Parents love the Montessori approach thanks to its focus on independence and whole-person development, allowing children to explore and discover the world around them. Daycares and schools integrate the principles of Montessori into their daily routine but did you know you can also incorporate the same proven methods into your own home?
Montessori toy storage greatly encourages children’s imagination and ensures easy access to all their favorite playthings. If you’re looking to overhaul your ineffective storage solutions for one that will benefit all areas of your little one’s development, check out these Montessori toy storage ideas.
- Looking to make your living room a more kid-friendly space? Check out these kid-friendly coffee tables!
In this post:
- What Is Montessori, And How Does It Relate To Storage?
- What Is Montessori Toy Storage?
- What To Look For In Montessori Toy Storage
- The Best Montessori Toy Storage Solutions
- Montessori Toy Shelf Buying Considerations
- FAQs
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What Is Montessori, And How Does It Relate To Storage?
Montessori is a form of education that promotes a student-led mindset. It is specifically designed to promote independent thinking, accountability, and citizenship while utilizing multi-sensory learning enrichment.
Educators provide gentle guidance and a nurturing environment while allowing their students to interact with their peers in a respectful and highly engaging manner.
With the Montessori approach, children are encouraged to question and explore their surroundings, using critical thinking to probe deeply into all aspects of their curiosity, allowing them to learn at their own pace while maintaining accountability and integrity with others. T
he result is a well-rounded little human who can look beyond the obvious, thinking critically and treating others with respect and consideration.
- Looking to add more Montessori-inspired items to your home? Check out all our favorite Montessori mirrors!
How does it help you store toys?
As incredible as that sounds, how does the Montessori method relate to storage? It all comes down to independence and freedom of choice. The way you store your children’s toys has a direct impact on how they play.
They naturally focus on what they can see and access since their brains are still developing, perfectly embodying the “out of sight, out of mind” concept. Essentially, if your little one can’t see it, they will most likely never play with it!
When toys are stuffed into bins or hidden away in boxes, it’s as if they don’t exist, making it virtually impossible for your child to play with them. Additionally, these outdated storage methods fail to inspire a child’s imagination, which is a key concept with Montessori. Inspired play creates natural opportunities for learning, independence, and fun!
What Is Montessori Toy Storage?
Montessori toy shelves place the toys at the children’s level, giving them easy access without adult assistance. It allows them to decide what they want to play with, giving them autonomy of choice, which promotes self-confidence.
Additionally, this method of storing toys eliminates any hindrances that would prevent them from safely reaching and putting away their favorite playthings, fostering self-discipline, accountability, and dignity, even in the youngest toddlers.
- Check out more Montessori-inspired ideas: Why a Montessori Bed is Awesome + Cute Floor Beds for Kids
What To Look For In Montessori Toy Storage
When choosing the perfect Montessori toy storage unit, be sure to take your little ones’ size and age into consideration, so you can select an option that perfectly fits their needs. Consider the following features.
Ease Of Use
As stated earlier, ease of use is one of the primary goals with any Montessori toy shelf, so it’s essential to choose one that matches your child’s height. Open shelving works wonderfully, allowing you to place your child’s favorite toys at eye level for optimal exposure.
Open Concept
Open-concept storage will allow your child to see and access all their toys without any hindrances. Avoid using bins and doors, which can be restrictive and may create safety hazards.
Safety Focused
Although Montessori toy shelves don’t specifically mention safety standards, it’s always essential to keep your child’s age in mind when choosing the best storage option for their needs.
Taking precautions like wall anchoring, padding on sharp corners, and avoiding unstable shelving units will allow your child to focus on learning through play while giving you peace of mind.
The Best Montessori Toy Storage Solutions
Below is a list of some of the best Montessori toy shelves you can use to ensure your little one has hours of uninterrupted, independent play.
Utex Kids Bookshelf
While whimsy isn’t generally a mainstay with the Montessori, there’s no doubt it can help inspire your little one to discover new things and engage their creativity. That’s why this Utex Kids Bookshelf makes the perfect addition to any Montessori setup, effortlessly pairing fun and simplicity of design.
The shelves are situated at multiple heights, making it an ideal option for infants to elementary-aged children. In addition, the open concept design makes it easy for them to locate all their toys.
All the materials used in this shelf construction are incredibly durable, a necessity for all children’s furniture. Included with your purchase is an anti-tip kit making it easier than ever to keep your little one safe and happy!
Check prices for Utex Kids Bookshelf
ECR4Kids Toy Shelf with Mirror Back
This is a fantastic option for children under 2 years old because of its low height and fun mirror back. The size lets a Montessori parent use this shelf to help with toy rotation and open-ended, independent play.
The shelf is also sturdy and will stand up to the daily rigors of life with children. Even though it only has two cubbies, parents have raved about the capacity of the shelf and haven’t had problems fitting toys in.
