As much as we love having our new built-in shelves in the laundry room, they did kinda get in the way of our oh-so-fancy ironing board storage system. You know, the one that made a clanging noise whenever the spin cycle kicked on?
So clearly the ironing board had to find a new home. Earlier on we thought about making a little cubby so the ironing board could slip into our built-ins, but we wanted maximum space for baskets and bins and bowls (instead of breaking things up and making it narrower). We contemplated just shoving him (her?) in a closet somewhere else in the house, but somehow it felt like he she it belonged in the laundry room… just not looking all busted and ugly.
Those nice little dark streaks? Would you be surprised if I told you they were residue from Sherry’s oft-used no-sew hem tape? Picture the wife hanging her head in shame. And an old more-fun cover that we had was also ruined in a similar manner (ripped – oops). Maybe Casa Petersik is where ironing board covers go to die?
Sherry contemplated sewing a new cover herself (possibly out of ironing-board-disfiguration guilt), but after popping over to Etsy (specifically, here) for some inspiration, she instead found herself inspired to buy a charming little handmade-by-someone-else cover (long story short: she was enamored with the fabric and unable to find it herself at a few local stores that she hit up). So 24 bucks later we had a much more presentable looking ironing board that Sherry is excited to display 24/7 (and has vowed not to maim). She’s more into that ironing board cover than a person should be.
Do I get any husband points for letting her go the pink route? Even I’m man enough to admit that it looks pretty awesome with the grellow walls.
Obviously leaning on the wall wasn’t our storage solution. Nope, we wanted to hang this lady (now that it’s pink, I’ve decided it’s a girl) on the wall. We briefly considered some sort of pulley system from the wall or ceiling that would allow it to fold out for in-room ironing, but thanks to the space being about as narrow as a bathroom stall, we decided we’d much rather hang it somewhere to store it, but keep it removable to accommodate ironing in a more spacious room (Sherry’s partial to the living room, I like the bedroom). The perfect wall for the job was this one (opposite the door) since it had some eyesores of its own to be covered – er, accessorized?
Yup, remember those two painted-over fuseboxes? We figured hanging our chipper little ironing board there was a multi-tasking solution. This way we can easily access the fuse box by simply removing the iron (just like a framed photo or bulletin board, which some other folks opt to hang there instead).
Since all of the ironing board hook / caddy things we found at the store also had a spot for an iron (and our iron ain’t pretty enough to showcase, plus we worried about slamming into it since the room is so narrow) we decided to “make” our own by repurposing two jumbo sized coat hooks from Lowe’s (about $6 each). To hang them, we used long strong wood screws and intentionally drilled into studs (so we didn’t risk hitting any wiring that runs to the fuse box and got a nice secure hold).
The hooks worked perfectly – which was quite a relief since they were the only ones I could find that I hoped were big enough to accommodate the wide ironing board bar and attractive enough to pass TWT (The Wife Test). The only thing we were somewhat undecided about was which direction to hang the ironing board. Sherry preferred the look on the left (pointing up), and I liked the version on the right (which Sherry thinks is “upside down and weird”). Feel free to rock the vote and weigh in on your favorite ironing board direction. Can you handle the excitement? Oh the things we debate around here.
But this is my post, so the rest of the pics will have it hanging my way. Sorry lady-wife. By the way, we realize the ironing board looks a bit far from the appliances (especially from this angle) but that’s intentional because:
- we wanted to position it over the fuse box
- we didn’t want to be banging into the ironing board every time we opened the washer door, so it’s happily out of the bang zone. And if we ever get around to switching the way the dryer door opens that one won’t bang either (right now it swings the other way).
Oh, and notice the missing cabinet doors two pics up? That’s because we had another little project going on at the same time. Those built-in cabinets that we inherited are great for concealed storage (aka, the place where ugly stuff goes to be ugly) – but they were sort of an off-white color that clashed with the freshly painted white trim, and the hardware was kinda blah.
In fact, we had another jeepers-creeper-where’d-you-get-those-peepers-knobs situation going on like this oldie but a goodie. Except this cabinet monster is a vampire since we’re in the midst of watching True Blood Season 3 on DVD (no spoilers – we’re only halfway through). Just picture it saying “Sook-eh, that was not my intention” in a weird Southern accent a la Bill Compton.
