One of the main virtues that the Montessori learning philosophy is passionate about imparting and sharing with children is the trait of organization and orderliness. With these virtues in mind, any playroom that follows the Montessori philosophy would be earnest in making sure that playrooms are systematically arranged.
Toy storage plays a big part in cultivating a Montessori playroom. Montessori shelves are the nucleus of a playroom – a location for storing toys and the anchor of children’s activities during playtime. The elements that go into choosing appropriate toy storage are personalized by parents to address the needs of their children as developing kids have specific and unique developmental needs at specific points in time.
The hallmark of bonafide Montessori toy storage is anchored in four concepts: visibility, separation, accessibility, and curation. As kids grow, visibility is important for developing babies as an unobstructed view of the toys allows them to map their home environment early on. Accessibility, on the other hand, is important because access to toys is a key element in developing independent play, allowing children to choose which toys they want to work on during playtime.
Toy rotation is also vital because it helps kids identify which components or parts belong to whichever toy. Many toys that help child development – even ones that are not Montessori – have many moving parts. This is why it’s important that children recognize which parts belong together through separation between toys as they are stored. As children grow older, kids find and develop an interest in varying things. This is the reason why Montessori toy shelves need to be carefully curated by parents or childcare professionals. To ensure that development is nurtured and enriched, elements of the shelf like toys and toy rotations, need to be adjusted and personalized according to what the children need. Careful curation of a toy storage’s elements can come a long way in helping children progress and navigate the quickly-changing nuances of their growth.
To give you an idea of idea Montessori toy storage options, here are 10 different recommendations that embody the fundamental factors that make an excellent Montessori shelf and toy storage.
Bush Acres Montessori Toyshelf with Hidden Storage
A leader in providing parents and childcare experts in the world with shelves and storage for toys is Bush Acres, makers of the Bush Acres Montessori Toyshelf with Hidden Storage. Checking all the essentials, visibility, accessibility, separation, and curation, this unit from Bush Acres is a premium example of what shelves need to be so they can be considered true Montessori toy storage.
Pre-sanded for a smoother surface, the unit is made out of half-inch Baltic Birch plywood, a durable material that can withstand the wear and tear of enthusiastic play and time. As is, the wood of the product is considered visually appealing by default. However, if need be or desired, it can be stained, painted, or sealed, too.
The entirety of this model is 20 inches deep, 23.5 inches tall, and 41 inches wide, allowing kids, even at a young age, to be able to reach any toy they like for independent play. The toy shelf also comes with separators so parents and kids can keep the toys organized and orderly. The hidden storage can be used as space for the toys that aren’t in the priority for the current toy rotation.
This shelf from IRIS USA comes in blue or white so it can go with the motif of the playhouse you have at home or school. The shelf has two layers that can be used to separate the toys in an organized fashion.
With assembled measurements of 11.42 inches in length, 16.3 inches in width, and 23.42 inches in height, both layers of the shelf is accessible to toddlers of any size. Like the Bush Acres Montessori Toyshelf with Hidden Storage, this unit from IRIS USA also checks all the boxes expected from quality Montessori shelves.
This 2-Tier Wood Storage Shelf can store a variety of items that can be conducive to a child’s development like toys, books, and other accessories or trinkets that a parent or professional may need for a healthy Montessori playroom.
This sturdy and stylish toy storage from UTEX is an excellent Montessori shelf that combines form and function. It is durable and capable of storing an amazing amount of toys and even books. The UTEX Toy Storage Organizer with Bookcase boasts a kids’ bin storage unit that has eight different compartments, three basket bins, a toy box organizer, a multi-shelf cubby that’s great for books or toys.
Its form is admirably crafted from engineered wood that’s durable, safe, and easy to clean. The storage cabinet has two open shelves that can be used for efficient separation of toys and other stuff, and three baskets that can be utilized for clothes, cords, and even more toys. The cubbies can be used for books, heavy items, artwork, and toys as well. The top surface can also be used to hold books and more toys, as well as home decor or other pieces.
With so many spaces and shelves to use for toy storage, both kids and parents will surely have a blast as they organize and curate the best toy routine and rotation using this innovation by UTEX. This model 36.6 inches wide, 15.74 inches in depth, and 36.60 inches tall – the perfect size for your growing children.
Another gem from Bush Acres is their Montessori Wardrobe Closet. Going beyond just a one-dimensional function for clothes, the Montessori Wardrobe Closet by Bush Acres is also an excellent shelf for the kids’ favorite toys.
The Wardrobe closet is furnished with four different storage compartments and boasts a 1.25-inch wood dowel for hanging clothes, toys, and costumes. Fortified by high-quality USA Baltic Birch plywood, this Montessori shelf is sturdy and strong. It comes in a natural wood color but can be painted or stained if it’s more preferred.
The entirety of the unit 11.5 inches deep, 38.5 inches tall, and 35 inches wide which is a great fit for your developing children. The model is very easy to assemble as all of the pieces slot together perfectly and hardware and manual are included.
