Top 5 Items for a Children's Montessori Inspired Home
How to Create a Montessori Inspired Home for your Child
I'm sure many of you have heard someone mention the montessori method, or seen a sign somewhere around your town advertising a montessori classroom, but if you aren't familiar with what the montessori method actually is, it has to do with fostering independence for your young child by creating a safe environment that allows them to learn by DOING. We have been incorporating montessori inspired routines into our home over the last year, and I have seen such positive changes in my toddlers independence, patience and belief in herself!
A simple example of this is setting up a space by the front door for your toddler to put on their shoes and grab a jacket. Picture a toddler sized bench with space for a pair or two of shoes underneath, and a small hook on the wall for one jacket. This space allows your toddler to independently put their shoes on/take their shoes off, and grab a jacket if it's chilly outside! This one, very simple example shows just how easy it can be to create learning experiences for your kiddos. A "montessori children's house" doesn't have to be complicated, and I have found so many great items that foster montessori learning in our home! Because when the environment is well thought out, montessori learning can be an easy and natural process.
Learn more about The Basic Concepts and Practices of the Montessori Method on Brightwheel!
The Benefits of Montessori in the Home
Creating a Montessori home environment does so much more than make things easier for parents—it truly changes the way children learn and grow.
One of the biggest benefits is independence. Montessori furniture and tools (like toddler benches, bookshelves, and wardrobes) give kids the ability to do things for themselves. Each small success builds confidence and reduces frustration for everyone.
Another major benefit is focus. When children have fewer choices but more intentional ones—like three books instead of twenty, or a neat shelf instead of a toy bin—they’re more likely to settle into deep, imaginative play. The calm environment sets the stage for concentration and creativity.
Finally, Montessori routines foster responsibility. Even toddlers can help return toys to their shelf or line up shoes neatly under their bench. These little habits help children feel proud of their contributions and create a sense of respect for their home and belongings.
Check out the Top 5 Montessori Musical Toys for Babies + Toddlers!
Top 5 Items for a Montessori-Inspired Home Setup for Kids
1. ECR4Kids Dress Up Center with Mirror
I love this dress up center from ECR! ECR4Kids is one of my favorite furniture brands for my kiddos because their items are Greenguard Gold Certified. I really prioritize this rating when furniture shopping because I know that they are less likely to offgas or create a toxic environment in my home. The hanging rack can display 2-3 outfits for your child to choose from each morning, and the shelves can hold a pair of undergarments, jacket, socks, and shoes - everything your child needs to independently get ready in the morning (and the opportunity to choose their outfit themselves, which they will probably love)!!
Greenguard Gold Certified
Anti-tip
2. Lovevery, The Montessori Playshelf, 2-in-1 Storage Shelf
Lovevery has created the perfect montessori inspired shelf. It features an open shelf design with hidden storage behind the actual shelves (they thought about all of us who love a good toy rotation!). This shelf can help you create a beautiful environment for your child that engages their natural curiosity. When they see 3-5 toys on their play shelf (versus an overwhelming number of cluttered toys in a bin), they are invited to play and engage in independent learning.
Made of 100% Baltic Birch
Hidden storage with soft close hinges
Easy access shelving
3. ECR4Kids Single-Sided Book Display
This book shelf displays books forward facing, allowing your child to actually see each book and think about which one they want to read. The key to using a bookshelf like this in your home is only putting a few books in each row. By doing so, you are creating a calm and inviting atmosphere, versus a crowded and overwhelming book zone. This thoughtfully prepared environment will invite your toddler to read, and you might be surprised how much more reading your tot actually chooses to do when the atmosphere is calm and inviting - sometimes less really is more.
Greenguard Gold Certified
4. ECR4Kids Kiddo Bench
This bench is a great option for setting up a shoe station near your front door or in your mud room. Having designated areas for things like putting on/away shoes makes it easier for your child to practice these skills independently, often and safely. This bench is sized just right for a pair or two of your child's favorite shoes to go underneath, and a small basket of clean socks. By thoughtfully selecting furniture pieces that are appropriate for your child's years of age, you are creating a nurturing environment that allows them to learn at their own pace. And this is what a montessori environment is all about.
Greenguard Gold Certified
5. LOVEVERY, The Real Life Play Kitchen
This functional sink allows children to explore real-world tasks like washing their hands, a piece of fruit, or a dish! The first time I saw this play sink I was so excited and impressed! It is a beautiful blend of montessori materials and embodies functional play that kids will love!
Recommended age group is 18 months - 5+ years
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Montessori is not about perfection—it’s about progress. You don’t need to invest in a dozen new pieces of furniture or transform your home overnight. Start small, with one or two Montessori-friendly items that make sense for your family, and grow from there.
For us, creating a Montessori-inspired home setup has been one of the best decisions we’ve made as parents. I’ve watched my toddler go from needing help with every little task to proudly putting on her own shoes, choosing her own books, and even helping with kitchen clean-up. It’s such a gift to see her independence and confidence grow.
And that’s the real heart of Montessori—it’s not about the stuff, it’s about the mindset. The furniture and tools are there to support the environment, but the biggest transformation happens in your child. With a little bit of intentional setup, you can nurture independence, confidence, and joy in your home—and that’s a win for both kids and parents.
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