So off came the doors, knobs, and hinges. Here’s the old hardware (white eyeball knobs & brass hinges) next to the shiny new replacements. The pink glass knobs (yes, there’s me permitting pink again) were around $4.00 from Hobby Lobby after a 50% off sale (is it me, or are they constantly having 50% off sales there?). The brushed nickel hinges were $3 a set from Home Depot. Together they make for a much more updated (and fun) finish on those cabinets.
But first the cabinet doors and frame needed a coat of Kilz no-VOC primer and two thin coats of white semi-gloss paint (Olympic Premium No-VOC Base 2), which you can barely detect making a difference in these photos. You can kinda see how the door on the left has been framed with fresh paint around the edge. Maybe. If you happen to have binoculars or a magnifying glass next to your computer.
With primer and paint dry and the new hardware screwed in, things were back in working order within about a day or two (although we kept the doors cracked for another 24 hours, just to combat any stick-age).
Not the most dramatic makeover you’ve ever seen, but hey – sometimes it’s the little tweaks that make us the happiest. Sherry says those pulls remind her of pink champagne. Not that she’s ever had any, but she thinks it sounds fancy. Then she said something about pink diamonds but I tuned her out.
Oh and if you’re curious as to what’s actually in that cabinet… in a word: junk. In a few more words: a drill, paint and supplies, seldom used laundry items, bungee cords, and some saws. You know, the usual. If you’re Dexter or something (saws, drills, and bungee cords? yikes).
Oh but before I go, here’s our updated laundry room to do list.
Paint the odd brown quarter round near the baseboards glossy white
Redo all the dinged up trim (also in semi-gloss white)Paint the wallsReplace our dryer hose with a safer all-metal oneAdd adjustable built-in shelving in that nook next to the stacked washer & dryerPrime & paint the upper cabinetryReplace the hinges and knobs on those upper cabinetsHang the ironing board to obscure the giant metal fuse box- Get a new light fixture <- DIY something? maybe a small chandelier?
- Add a window treatment (maybe a homemade one?) <— ?
- Add other functional storage near the door for shoes, Burger’s leash, etc
- Hang some art to keep it cheerful
We’re still debating the whole window treatment part, hence the question mark. That window isn’t a privacy issue (you just see the top of the built-ins and the ceiling from outside) and we wonder if even a simple roman shade would just crowd things since the window practically grazes the built-ins and the white trim and mullions are nice and clean on their own. So we’re planning to figure out the light fixture and then make the call.
Anyway, what’s up with you guys? Anyone have an ironing board cover that they’re loving a little too much? Do you have some small projects like new hardware & hinges or a coat of primer & paint that you plan to cross off your to-do list by the end of the weekend? Anyone want to come over and do some laundry with us? Seeing how many people we can pack into our tiny 3.5′ wide space could be a good time. Or a science experiment (my guess is 32 & Sherry’s pushing the envelope with 43).
Psst- We announced this week’s giveaway winner. Click here to see if it’s you.
Psssst- To jog your laundry room memory, so far we’ve replaced the washer/dryer, taken down window shutters & cluttered shelves along with frosting the door (all here), filled some ceiling cracks, painted the room, and added some built-ins.
Karen says
Ok – I’m with Sherry about the look of the ironing board pointing up, but it does cover better upside down. I guess you’ll always know who used it last as to how it’s hung up!
Since we’re offering opinions here, a valance in a happy, plays nice with ironing board and knobs would keep that perma-smile bright!
And I’ll throw John a bone – 32 is more reasonable :)
KAYLA says
i know it’s just a laundry room but, i think it looks great. i love following along with your home remodels! and that ironing board cover is awesome.
NancyS says
I too bought an ironing board cover that was fancy. Ironing needs all the help it can get!
Did you ever consider some type of stain glass treatment for your windows – or a fancy frosted picture? I’ve done it on windows that I didn’t want to use curtains on & I love it. It’s so easy with the peel & press “lead” lines :)
YoungHouseLove says
We’re definitely thinking about some nice clean frosting film as a possibility- just to let light in but add a little softness without feeling too busy with the patterned board and bright walls!
xo,
s
Nina says
I vote with Sherry – the ironing board points up! Just like in the pictures on those iron/ing board caddies you considered. “They” have to have it right, right?
Rachel says
I just wanted to let you both know that I stumbled upon your blog last week and I am so thankful I did. You both are creative geniuses and you inspire me!!! <3 this cute little laundry room. Ironing board up is my vote :)
Becky says
I prefer the look of the ironing board up….but when pointed down it covers the fuse box. Sorry Sherdog….John wins this one. Love love love the cover though!
