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.
tracy a says
think the ironing board should go sherry’s way. sorry! and the pink accents are great too. (sorry again)
Larissa says
I would have to rule in and say that I prefer the ironing board pointing up! I like seeing more of the nice hooks!
Sam says
For your window treatment, see if you can get the same fabric as the ironing board cover. Maybe the Etsy seller can sell you some or tell you what it is. That could either look really good or too matchy matchy. Or just pull one of the colors and a solid roman shade like you mentioned would look nice too. Very pretty laundry room! Maybe if mine was this nice I’d enjoy laundry!
Page says
Seriously! Over 500 comments on how to hang an ironing board? But since I’m here, isn’t it really form vs. function? It LOOKS better covering the electrical panel, but if you’re 5’2″ (or under) and right-handed, doesn’t function better to hang it Sherry’s way? John, are you left-handed? I can’t believe I’ve been sitting here all afternoon trying to imagine opening my ironing board if it was hung John’s way, and I know it’s the first thing I’ll try out when I get home. “Hi, Honey. Sorry, I’ve got to test run my ironing board before I start dinner.”
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- we’re both right handed but oddly enough it’s sort of the same amount of work to take the board down in either direction since we carry it into another room to do the ironing anyway.
xo,
s
Nancy says
Got to agree with Sherry on this one – pointing up. BTW the laundry room looks awesome.
Caitlin Wallace says
I’m with Sherry on this one. It totally looks better pointing up!
Kate B. says
Narrow side up!
Diane says
I love the ironing board hanging down, because it covers the fuse box completely, and because the white plastic leg/bar of the board doesn’t leap to the eye as much as when it’s hung with the other end up.
BrookeReviews says
lol You said “bang zone.” I’m like a 12 year old :P
YoungHouseLove says
That’s what she said!
xo,
s
Erika says
I think it looks great with the new cover and I like it pointing up. After realizing that I never iron in the laundry room (it’s way to small at our new house) I ended up getting one of those over the door holders. Now I keep it upstairs, where we actually need it, and can iron in front of the DVR when needed. Out of site is the way I like it, of course, I don’t have a cover as cute as yours. ;o)
Stacy Weiland says
“Just picture it saying “Sook-eh, that was not my intention” in a weird Southern accent a la Bill Compton.” OMG You guys crack me up!
Robin O says
Looks great! I love little updates like that. They’re some of the most fun I think. :)
BTW – I’m definitely Team $herdog with the ironing board direction. It looks upside down with the point at the bottom.
heather j. says
I’m with Sherry, point that baby UP! I feel like I have to jump forward to save it from falling when it’s facing down.
Molly says
You guys should switch which way it goes based on who ironed last – sort of like when people have magnets on their dishwasher to let everyone know if it’s clean or dirty :)
And I wish I had a place to put up my pics besides facebook, because I got the most amazing barn sale find ever a few weeks ago – old school maps from the 1920s – and my mom and I just cleaned them up and hung a few around the house… I was totally channeling Sherry’s Pinterest boards :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- we’re totally going to have a battle of the boards! It’s on.
As for your pics, if you put them on Flickr you can leave a link over to them in the comments! Yay. We’d love to see them!
xo,
s
Lisa in IL says
Sherry is right, the ironing board just looks weird hanging your way & when it pops open & hits you in the head then you will see the light.
And why is your thermostat in your laundry room? that seems kinda of weird too.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s one of our alarm key pads. We have those all over because we’re crazy people. Haha. I’m like a mother hen protecting her… baby hen? Is that the expression?
xo,
s
RA says
The expression is “baby chick” or just “chick.”
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks!
xo,
s
Cassandra says
I have to agree with Sherry on the way to hang the ironing board. For some reason the other way looks to me like it is hanging by its feet and all the blood is rushing to its head…weird I know but that’s what I see. I also love the cabinet pulls!
Brianne Pitts says
I like it better pointed up. It does look more “natural” that way. Love all your attention to detail!
K says
I vote for Sherry’s way! I agree – the other way looks weird.
Donna says
I love your laundry room and am quite jealous, as mine is even smaller than yours (think hall closet). It is so small that only the washer fits in it with the water heater. The dryer is in the garage. :(
A couple things:
I love how the ironing board cover matches the paint, but also has the pretty pink for contrast. Hanging on the wall,(pointed up, of course)it looks like a work of art.
Also love the pink knobs.
About the window…I really like it the way it is, without any special treatment. It looks so nice and crisp and sunshiny.
Love your blog! And your house. Wish my guy would work on my projects with me, but his DNA is DIY challenged. :)
CChristy says
Y’all just havin’ too much fun!! Point down, definately point down! Covers the fuse box that way.
Stephanie says
The ironing board MUST. POINT. UP. I feel very strongly about this. Far too strongly, really, considering it is an ironing board in a someone else’s home. Someone else that I don’t even know in real life.
Emily says
I don’t know if anyone else suggested it, Sherry, but I always use a scrap piece of regular cotton fabric draped over my ironing board when I’m using hem tape or other adhesives…that way, the pretty cover stays protected :)
For the record, I’m with Sherry on the hanging dilemma!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that’s really simple and smart!
xo,
s
Paige says
I think I have to go team John on this one…simply because it achieves your goal of covering up the fuse box…
the laundry room is looking good!!
Kim says
Pointing up, definitely! Girls rule!
Seriously, it looks great!
Connie says
The sad truth is that ironing boards that get used need replacement covers. I’ve scorched my way through several over the years.
