Create the Ultimate Montessori Kids Bedroom
Developed by Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, the Montessori method emphasises children learning and developing their skills independently in a supportive environment where they can explore their natural interests. It’s a way of thinking that has become increasingly popular not only in classrooms, but also in homes worldwide.
It is possible to incorporate Montessori principles into your interior design, including in your child’s bedroom. For example, their furniture should be appropriately sized and accessible so they can move freely (within reason) around their space and act spontaneously, encouraging their development.
If that sounds appealing, check out our top tips below to design the ultimate Montessori kid’s bedroom for your little one. Get ready for your child to become Miss (or Mr) Independent!
1. Choose an accessible bed
When applying the Montessori method to the bedroom of a young child or toddler, we recommend choosing a low-height or floor-level kid’s bed.
Selecting a bed at this level means little ones will have more freedom and control over getting in and out of bed. This can increase their independence and even help to reduce friction at bedtime – we all know toddlers like to be in control!
A bed that sits nearer the floor also promotes minimalism, limits obstacles and encourages movement around the room, which is another important part of creating a Montessori-friendly environment.
The Nora and Jackson Kid’s Beds by Cuckooland are available in toddler or standard single sizes, so you can select the one most suited to your child’s age and size.
2. Find furniture with kid-friendly features
When looking for kid’s furniture with the Montessori method in mind, keep an eye out for any additional features that will make furniture more accessible to children, such as low-height shelves, hand-holds or built-in kid-sized seating.
Our Casami Kids House Bed is a great example of a bed with Montessori elements. It has porthole windows in the house-shaped roof and a small bench at the end of the bed, where children might like to sit to read, play or put their shoes on.
Montessori furniture is all about giving children options and empowering them to explore their environment with your support, but without too much formal direction. If you choose your furniture wisely, this should happen naturally!
3. Give them space to get creative
Another key element of the Montessori method is free activity for children within a prepared environment.
To achieve this, assign a dedicated, accessible space with appropriately sized furniture where kids can do creative activities. A child-sized table and chairs or desk is the ideal base for your little one to express their creativity.
Some examples of Montessori activities include arts and crafts, Lego building, baking or making a puzzle. When choosing the activity, offer a list of available options and allow your child to pick what they want to do.
During the activity, encourage kids to learn through discovery and figure things out for themselves, instead of telling them what to do or doing it for them. Try to dedicate a single block of time for your child to focus on the task and minimise distractions.
Once your little Picasso creates a work of art, display it on the walls of their room – it’s the perfect Montessori-themed decoration with a personal connection to your child.
4. Meet them on their level
To ensure kids can independently explore and immerse themselves in their surroundings, it can help to make their toys and books easily accessible so they can retrieve them by themselves.
If possible, you should also avoid clutter, as this can increase stress and restrict your child’s movement within their room. To make this happen, use low-height storage solutions with open compartments. Open units can help your child to understand what toys go together and where their toys need end up.
Our Vox Tuli Toy Storage Unit is a child-sized piece of furniture with a large compartment along the bottom and three smaller compartments above, so kids can easily get out their favourite toys – and hopefully put them away again at the end of the day. It’s available in white or mint green, both of which reflect the Montessori preference for natural, muted colours.
5. Include interactive, stimulating toys
The toys in your child’s room should be age-appropriate so that your little one can play with them independently and safely. If possible, try to limit toys to ones that actively support their development (we know it’s easier said than done!)
Montessori educational toys are often made from natural materials, such as wood, rather than plastic, to further the connection with the natural world. Colours also tend to reflect those found in the natural environment, immersion in which is highly encouraged in Montessori teachings.
Wooden building blocks and simple games painted in pastel colours will provide little ones with a natural, sensory experience, whilst allowing them to practise physical tasks and figure things out for themselves.
Toys in a Montessori room should stimulate kids and foster independent thinking. These Ocean Stacker Blocks by Le Toy Van feature fun animal designs inspired by nature and are sure to get your little one’s imagination whirring! Try to balance indoor play with plenty of exploring the outside world as well.
Obsessed with Montessori?
We don’t blame you – helping your child discover their environment and gain confidence and independence is undoubtedly appealing! If you’d like to discuss any of our Montessori kid’s beds, furniture or toys in more detail, give us a call on +44 (0) 1305 231231 or email customerservice@cuckooland.com. We’re always happy to help!
