pretty dainties picked up at flea markets but that is all. I have a good size laundry but it is not big enough for the ironing board to be up so it gets done in the dining room, any room usable for the function it is intended for is beautiful in my eyes..Happy Weekend..Judy
ReplyDeleteI used to iron on my table, too, Judy. This has been a huge change for me and I like it!! :)
DeleteThat is really a nice set up Kim...I have lots of wrinkles, my darling wears mostly cotton button down shirts to the office, Ugh!
ReplyDeleteOh Karen, I remember those days. We sent those shirts out once the babies came along...but it's helpful for all the other stuff!! ;)
DeleteHi Kim, I know you already love this.What a beautiful new board. I have the same set up for the iron in my laundry within a laundry shoot from the second floor and the board pulls down right next to it. It's so easy to set up when something needs ironing. Like you, it was a hassle to deal with without being organized. But I must confess, I do love to iron. Not the chore itself so much but it's the look after the ironing is complete. The crisp pretty look of linens ironed is a luxury to me.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your pretty new ironing board. I Love that pretty cover. It is artwork!!
Celestina Marie, I stopped reading and starting dreaming at the words laundry shoot!! What a neat feature to have in a home. I have asked my husband for one, but so far, nope! Maybe someday in this silly old cottage…that would be super cool!! :)
DeleteIroning board envy here! I actually LIKE to iron but have a terrible dark laundry sauce (1927 house) and old equipment. I like the thought of something to hang the iron on as I have had it fall while cooling, when I knocked the ironing board.
ReplyDeleteOur home is from the 20’s too…I am sure that our basement was dirt at one point. I am happy we have a real floor now! ;)
DeleteWow. I was just commenting on how I had been hanging on to my iron and iron board even though I wasn't really sure where they were. What a perfect gidget to hang them on and use. And I'm sure a new ironing board and cover would dress it's new spot up so much.
ReplyDeleteThe Iron Store is a huge plus...it really has made a difference and if it's going to be out, I'm glad the board is so pretty!! :)
DeleteI have something similar to that in my sewing room closet. I love my laundry room, but there is no room for an ironing board. I found that it was better to be in the sewing room because I iron so many of my sewing projects.
ReplyDeleteA sewing room? Lucky you!! That is a dream of mine…someday! ;)
DeleteI've got wrinkles, but I'm afraid it would hurt! Lol I've never heard of Brabantia but I love it. And I love your new board . why do I think that gorgeous color of blue will be in your new laundry room? We'll see...... That picture of your cupboard where your iron is kept is so pretty and neat like like the rest of your house. Couldn't help but notice! And, yes, there was red! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI am normally a red girl, Judy, but that blue is just so bright and cheerful, it makes me smile! And I hear you about the wrinkles...if only it were that easy to erase those!! ;)
DeleteIroning brings back not-so-fond memories of a huge overflowing basket of clothes that we girls had to iron each week. We had a large family, and church clothes always had to be ironed before the big day. I'm glad I did learn how to iron properly as a child. We had an old ratchety ironing board that threatened to collapse in despair every time we ironed. Its a wonder it didn't, lol.
ReplyDeleteI am just in love with your new ironing board and the ease of use with it. I don't mind ironing now and then, but really do prefer to wear clothes that don't need ironing. As always, I enjoyed this post Kim, it brought back some memories :)
I prefer wearing clothes that don't need ironing, too!! This certainly makes a difference that's for sure! Sounds like you had a ton of ironing back in the day! Yikes! ;)
DeleteI really like the aspect of the mesh. Sounds like it is a keeper! Iron away!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely makes a difference, Lynn!
DeleteMy board's always up in my bedroom unless the Queen of England comes to visit...she hasn't thus far, ha ha! :) I have to have it up due to sewing whether pressing pieces or prepping applique, though :) This is a nice new set up that you have here :)
ReplyDeleteOh that tricky Queen of England! I say you keep that board up no matter who visits!
