That's exactly what I did to make my ironing surface. It had edges on three sides and I'd originally thought to take them off but I'm fairly tall and opted to leave them on. Now, not only do I have the space from the three drawers below, but the space between my ironing "board" and the top of the dresser is perfect storage for my light box. I love it and I'm sure you're going to love yours as well. Enjoy!