The Best Ironing Board

While not all clothes require ironing, many professional or evening outfits do, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of freshly-ironed linens on a bed. Ironing boards have been a household staple for almost a century and a half, and while there have been a number of variations and technological improvements, the primary considerations with ironing boards remain much the same across models.

The first criterion is size. Portable ironing boards (as opposed to built-in ones) generally come in two configurations: stand-alone or tabletop. Tabletop ironing boards have short legs and are generally smaller overall, and can often be used standing up or sitting down. They’re often ideal for craft rooms and sewing projects.

However, for full-size clothing and linens, a freestanding full-size board is the best choice. In either case, choosing a wider board to accommodate a larger area of the clothing to be ironed at once makes the job go faster.

Material is important too. Look for a sturdy metal frame with a mesh top to allow steam to pass through, as well as a permeable, sticking-resistant cover. Many ironing boards have other features and amenities, such as a rest for the iron and hooks or organizers.

• Full-size ironing boards are usually 12 to 18 inches wide, but height is also important.
• Look for a board that sits at hip height for the household member that does the most ironing, or for an adjustable-height board that suits multiple people.
• One useful feature to look for is a sleeve attachment, which is a smaller board usually about 2 feet long and 6 to 8 inches wide. It is put through the armhole of the sleeve to make ironing sleeves much easier.
• While metal frames often weigh less, that lower weight may make them less sturdy and prone to slipping on the floor. Look for a wide base and anti-skid feet.