Sandy says
I’m with John on this one. Pointing down definitely and iron cover definitely cute. The only thing I see not so good is that the wall will eventually get some scuff marks from the board … more so I think when you hang it back up. No?
YoungHouseLove says
Since the hooks hang out from the wall a bit there hopefully won’t be much scuffing if we’re careful. And it should probably just occur under the ironing board where we can’t see it where the metal legs are if it happens, but in that case we can do some paint touch ups once a year or so. We’ll have to keep you posted how the paint fares for sure!
xo,
s
RebeccaMac says
In this case I would say functionality is a priority. Are you going to set up the ironing board right there? Or perhaps you’ll move it out into another room temporarily. Either way, take it off the wall and set it up (trying both positions) and see which one feels best/easiest to move around–and there’s your decision. Ironing boards are so awkward. Nice cover.
J says
I am loving the laundry room transformation! I’m on team Sherry for the iron, but since you are going to have to rehang it everytime you use it anyway and it sounds like both of you use it, why not go with “ironer’s choice” when rehanging it?
YoungHouseLove says
I like it! It can be a little war of back & forth every time! I might switch it to my way in the middle of the night though. I’m a cheater. Haha.
xo,
s
Lauren says
My husband legitimately thinks I’m a cheater when it comes to board games. I’m not, I just happen to beat him most of the time. Also, I think cheating is such an ugly word so I prefer “Playing Fancy”
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah, that’s what I do. I just play fancy.
xo,
s
hillary says
Hey! Ironing board as art! I love it!
I have to agree with your lady-wife about the direction to hang it.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Love the title :) And, that cover, the pink does look great!
Angle says
Sherrys way for sure!
Susan says
Your “pink diamond” comment made me LOL and made my morning. Thank you.
Julie says
Leave to it you guys to make an ironing board interesting and reference True Blood all in one post. I’m with Sherry that it looks upside down pointing down :)
my honest answer says
I vote pointy end up. Don’t know why, it just looks better.
Love the new knobs, but, you know what? It seems to me that any metal in your house that is silvery and light, you spray point oil rubbed bronze. But now, when confronted with hinges that look to be similar to ORB already, you go and buy new silvery light ones.
I don’t geddit?!
YoungHouseLove says
We mix metals around here (in our living room we have two silver based lamps and a silver floor lamp with ORB rods and an ORB mirror – along with some ORB legs on Karl and a desk chair). So although we pondered ORB hinges, the hardware that we loved had silver pulls with those fun pink bubble ends, so we went with silver hinges to tie it all together since they’d be in such close proximity. The dials on the dryer are silver too!
xo,
s
andrea marietta says
Upside down for sure! It hides the fuse box…and is even remnicent of a surfboard. Okay, maybe that’s just me under the influence of the grellow, but I do like the similarity. And the hidden fuse box. :)
Laura says
Point that thing up!!!!
Sorry, John…
Momlady says
I was conflicted on this one. I get why Sherry wanted it to hang point up…it’s a spatial/visual thing…but I think I’ll have to vote on the John solution this time. Though it does kinda look like a big exclaimation point…covering the fuse box completely wins my vote.
Erin says
I like Sherry’s way with ironing board! everything looks great!!
Kirsten says
I’ve looked at your site for awhile now… I’ve never commented… you know, the usual opening statement for a first-time commenter. :) And wouldn’t you know, the reason for my very first comment is to vote on the position of that ironing board! (I didn’t think I had an opinion, but then I figured, hm, maybe I do.)
I think it should “point” up (with the narrowing end toward the ceiling). It looks top-heavy the other way, and pointing it up makes it feel like it’s growing from the floor toward the ceiling.
I know my opinion is exremely important, and I’m sure that it will be the game-changer. ;)
Angela says
I’d like to agree with John about the ironing board just to be quirky and to hide more of the fuse box, but I can’t shake the feeling that it just looks a little wrong. Like someone hung it up in rush, or maybe because it’s pointing down it reminds me of thumbs down…which is clearly a negative expression.
The pink knobs are adorable, as is the ironing board cover.
Great job in here! It must make the annoying task of doing laundry just a little more enjoyable.
