Ah, traditional homes — they charm us with their unique features. Among these treasures is the vintage ironing board cabinet. Often built into the wall, this wooden fixture is found in old kitchens. Simply swing open the cabinet door, and the ironing board is ready to use. Convenient? It was back in the day, but times have changed. People iron less frequently than they did in the 1940s, preferring clothes steamers for quick wrinkle removal. So, your first thought might be to remove the entire unit and install drywall. But why go through that trouble when you can easily transform it into a spice rack?
The shallow depth of these built-in cupboards is perfect for spice jars, almost as if they were made for this purpose. It also offers an excellent way to organize your spices, allowing you to view all your options at a glance. Minimal changes are required, and for the most part, this DIY project needs: a screwdriver, a few slim wooden boards, a hand saw or electrical saw, finishing nails, and a nail gun (or an old-fashioned hammer).
From a dusty, fold-away ironing board to a functional spice cabinet
@bkernal14
absolutely in LOVE with my new spice cabinet; this space used to hold an ironing board ✨ #fyp #spicestorage #home #diy #kitchen
♬ Come Check This (Quickie Edit) – FETISH
The first step is to unscrew the old ironing board and take measurements. Decide how many shelves you want to install inside the nook, considering the space between each shelf. Measuring your tallest spice bottle can assist with this. Once you’ve calculated the dimensions, cut your wood accordingly. Then, mount leftover boards (or DIY Wooden Square Dowel Rods by Woodpeckers) on the cabinet sides as shelf brackets.
You can stop there like TikTok user bkernal14 did, and proceed to install the shelves and organize your spice collection. Alternatively, enhance the design with a fresh coat of paint or patterned wallpaper. Begin by filling holes, cracks, and gaps with Gorilla All-Purpose Wood Filler. Lightly sand the shelves and cabinet surfaces to ensure the paint adheres well. Now, enjoy customizing it to your liking! Consider a sage green finish for a retro feel or add a splash of color to your kitchen by painting the door a vibrant hue, such as a shade of blue. Using two different colors for the shelves and interior walls can also be a fun idea. If all else fails, stick to white for a timeless look.