Included with your purchase are all the tools necessary for assembly.
Check prices for ECR4Kids Toy Shelf
ECR4Kids 2-Shelf Mobile Storage Cabinet
ECR4Kids offers child-focused storage with parents’ needs in mind. With a timeless design making it ideal for any area of your home and the perfect height for infants through elementary-aged students, this beautiful play shelf has it all! Parents will appreciate the simple, clean, and stackable design. Its soft curves and rounded edges reduce the possibility of accidental bumps and scrapes.
It is 26 inches tall and provides ample storage while still being accessible to even young toddlers.
The super durable birch materials will ensure it withstands even the most rambunctious little ones. The bookshelf is also GreenGuard Gold Certified for low VOCs, TSCA, and CPSIA compliant, so you won’t have to worry about unwanted chemicals in your home.
Check prices for ECR4Kids Storage Shelf
Kidcraft Wooden Bookcase
When searching for flexible toy storage options, the Kidcraft Wooden Bookcase delivers. Doubling as a comfortable seating area, this unique Montessori toy storage unit is the perfect spot to encourage children’s imagination.
The seat is only 12 inches high, making it easy for kids to use without adult intervention.
Carefully crafted for toddlers all the way to age eight, it’s the perfect size for easy access to all their favorite toys. Each cubby can be filled with storage bins as well. It is available in three colorways and is the ideal addition to any playroom, living space, or classroom.
Check prices for Kidcraft Wooden Bookcase
Costzon Toy Storage Organizer
If you’re looking for a Montessori toy shelf that focuses on complete simplicity, the Costzon Toy Storage Organizer is the perfect choice. With thoughtful design features like a bottom toe kick that will keep stray toys from disappearing into the dreaded abyss and multi-functional simplistic shelving which can double as furniture for multiple decor styles, this toy shelf is excellent for any home.
Since it is a more compact shelving unit, it’s great for small spaces and younger children, making it an excellent storage option for all ages.
Check prices Costzon Toy Storage Organizer
Sprout Kids
When it comes to Montessori furniture, Sprout Kids is one of the most trusted and beloved brands among educators and parents alike. They feature the highest quality materials at competitive prices. Since each storage shelf is impeccably designed, it can double as a beloved piece of furniture for any room in your home once your child grows older.
There is a wide range of beautiful Montessori toy storage shelves to choose from, ensuring you will find the perfect option that both you and your child will love.
As an added plus, Sprout Kids offers a five-year warranty on all of their products, so you can purchase your new storage unit with confidence!
You can browse all Sprout options.
Montessori Toy Shelf Buying Considerations
With so many beautiful and functional Montessori shelves to choose from, knowing which one will work best for you can feel overwhelming. Before buying your Montessori-style shelving, let’s take a look at a few things you should consider.
Price
Montessori toy shelves come in many different price ranges, ensuring you can find the perfect solution with any budget. Before searching for your favorite model, consider how much you want to spend, so you can narrow down your results, saving you considerable time.
Color
Do you like white furniture, or do you prefer the look of natural wood? Maybe darker colors fit your style and the decor of your home. While some storage shelves come in an array of colors, some are only available in natural wood, so be sure to specify which color you’d like beforehand.
Size
Measuring the space before purchasing your storage unit is imperative, ensuring you don’t buy a shelf that is too small or large. Having your measurements will simplify the process and save you the headache of navigating the return process. Shelf height will also dictate the ease of access for your child as you rotate toys for them. Make sure the shelf height is appropriate so they can use it autonomously.
FAQs
1. What should you put on a Montessori shelf?
Your child’s Montessori shelf can contain specific Montessori shelf work or simply their favorite toys for open-ended play. Rotating toys is one of the key Montessori principles and is what differentiates Montessori playrooms and Montessori homes.
2. Why are Montessori toy shelves important?
Montessori storage creates a calm and inspiring place as your child grows. Montessori shelving, in conjunction with toy rotation, offers freedom of choice and accountability while fostering independence and creativity without hindrance.
3. How tall should a Montessori toy storage shelf be?
You want to ensure your storage shelf places the toys in your child’s range of sight. Below is a general shelf height guideline you can use.
| Childs Height | Number of Adjustable Shelves | Age |
| 13″ | 0 | 6 to 18 Months |
| 20″ | 1 | 1 to 3 Years |
| 24″ | 1 | 3 to 5 Years |
| 30″ | 1 | 4 to 9 Years |
| 42″ | 2 | 8 to 12 Years |
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy and fun way to incorporate the Montessori method into your child’s daily life, these Montessori toy storage shelves are a great place to start!
- Additional Montessori Resources:
- 5 Best Montessori Weaning Tables for Building Toddler Independence
- Top 11 Montessori Books for Toddlers
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