Megan says
I agree with John on the ironing board. It makes it look like you installed it in to just pop out (although I know you didn’t) and that’s the way it would be if you installed it that way. Make sense? But maybe it’ll just be up to whoever puts it away – and can change. It’s not like it’s in your living room and will be stared at by every guest. :)
Megan GK says
A few years ago, I dug our ironing board out of a dumpster at the husband’s (then BF’s) apartment. After some heavy-duty disinfecting and a plush new reversible cover from Bed Bath and Beyond, it was downright swank. It’s amazing what a new cover can do!
This weekend, I’m hoping to paint the inside of our kitchen pantry – white shelves, and light aqua walls a la this house of turquoise post: http://www.houseofturquoise.com/2010/09/painted-shelves-and-cupboards.html
YoungHouseLove says
Oooh pretty. I LOVE House of Turquoise!
xo,
s
LauraC says
We just redid our upstairs bathroom and I so copied that paint for our bathroom – gorgeous, I love it so much. Though I went with the lightest color on the strip that she matched (Ionic Sky) and I think it’s perfect. Someday I’ve got to get pics up on FB, hopefully before the orchid I got drops all it’s blooms!
Wintry Mix says
Love the new ironing board! But holy cow, it looks INSANE pointing down, John. Seriously. Go with Sherry on this one.
Caroline says
So John you are right the Ironing board is a She; In french every object has a gender and it’s a she. Strangly the iron itself is a He???
But i’m with Sherry for the up side down thing.
For the windown i’ll let it “naked” it’s clean and simple like that.
Jackie says
I am not a commenter, but the ironing board IS upside down your way. Sherry wins.
Manda says
Regarding the ironing board, I seem to agree with most of the other people here: Aesthetically, the board itself looks better pointing up; but it covers more of the fuse box when pointing down.
So I guess the way to hang it depends on which you’d rather have: sexy wall, or sexy board???
Or you could do a “shared custody” type of thing where one month it faces up and the next it faces down. Even better, you could have constant “Battle Ironing Board” where you each sneak around trying to turn it your way like a Home Decor version of Capture the Flag. However, if you do commence with “Battle Ironing Board,” I suggest placing a webcam in the laundry room so we can watch the action!! ;)
YoungHouseLove says
There’s totally going to be a battle of the ironing board. I can feel it. Haha.
xo,
s
LLF says
my vote is for upside down for hide the fuse box well and being a little unconventional. Also, have you read the True Blood book book series? Ver different from the show. They are both very good.
YoungHouseLove says
We both read the first three books and loved them but the friend we were borrowing them from lost the fourth book. Aahhhh! Might have to skip to book five. Haha.
xo,
s
Emily says
Whatever you do, do not skip the fourth book. It is by far the best one! All I can say is “shower scene.”
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man. Now I have to find it on amazon or at the library or something!
xo,
s
Emily says
You can actually buy the individual books online from Walmart. They are only a few bucks with free site to store shipping. Enjoy:)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip!
xo,
s
Andrea says
Board should point up. That way you can squint your eyes and imagine its a surfboard leaning casually against your wall and feel cool(er).
Kelly says
Team Sherry, no question, game over. The ironing board should point up — I don’t care if you were trying to hide Jimmy Hoffa with it.
Kim says
Love it, and love the cover! Team pointing up! But I have to ask, if you iron in other rooms, why not keep it in one of those? We iron in our bedroom, therefore we keep the ironing board behind the bathroom door where it is never seen but located where we iron.
YoungHouseLove says
I think we just thought it would be cute in the laundry room since I’m so in love with the cover and we have all that blank wall space going on. Ironing board as art, if you will. Haha.
xo,
s
Amy @TriangleHoneymoon.com says
So perfect!
Ellen says
I’m with John on the pointing down direction! Before I even read that part and just saw the picture I thought “they hung it upside down…weird!” :)
Sassy says
Sorry, Sherry, I’m with John: I like the board pointing down, with the fusebox all covered and the bulk of the pretty cover taking the eye more up than down.
Marta says
definitely like the ironing board Sherry’s way!!
Libby says
The laundry room makeover is terrific, and those shelves next to the W/D are a great addition. BTW…I’m an engineer, and if you hang the ironing board with the heavy part down, the center of gravity will be lower (it will be less top-heavy) and it will be easier for Sherry to remove it from the hooks.
YoungHouseLove says
Good point! But you do err at making the assumption Sherry is the one taking the ironing board down the most. :)
-John
kat says
ooh! you could do a fun frosted treatment on the window – or at least the bottom half. I particularly like these, a la design*sponge:
http://www.designsponge.com/2009/03/diy-project-window-films.html
so fun! great job, btw. looks fantastic!
