If you are wondering what size ironing board cover you need, here is the short answer. Measure the length and width of your ironing board at its widest points, then choose a cover rated for that size or slightly larger. Most UK ironing board covers use an elasticated hem and come in a handful of common sizes, from compact 100 x 42cm covers up to extra large 145 x 54cm covers, so getting the ironing board cover size right mostly comes down to matching two numbers.
This guide explains how to measure your board properly, compares the ironing board cover dimensions UK shoppers commonly encounter, and points you towards the right cover for boards of any size, including boards that fall between standard sizes.
Why the Right Ironing Board Cover Size Matters
An ill fitting cover affects far more than appearance. A cover that is too small pulls tight across the middle of the board and leaves the pointed tip exposed, so fabric can catch on the bare metal frame while you iron. A cover that is too large bunches up in folds, and those folds press into your clothes as creases rather than smoothing them out.
Getting the ironing board cover size right also protects the cover itself. An elasticated hem stretched well beyond its intended fit wears out faster, and the elastic loses its grip sooner, meaning you end up replacing the cover again within months rather than years.
What Size Ironing Board Cover Do I Need?
Most household ironing boards measure somewhere between 110cm and 135cm long and 35cm to 45cm wide. A cover that is too small will not stretch over the board, while a cover that is too large sits loose and wrinkled, which makes ironing harder rather than easier.
As a general rule, choose a cover rated for your board’s exact size or the next size up. Elasticated covers have some give, so a cover rated slightly larger than your board will still pull taut and secure. A cover rated smaller than your board simply will not fit, no matter how hard you stretch the elastic.
How to Measure Your Ironing Board for a Cover
Getting an accurate measurement takes a couple of minutes and saves the hassle of ordering the wrong size. Follow these steps.
- Lay your ironing board flat and remove any existing cover so the bare board surface is visible.
- Measure the full length of the board from the pointed tip to the widest end, using a tape measure and recording the figure in centimetres.
- Measure the width of the board at its widest point, which is usually near the wide end rather than the middle.
- Note both figures together, for example 120 x 42cm, since covers are always sized as length by width.
- Compare your measurements against the size listed on each cover and choose a match, or the next size up if your board falls between two sizes.
If your measurements sit between two standard sizes, round up rather than down. A slightly larger elasticated cover will still pull taut, while an undersized cover will not stretch far enough to tuck underneath the board.
Ironing Board Cover Dimensions UK: Common Sizes Compared
The table below compares the main ironing board cover sizes stocked at Essentials Fix, from the smallest standard size to the largest extra large option, so you can see at a glance which one matches your board.
| Cover | Size | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Scott Standard Ironing Board Cover, Patterned | 100 x 42cm | Compact and smaller standard boards | £2.24 |
| Minky Easyfit Ironing Board Cover 110 x 35cm | 110 x 35cm | Slim standard boards | £3.27 |
| Minky Easyfit Ironing Board Cover 122 x 43cm | 122 x 43cm | Full size household boards | £4.87 |
| Minky Smartfit Ironing Board Cover 125 x 45cm | 125 x 45cm | The most common “one size fits all” UK board size | £4.12 |
| Abbey Large Ironing Board Cover, Patterned | 135 x 44cm | Larger household boards | £2.45 |
| Country Club Ironing Board Cover, Metallic, Ez Fit | Multi fit, up to 139 x 49cm | Boards that fall between standard sizes | £2.96 |
| Minky Supersize Smartfit Reflector Ironing Board Cover 145 x 54cm | 122 x 38cm up to 145 x 54cm | Extra large and oversized boards | £8.02 |
Standard, Large and Extra Large Covers Explained
Standard size, up to around 110 x 35 to 42cm, suits compact and slim boards and is one of the most common sizes for smaller households. The Robert Scott Standard Ironing Board Cover and Minky Easyfit Ironing Board Cover 110 x 35cm both fall into this category.
Mid to large size, 122 x 43cm to 135 x 44cm, fits most full size household boards, which is the range the majority of UK ironing boards are built to. The Minky Easyfit Ironing Board Cover 122 x 43cm, Minky Smartfit Ironing Board Cover 125 x 45cm and Abbey Large Ironing Board Cover all sit in this range.
Extra large size, 139 x 49cm up to 145 x 54cm, is built for oversized, professional style or older wider boards. The Country Club Ironing Board Cover, Metallic, Ez Fit, suited to boards up to 139 x 49cm, and the Minky Supersize Smartfit Reflector Ironing Board Cover 145 x 54cm, the largest cover in the range, both fit into this bracket. Browse the full Ironing Board Covers collection to compare every size stocked, or the Minky Ironing Board Cover collection if you specifically want a Minky fit.
What If My Board Does Not Match a Standard Size?
Not every ironing board matches a single fixed size exactly, which is why some covers use a multi fit elasticated design rather than a rigid cut. The Country Club Ez Fit cover suits most standard and large boards up to 139 x 49cm, giving useful flexibility if your board sits between sizes.
If your board is genuinely unusual, oversized or older than most current models, measure carefully and choose the largest cover that will comfortably stretch over it. An elasticated cover with a little spare fabric will always give a better result than one too tight to tuck underneath the board.
Do I Need a Felt Pad Underneath My Cover Too?
A felt pad is not a cover, but it is a sizing related accessory worth knowing about. The Minky Smartfit Felt Pad Cover, 122 x 45cm is a felt underlay fitted beneath your existing or new ironing board cover, adding cushioning and helping heat spread evenly across the board.
Because it can be trimmed with scissors, the felt pad is more forgiving on exact sizing than a cover on its own, making it a useful addition if your board shape is slightly irregular. Fit the pad first, directly onto the bare board, then pull your chosen cover over the top as normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size ironing board cover do I need for a standard board? Most standard UK ironing boards suit a cover sized between 110 x 35cm and 125 x 45cm. Measure your board first to confirm, since “standard” can vary slightly between manufacturers.
How do I measure my ironing board for a new cover? Measure the length from the pointed tip to the wide end, then measure the width at the widest point, and record both figures in centimetres. Compare this against the sizes listed on each cover to find your match.
What are the most common ironing board cover dimensions in the UK? The most common sizes stocked at Essentials Fix range from 100 x 42cm at the smaller end up to 145 x 54cm for extra large boards, with 122 x 43cm to 125 x 45cm covering most full size household boards.
Will a larger ironing board cover still fit a smaller board? An elasticated cover rated slightly larger than your board will usually still pull taut and fit securely. A cover rated smaller than your board will not stretch far enough to fit at all.
What is the largest ironing board cover size available? The largest cover currently stocked is the Minky Supersize Smartfit Reflector Ironing Board Cover, which fits boards from 122 x 38cm up to 145 x 54cm.
Is a Minky ironing board cover sized differently to other brands? Minky covers use the same length by width sizing convention as other brands, so the same measuring method applies. The main difference is that several Minky covers add a thick felt backing beneath the top fabric.
What if my ironing board cover keeps slipping or coming loose? This usually means the cover is too large for the board, or has stretched with age. Re measure your board and check the size against the comparison table above before choosing a replacement.
Do I need a felt pad as well as a cover? A felt pad is optional but adds cushioning and helps heat spread evenly beneath your cover. It is fitted directly onto the board, with your ironing board cover pulled over the top as usual.
Getting the Right Fit
Choosing the correct ironing board cover size comes down to two accurate measurements matched against the sizes above, rather than guesswork. Measure your board’s length and width, check the comparison table, and pick the cover rated for your size or the next one up for a smooth, wrinkle free fit that lasts. Browse the full range in the Ironing Board Covers collection to find the right match for your board today.