I’ll be curious to know how you enjoy ironing against such a strong design after you’ve used this cover for some months. I’ve contemplated patterns and always wimp out for a solid or a pale design. My ironing board hangs (Sherry style—the only way the commercial rack will accept) behind a door that’s always open rather than become artwork as yours is now.
LauraC says
This post is hilarious; almost 600 comments on how to hang an ironing board. Love it. And yes, I did notice the previous comment very similar to mine (Page), and I STILL had to comment (for the fourth time today, ok, I’ll shut up now . . . )
Kate says
Thanks for this guys, we have done our laundry room for ages, but the ironing board cover (spotty lilac and stained to heck) does not match the white, grey and blue of the room, nor does it have a home. There is a spare wall to hang ‘er on but it is a partition and my husbands always fretting that it would be too much weight for the wall – any thoughts on this?
PS – Sorry John, I vote Sherry’s way too :/
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, maybe use anchors so it’s secure? Or try taping it to the wall to see if it can handle it (that sounds crazy, but it might be a not-permanent test). Anyone have better ideas?
xo
s
Lana says
I think the board looks more symmetrical pointed up. And I think you should go out and buy some pink champagne and make a toast to your new laundry room. I can’t believe Sherry never had any. It’s good! Lana http://www.lifeatwildberrycottage.com
Hannah says
Hey there! I have an off-topic question for ya’ll. How do you store ALL of your photos? You seem to refernce photos from years ago with ease and quickness. Tell me how please!!
<3 faithful reader
Hannah
YoungHouseLove says
We just have folders by year with sub categories by month with subcategories by event (ex: 2011, –> May –> Clara’s Birthday). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Ali says
Have you guys ever tried a garment steamer? That’s what we use and I am never going back to ironing. But I guess then, you have to find somewhere to store the steamer. :) And you can’t do things like use no-sew hem tape. And you can’t dress it up with a pretty pink fabric. Even so, we’re sticking to it. :)
YoungHouseLove says
John’s sister has one and I love it! But I think for little projects I might still be an iron gal!
xo,
s
Tyleet says
I commented earlier to say that I prefer the way hanging down covers more of the fuse box. I still have that opinion, but I wanted to add that I think having the fuse box only partially covered actually makes it stand out MORE. It brings my eyes toward it, rather than away from it. It would make me wonder if it were a purposeful choice, or if the person wasn’t paying attention to where he or she hung the hooks.
Joanna says
I like how it’s coming together! Can’t wait to see how it’ll end up!
Lisa says
Pointing up. Sorry, J-Money.
Jackie says
Wow, cool cover AND what a coincidence!! I just finished posting up my new found ironing board cover last night! You can view it on http://www.jackies-creations.blogspot.com/p/more.html
I wanted to make my own but instead found one brand spankin’ new for only NZ$9! Woot woot! I’m like Sherry – a little too attached to my ironing board, hehe. Lovin’ your website guys! I’m truly inspired! Keep it up! xo
YoungHouseLove says
Oooh pretty! So chic!
xo,
s
Andrea says
John, I agree with $herdog that the way you’ve hung the ironing board is upside down (and wrong and strange… :), your way DOES cover up the electric box cover thing much better. So which wins, function or design? Design or function? For now: Too difficult a question for a Friday night in this heat!
heartartz says
Okay no more ribbon chandelier.. you’ve been there done that!
How about this one …In pink perhaps?
http://hayestone.blogspot.com/2011/05/from-laundry-room-to-ball-room.html
YoungHouseLove says
You know what’s crazy? I pinned that exact post last week over on Pinterest! Love it!!
xo,
s
Haley says
I like the iron board pointing up… (sorry John) maybe its a girl thing? Also love the new cover!
Jessie says
I vote Team John.
Caitlin says
I think pointing down looks better, but pointing ups looks easier to put in place, so if that were the case I’d go with Sherry.
Laura says
Point the ironing board up, way better!
Rachel says
I like it better pointing down,the fuse box showing would drive me crazy.
Brenda says
Love it! How can a post about an ironing board be so fun to read? Hey, maybe that’s the irony!
Zhaleh says
While I would agree that the ironing board’s natural position should be nose up, the fact that hanging it upside down obscures more of the fuse box is a definite plus. I suppose that whoever does the ironing gets to decide!
Mary says
Sherry’s pic on the LEFT!!!
Pointing up….
hope i am rocking the vote and hopefully you are keeping track! LOL
Debbie says
Your laundry room is looking so fresh and organized. As for the ironing board “hang up”, I would have hung it the same way as Sherry. But I’m going to have to go with John’s choice because it does a better job of hiding the fuse box.
Samantha says
Sorry John, I agree with Sherry. It looks kinda funky your way :) And I loved all your tv mentions. Your Sookie and Dexter parts cracked me up!
Kate says
Good plan thanks for the idea Sherry! I really love the hooks you used, just showed the hubs so hopefully he will feel motivated to get going tomorrow! (or not?!) and I shall have the pleased of picking a new cover! :)
Vicki S says
My vote is with John…small end down.
Your room is lovely. I enjoy coming to your website each day and looking for inspiration…and you guys are the reason I found Ana White. Can’t thank you enough!!
Olivia says
this really makes me want to organize my laundry room! It’s a nice room with great cabinets but I really need to just organize!!!
Joanna D @ suited perfectly for eternity says
Gosh tell Sherry I love those door knobs….they look like a cute pair of earings……for the cabinet doors of course!!! Great color scheme…….I likey!! xo Joanna D.