Top
Subscribe for free and never miss a post

DIY Ironing Board Cabinet Makeover

Don’t you just love a good haul? While I may not have scored oodles in my last jaunt, I did come upon this handmade gem. It was resting beside the Pinterest fail footstool I shared in this last post. The hearts alone made me giggle since as I’ve mentioned before that 80’s heart cut-outs and geese are EVERYWHERE. Am I right?? So, what is hiding in this oak cabinet? Well…you might be surprised to find this DIY ironing board inside.

Vintage DIY Ironing Board Cabinet Before | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

It’s awesomely made and complete with a self-made country blue hearts and stripes fabric cover. hahaha…I die!

Opening DIY Ironing Board Cabinet | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Fold Out DIY Ironing Board Cabinet with Cover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Notice the green iron-on patch on the right edge. This totally makes me wonder what stories it could tell. Shall we get this makeover party started?

SEWING NEW FABRIC “OLD”

While it’s obvious that this dated gem is going to get a new look. I need to begin with the ironing board cover. At first glance, I’m honestly surprised that this original DIY ironing board cover is basically a piece of cotton fabric with worn-out elastic in it. There’s no cotton batting or insulation layer that prevents the ironing board from damage. weird.

However, for my new ironing board cover I will remedy that huge mistake to take this makeover up a notch. First, I take the old cover and lay it on this red ticking fabric yardage found at a local thrift store. It’s brand new and the woven kind, not screen-printed. Good stuff!! I cut out adding an inch or so in the seams for allowance in the edge of the cover in making a casing for cord.

New DIY Ironing Board Cover with Red Ticking | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, on top of that, I cut a lightweight layer of Insulbrite as a protective layer. I simply trace the board adding a bit to cover the edges and cut. After ironing it all out, I sew a casing so I can add satin cord instead of elastic. That way I can tighten it up and the elastic won’t wear out. When casing is sewn, I use a safety pin to feed the cord through.

After that, I cut another piece of ticking with added seam allowance of a half-inch so I can encase the insulated layer and sew it down on the wrong side of the fabric.

Red Ticking Fabric for Ironing Board Cover Tutorial | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

MILK PAINTING

Now that I have the new top made for this DIY ironing board makeover, I’m ready to tackle the cabinet and board itself. Being that it is registering 10 ° outside, but feels like 3 °, I’m not taking my frozen behind outside to refinish this piece. With that, I decide to have fun with some milk paint. This barn red color is one I use on this farmhouse desk rescue or my reclaimed sleigh.

Painting Red Milk Paint on DIY Ironing Board Cabinet | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Next, while the paint is curing, I set about to handle those heart cut-outs. I dig into my stash and grab a piece of luan (thin plywood) and cut it to fit on the two door fronts.

Measuring and Cutting Luan Plywood | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Not only is my goal to add function, but also a bit of whimsy. You know I adore my typography! I have this awesome set of brass typeset letters and now is the perfect time to use them. wahoo!!

Vintage Block Typeset Letters | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Finally, I use a black milk paint to coat the interior and stain the luan I cut. I’m using a charcoal reactive stain that works with the tannins in the wood to naturally age it.

DIY Charcoal Reactive Stain for Ironing Board | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

However, I’m not just straight sticking it on, but rather create layers with more milk paint and aged effects.

Creating Layers with Milk Paint and Reactive Stain | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Last, it’s time for those letters to come out and play. Aren’t they fun?!

Vintage Typeset Letters for DIY Typography | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

IRON IT OUT

With hearts gone and a new vintage style, this ironing board is ready for many more years without the 80’s vibin’ hearts.

Rustic Farmhouse Wall Mounted Ironing Board Cabinet by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #laundry

Handmade Rustic Farmhouse Ironing Board by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #laundry #farmhouse
It’s rustic on the outside, while an ironing party on the inside. tee hee! Those hearts from the inside are now corkboards with vintage button tacks. You know I had to…

Open DIY Ironing Cabinet by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #farmhouse

Reclaimed Button Tacks on Ironing Cabinet by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #crafts

Not only that, but also look how I repurposed a closure from one of my long-past maternity dresses. haha. I recovered it and it works perfectly for holding that new cover nice and tight. Additionally, you can see the satin cord with cord stop at the base.

Handmade Ironing Board Cover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #ticking #farmhouse

Then, here it is folded out and ready for helping you make those fine creases and wrinkle woes go buh-bye.

Handmade Red Ticking Ironing Board Fold-Out Style by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse

DIY Fold-Out Wall Mounted Ironing Board by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #farmhouse #laundry

And…the absolute best-est part of it all…it tucks away nice and snug where no one has to know about the party going on inside. Yeah, baby! Oh, and also notice the vintage brass knobs I pull out from my stash.

Side View of DIY Ironing Board Cabinet by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #diy

Vintage Brass Knobs on Ironing Board Cabinet | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

As with most of my creations, you can find this and more available in my online shop. Add it to your laundry room for added storage space.

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Handmade Farmhouse Ironing Board Cabinet Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #laundry

SHARE

With that, my project is complete, and I’d love for you to take a minute to leave some comment love below. In addition, sharing and pinning this project inspires others to try their hand at DIY too. Let’s share the inspiration!

An 80's DIY ironing board gets the farmhouse makeover of a lifetime. Come see how Larissa of Prodigal Pieces did it! | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #farmhouse #homedecor #laundry

WAIT! Before you go, make sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter because up next, I’m sharing my latest Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION inspiration for you.

Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION series hosted by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Come learn to create for you and your home | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

PLUS, you will get oodles of easy DIY projects and tutorials along with a special discount to my shop. Until next time!
blog signature

Also, more fun laundry makeovers like this DIY ironing board makeover:

This 1980's heart cut-out bin needed some pizzazz. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces gave it a much needed makeover with some fun. See the full DIY details at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #handmade #home #homedecor #homedecorideas #farmhouse #vintageCreate a DIY Rolling Laundry Cart with a thrifted basket. Full details at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    That is soooooo cute!! I have a built in ironing board in my laundry rom and when we moved here, I thought I’d never use it. But, now I can’t live without it!!! It’s d handy for those quick iron jobs or sewing projects and then like magic, it’s hidden again!!! Of course this one is actually pretty!!!! 😍

    • Larissa says

      I would love to add one to my one-butt space, but hence the name…no room. I’m so glad you get use out of it because they are so handy.

  2. Niki says

    Very imaginative! I like the red ticking sew much 😉😆it makes the red milk paint worked so well for this!! I hardly use an ironing board but I’d like mine to disappear when not using it and not just be tucked beside my dryer. To create space at your home -could you go between studs and sink it into the wall???

    • Larissa says

      You sure could! That’s actually what I mentioned in the listing for this in my shop. There are so many possibilities with these. Thanks for the love, Niki!

  3. Marie B says

    Oh man did this bring back memories of the ironing board in my Nana’s kitchen when I was growing up. Red is my favorite color so I’m swooning over the red ticking fabric ironing board cover and interior. Nice score and save Larissa!

    • Larissa says

      aww…I love that, Marie. I thought of you with the red and ticking! 😀 Tis the season, eh? 😉

  4. Trudy Eby says

    Nice! Love that you got rid of the too cutsie hearts!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! I could have embraced them like I have on other projects, but I just want to show folks that if you have a heart-filled item that you don’t care for, you can make it your own, so it does suit your decor.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
0
0
Prodigal Pieces