The Ingenious Hidden Feature in Mid-Century Wardrobes You Never Knew Existed!
October 5, 2024
Source: Imgur
The Ingenious Space-Saver of Mid-Century Closets
Clever, space-saving ideas made living easier in many mid-century homes. Among these innovations were hidden ironing boards, a popular feature that included a concealed ironing board installed into the closet itself. It provided homeowners with a smart way to keep it handy but neatly stowed away when in between uses, truly making a case for hidden ironing boards.
Made to measure wardrobes that work
Custom-built wardrobes from the 1950s, and even earlier, were often designed to address storage and functionality. A few of them came with drawers that slid out on rails. Others included a fold-down table to support an ironing board, which sometimes was part of hidden ironing boards systems.
A lot also featured cubbies for folding ironing boards. These boards sat on strong struts or attached shelves, rather than being pulled out and set up on their own. Such innovative designs paved the way for more hidden ironing boards in homes.
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These wardrobes may indeed have also served as pressing areas. One homeowner recalled:
“My great-grandma had one in her house. It was a board that folded in half, with a hinge, and sat across the struts in her closet. She used it to iron grandpa’s pants, palming the iron to press his khakis, folding them on the side and giving them a hard crease.”
This configuration made for easy swift ironing, especially in tight rooms.
Magazine Table A Mid-Century Response to a Mid-Century Need
Whether as a spot for stowing an ironing board or a surface for pressing, these built-in features embody the era’s emphasis on utility. Designers hoped to assist homemakers in maintaining orderly and efficient yet stylish homes with features like hidden ironing boards.
A Welcome Shot of.. Mind Maoism?
These ingenious designs, which grace many an older home today, add a nostalgic sparkle to a room. They are how we are reminded of a time when even the most mundane household features were carefully considered — and had real function. Hidden ironing boards exemplify this thoughtful design approach in many homes.