The Humble Crew Supersized Wood Toy Storage Organizer is a heavy-duty storage partner for parents that are looking to organize their children’s playrooms. Made primarily out of wood, plastic, and metal, this unit from Humble Crew is durable and is ready to carry big loads of toys.
In its description on Amazon, it is expressly declared that its large size is considered to hold 25% more storage than top organizers. It boasts 12 standard s ize open storage plastic bins that can be removed for easy cleaning and organization and four double-size open storage plastic bins that can hold huge amounts of toys.
With dimensions of 42 inches wide, 15.5 inches deep, and 31 inches high, the product is easy to assemble, organize, and clean.
Collapsible Cotton Rope Bins for Montessori Classrooms
An alternative storage option that parents can explore and that doesn’t follow the form of common shelves is the Collapsible Cotton Rope Bins for Montessori Classrooms. These assorted woven bins are cotton rope baskets that are packaged in three different sizes. They are great for storing, organizing, and decluttering your kids’ toys.
Coming in packages of three, the cotton rope bins are a stylish choice for the playroom as well and can be placed in a variety of settings such as bedrooms, bathrooms, entryways, and of course, the kids’ rooms.
These woven baskets were specifically designed to make sure that home organization is easy and can store a considerable amount of load. The small soft baskets measure 6.5 x 2.9 inches; the medium-sized baskets are 7.5 x 3 inches; and the large cotton basket can be as big as 8.2 x 3.2 inches.
Giving priority to accessibility, this unit from Bush Acres makes use of a more open frame so kids can reach for the toys they want from different angles. With three levels that can be used for toy organization and storage, the Bush Acres Montessori Large Open Sided Toyshelf is an excellent choice for parents who want an orderly and organized playroom for their children.
The unit by Bush Acres is sturdy and strong as is made of half an inch thick Baltic Birch plywood. The materials are high quality, and even when treated are elegant in their natural wood color. However, if a more personalized design is preferred, the unit may be painted, stained, or sealed.
Toys stored in this model from Bush Acres is highly accessible for young children as it is 12 inches deep, 27 inches tall, and 36 inches wide. It is also very easy to assemble as its pieces slot together perfectly. The assembly may require a Philips screwdriver and a rubber mallet.
The Haotian KMB19 is a Montessori storage option that is versatile and stylish. Through its unique form, the unit is able to hold both books and toys. It has a modern design for children that hosts five separate storage compartments that give storing space options for books, toys, and other things.
This unit made by Haotian is perfect for kids who are learning organization and developing their reading skills. It is 33.86 inches wide, 14.17 inches deep, and 30.31 inches tall. It can hold up to 55.12 pounds of load and is easy to assemble.
This Montessori storage alternative is made out of 100% natural materials. The NaturalCozy 5-Piece Round Small Woven Baskets Set is made out of cotton ropes that are not only eco-friendly but are also nice to the touch because of its high-quality from all-natural components.
Natural Cozy’s primary charm is that it’s a fresh upgrade from similar products that easily sag and quickly become floppy. The Woven Basket set stacks onto each other perfectly in a special package to avoid any damage during shipping and preserve its quality.
The package contains five woven baskets that allow parents versatility as they organize their kids’ toys or store their personal belongings. Not only are the rope baskets good for orderliness, but they’re also easy on the eyes because of their relaxing aesthetic.
These baskets are perfect for organizing messy rooms and can hold a considerable amount of items. From biggest to smallest, each basket measures 10.0” x 3.5”, 9.1” x 3.1”, 8.7” x 2.9”, 7.3” x 2.5”), and 6.3” x 2.2” respectively.
The ClosetMaid 421 Cubeicals Organizer is an elegant and efficient answer to a parent’s organizing woes. With three rows and three columns divided by quality wood, this unit from ClosetMaid uses a stackable nine-cube design that’s great for a day’s rigorous organization.
With its size and durability, it is able to hold and store amazing amounts of items that can help clear the space for a room and put toys for excited children in order. Originally delivered to homes in classic and elegant white, parents and children can still choose to paint or color the unit in patterns that they prefer.
Laminated wood allows the unit to be extra strong for storage and playing purposes. The model is 35.86 inches wide, 11.63 deep, and 35.86 inches tall.
These are just a few of the options you have for storing toys and important things the Montessori way. While there are certainly many different options to consider, studies have discovered that the Montessori storage philosophies that are built on the pillars of visibility, accessibility, curation, and separation bring forth benefits that help and aid in parents’ pursuits in child development.
Hi, my name is Elena Jones, and my full-time job is a teacher. Through teaching, I have discovered that children learn in many different ways, and have seen the positive impact both STEM and Montessori toys have on children.
Through this site I hope to educate parents and adults about these toys, providing them with useful information on how they can be used, and provide some in depth reviews of different toys to consider too.
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