DeleteOh my gosh, no wonder you didn't do much ironing before....but now it looks like you have the perfect set-up! I have an ironing board built into my master closet (our bedroom is just a few quick steps from our laundry room), and I am one happy lady with that set-up. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who presses t-shirts. I also have a regular-size ironing board hanging behind my craft room door to use when I'm sewing or quilting. I do think most people (mainly female) don't like to iron because storing the iron and board is inconvenient.....your system looks like a great idea!
ReplyDeleteWarm hugs,
Carol
Your system sounds great too, Carol. I have to say, easy storage does make a difference!! :)
DeleteI hate wrinkles and when I was working, every single night I got my ironing board out from behind the guest room door and took the iron from the linen closet. I'm retired, but that is still where the items stay. I just don't have a spot to leave them out unless I am actually sewing.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new board - it makes me want to buy a new cover for my board.
The cover is super pretty, Carol and they sell them separately in a bunch of colors! :)
DeleteI have such fond memories of an ironing board ( you noticed I said memories) because like you I am not an ironing person. But Momma was, and she even ironed pillowcases!
ReplyDeleteLove yours-
Jemma
My laundry memories are of hanging and removing items from the line outside! It was a chore I hated, but now miss!! :)
DeleteGreat review, Kim! If I didn't have the attached ironing board in my kitchen, I'd probably buy it.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of...I need to do some ironing myself. Too bad you don't live closer. I'd bring it to your house ;)
love you,
rue
I'd totally do your ironing...and I really love a house that has an attached board. I think it's super charming!! :)
DeleteWell done. A great review, I am ready to go purchase.
ReplyDeleteCarla
Thanks Carla!! ;)
DeleteWhat a great idea...if only I had a spot for it. Someday! I will remember this brand. My washer and dryer is in the scary, old basement so I don't want to be down there ironing. I do iron a lot though, in the living room while watching HGTV!
ReplyDeleteAh HGTV! I have not tuned in, in such a long time. Thanks for the reminder!! Ironing or not, I always enjoyed that channel!
DeleteLove this product, Kim. It really appeals to my let's-get-organized spirit. And I like that the iron stores with the board. So much more convenient this way. I think it's funny that your daughter wanted it in her room for artwork. It is pretty, though. Enjoy your new toy! Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteIt has a very organized feel, Nancy! I have to say that I really enjoy having everything in one place...and that blue has really added a bit of color to an otherwise bland area! :)
DeleteThe house came with an ironing board cabinet, but the cabinet outlet doesn't work, I might have to check this one out! :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, a working outlet would be nice! ;)
DeleteI quite enjoy ironing ... love your ideas here, and very good review too.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
It can be very meditative, I agree, Jan! :)
DeleteGreat review, Kim. I agree with your daughter, it is pretty. I don't remember the last time I ironed. Actually, I don't even know where my iron is. ;) Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHaha! I am not a big fan either, but the right supplies definitely make a difference! :)
DeleteAn ironing junkie, huh? I'll send you my "needs to be ironed" pile. lol I HATE ironing and my husband is the only one who does it. When I have wrinkles I either ignore them, spritz water on them and hope my body heat softens the wrinkles, or once, I used a flat iron while I was wearing the shirt. Anything to avoid the hassle of getting the ironing supplies out...I love the idea of storing the iron next to the toaster, hehe. It is a practical place to get in and out of. love that feathery design on your new board.
ReplyDeleteHaha! I have tried the ironing while wearing...thankfully, I was ok, but I shudder when I think of it!! Ah, college! ;)
DeleteA great review Kim! I'm glad you were able to get something set up that will make your ironing a pleasurable task.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ronda. Who knew that ironing could be fun??
DeleteThey have good products. A few years ago they sent me a multi poled outdoor clothesline I could hang my clothes on to dry. But I didn't like how it looked in the background of my patio photos so I gave it to someone who lives in the complex. I hang up my clothing after washing and for towels and such I just layer them over furniture until dry. I think you'll like this! Both my iron and ironing board are old and not in good shape. But I rarely iron.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
They really do, Brenda! I use my iron and my ironing board all the time when sewing. And they're pretty...
Delete