A folding ironing board is a kind of ironing board that is collapsible so that it can be easily stowed. There are two basic kinds of folding ironing boards. The first kind of ironing board is freestanding and usually collapses via a joint that is built into the legs. The second kind of ironing board is built into a wall, much like a Murphy bed, so that it can fold into the wall when it is not in use. This kind of folding ironing board is usually surrounded by a small closet that is kept closed when the ironing board is not in use.
The benefit of a freestanding ironing board is that it is mobile and can be moved about the house as needed. If a person has a great deal of ironing to do, a freestanding folding ironing board can be taken into the living room or den so that he can watch television as he completes the chore. Much like an ironing board that folds into a small pocket in the wall, a freestanding ironing board can also be easily stowed away when it is not in use. Most folding ironing boards of the type collapse down so that they can easily fit under a bed or in a closet.
The benefit of a folding ironing board that fits into the wall is that it does not take up any storage space other than the small wall closet that is built around it. This kind of folding ironing board is often preferred by people who live in small spaces. This is because small apartments do not have a great deal of extra storage space for items like ironing boards. Also, there may be few places in an apartment with enough space to set up a folding ironing board, so the benefit of being able to move it from place to place becomes obsolete.
Both types of folding ironing boards are available at most home stores, the mobile type being a bit more common. The built-in varieties are often a bit more expensive because they come with a kit that allows the user to build them into a wall. The least expensive folding ironing board is a variety that is meant to be used during travel. This type of ironing board has no legs and is meant to be used on a hard surface such as a table. It has joints within the board that allow it to collapse into an item that easily fits into a suitcase.
