Ironing boards are designed to make ironing safe, comfortable, and ideally, easy. The right boards include a heat-resistant surface and an ergonomic design on which to easily iron items like clothing and bed linens. This guide will provide an overview of the key features and product types businesses should look for when stocking their ironing board inventory.
Table of Contents
The global demand for ironing boards
The most popular types of ironing boards
What to look for when selecting ironing boards
The bottom line
The global demand for ironing boards
The global ironing board market was valued at USD 2.16 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 4.30 billion by 2032 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%.
A significant driver of the ironing board market is the demand for convenient solutions to ironing clothes in a safe manner. The market consists of residential and commercial customers, such as laundries, apparel manufacturers, and hotels.
Consumers consistently seek high-quality and innovative ironing boards that are competitively priced. There is also an increasing need for compact and foldable ironing boards due to the rise of small living spaces.
With increasing urbanization in the global market, there is also growing potential to do business in developing countries because of the necessity of ironing boards in the modern household.
The most popular types of ironing boards
Freestanding ironing boards
Freestanding ironing boards are the most common type of ironing board. Floor standing ironing boards feature a metal frame topped with a padded fabric surface and heat-resistant board cover.
Freestanding ironing boards are popular because they are portable and can be transported from one place to another. Most standing ironing boards will also come with foldable legs so they can be easily stored away when not in use. Many come with adjustable legs so that the ironing board can be used at different heights.
Wall-mounted ironing boards
Wall-mounted ironing boards come with a panel that allows them to be mounted to a wall. They are ideal for small living spaces or apartments because they do not take up floor space and can be folded up against the wall when not in use. Similarly, an over-the-door ironing board features a frame that can be attached or hung to a door.
Some wall-mounted ironing boards may also come with a mechanism that enables users to adjust the board to different heights, ensuring that they can be used at a comfortable height for a wide range of users.
Tabletop ironing boards
A tabletop ironing board is compact enough to be used on top of a table or countertop. Although tabletop ironing boards look mostly like freestanding varieties, they tend to be much smaller in size and come with shorter legs. Like their larger counterparts, mini ironing boards will also generally feature foldable legs that allow them to be stowed away when not required.
A tabletop ironing board is ideal for customers living in apartments or small homes with limited storage space. Their small size is also most suitable for ironing specific sections of clothing, such as sleeves or pant legs, and may not be as appropriate for larger garments.
What to look for when selecting ironing boards
Ease of storage
Since ironing boards are only used when required, ease of storage is an important feature for business buyers to consider. Foldable ironing boards can be easily tucked away in a closet or storage room. Some models may even come with accessories like built-in hooks or hangers so that they can be hung on a rack. A retractable iron rest or iron holder also offers added convenience without the extra bulk.
Stability and durability
An ironing board with a sturdy frame will prevent wobbling or tipping while ironing. Compact Y-leg ironing boards or T-leg ironing boards with rubber slip-resistant feet that stand flush against the floor or table are favored for their improved stability.
A durable board that can withstand frequent use will also ensure their longevity. The ironing board should also come with a thick pad and a heat-resistant cover to protect against heat damage from a hot iron. Cotton is the best material for ironing board covers because it lays flat and offers a smooth surface for ironing out wrinkles in clothing.
Size and height
Ironing boards come in a variety of sizes and heights suitable for different purposes.
Smaller tabletop or travel ironing boards are ideal for easy storage in compact spaces. Although they may be more difficult to use for large items like bedsheets, table linens, or long dresses, a small ironing board is generally appropriate for most laundry items. On the other hand, full-size ironing boards can accommodate larger garments and are preferable for professions that involve ironing garments.
An ironing table with different height settings will also ensure the board can be adjusted for each user’s comfort. The mechanisms to adjust the height should operate smoothly to prevent the chance of trapped appendages.
The bottom line
A variety of ironing boards exists on the market to address various ironing needs, including freestanding ironing tables, wall-mounted ironing boards, and tabletop ironing boards. Regardless of product type, the key characteristics of ironing boards include ease of storage, stability and durability, and size and height.
As consumers continue to seek solutions to make routine housekeeping more efficient and convenient, innovative designs are constantly evolving in the ironing board market. It is therefore a prime opportunity for businesses to tap into this exciting market.
No matter what type of ironing board you’re looking to source, you’re bound to find it among the thousands of options on Alibaba.com.