YoungHouseLove says
SO AMAZING! Just pinned the heck out of it.
xo,
s
Kim @ girlevolving says
I’m with Sherry on which way to hang the board!
hannah says
*ironing board “upside down”- hides the fuse box better.
*window treatment- thought of getting any of the super pretty frosted glass contact paper stuff? we used that in our upstairs bathroom since I didn’t want curtains… there is plain stuff and also patterned, comes in big sheets at lowes so you don’t have to overspend at tarjay on the little sheets.
*i’m sure you already know, but rust-oleum makes a spray paint that is brushed nickel- saved me a ton of cash when re-doing our dining room cabinet hinges (odd size hinges x 14 needed= very expensive). just a thought if you have something thats high up/ not visible to many.
laundry room is looking good! :)
YoungHouseLove says
We’re definitely mulling over some frosted options! Love it. As for spraying those hinges, they were all sort of gunky and painted over, so we thought new $3 guys would work. But if they’re in better condition we’re all about spraying ’em!
xo,
s
Constance says
Everything is looking so nice and snazzy! I have to go with pointed rightside up. I dig that the upside-down way covers the panel completely but it looks odd in that, “why is that upside down?” way. Pointed up looks more natural and on purpose. Great job!
Jenn P says
Love that fabric! You can find it on pinkchalkfabrics.com for $7/yard just in case you have another “ironing board incident” :-) The fuschia & orange colorway is on my short list for window treatments in my daughter’s playroom.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I love it. Just in case there’s another “incident.”
xo,
s
Stacy Weiland says
I think pointing up looks better. The other way makes it seem and thus the room, top heavy. Also, I was wondering if you were concerned with the colors of the cover bleeding into any white fabric you iron? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Never thought about that. The fabric cover is all prewashed (and we washed it again when we got it) so I don’t think it should bleed. Here’s hoping it doesn’t! But you know we’ll tell you if it does!
xo,
s
hannah says
oh… and to add fuel to the fire, who does the ironing? maybe that’s who gets to put it back their way :)
two problems solved!
YoungHouseLove says
I iron projects (curtains, my quilt, my banner for Clara, etc) and John irons his pants/shirts. So I think we’ll have a little battle of the board (each putting it back the way we like). Haha.
xo,
s
Emily says
I like the ironing board upside down (right pic) perhaps I am OCD or something but I like that its a straight line across the top and it comes to a point at the bottom(although I cant really tell if it hangs eye level or higher)having the point at more eye level height isn’t doing it for me!! but i absolutely love the makeover! very bright and I have those knobs! looks great!
Stephanie says
I vote for upside down. That way you don’t see the fuse box at all! mission accomplished.
Erica @ Erica's Inspirations says
Looking good! I’m with Sherry on the direction of the ironing board…sorry John.
Jenny says
I just had a thought about another way to remedy the knobs situation. When I saw the picture you had posted on this blog, it showed the knob with a screw through the middle. then I thought, “well, they could stick something right in the center of the knob with the screw holding it in place kind of like a sequence which would change the look of the knob. Here is an example of a pretty sequence (just using one sequence per knob): http://jariwalacrafts.com/bridal%20bag%20lead.png —
In realty you could stick anything there to make it look just a bit different.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s another cute idea!
xo,
s
LauraC says
Down. ;-) Love your laundry room!
LauraC says
No!! Sorry – baby on the lap, I meant up – UP!!!! (as in Sherry’s way, sorry John)
Elizabeth says
Has to be pointed up. Otherwise it’s upside down :)
Cailin says
The wall where there was shelving before…. You should get this solution (web link: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60156121 ) if the web link doesn’t work its the HEMNES SHOE CABINET from ikea. its only 8.5 inches depth and 45 inches wide, its perfect for what you were looking for. :) hope this helps!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah I LOVE that! Unfortunately it’s too wide (would hit the window frame) – so sad! But I have been wondering if we could build something similar (ana-white.com has some great plans!).
xo,
s
Lindsay says
I had also thought about something similar to that shoe cabinet for the wall where you tore down all the little shelves. Would it fit there?
YoungHouseLove says
Sadly the door swings into that space to open, so it wouldn’t fit. I know, so sad, right?
xo,
s
Lindsay says
Ahh okay! That is sad. :( I love that piece of furniture too!