Creating a Montessori-inspired play space requires thoughtful storage solutions that support your child’s independence and creativity. Montessori shelves from Ikea provide just that – offering easy access to toys, materials, and creating a prepared environment where learning through play becomes seamless.
Right now, the best Montessori shelf from Ikea is the Ikea KALLAX. It features a customizable layout, durable construction, and offers ample storage space for organizing books, toys and materials in an accessible way for children.
Best Montessori Storage Shelves from Ikea
- Ikea KALLAX – Best for Versatility
- Ikea TROFAST – Best for Organizing Small Toys
- Ikea FLISAT – Best for Displaying Learning Materials
- Ikea BERGIG – Best for Early Readers
- Ikea IVAR – Best for Growing with Your Child
- Ikea EKET – Best for Customizable Play Spaces
- Ikea LACK – Best for Minimalist Montessori Spaces
- Ikea RÅSKOG – Best for Portable Storage
- Ikea SKÅDIS – Best for Wall-Mounted Storage
- Ikea MOSSLANDA – Best for Displaying Books and Art
- Ikea FLISAT Table – Best for Sensory Play
- Ikea BESTÅ – Best for Closed Storage
- Ikea DUNDRA Activity Table – Best for Hands-On Learning
| Shelf Model | Features | Pros | Cons | Price (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ikea KALLAX | Versatile, customizable cube shelves. | Affordable, various sizes. | Made of particleboard. | $40-$85 |
| Ikea TROFAST | Modular with removable bins. | Great for organizing small items. | Less durable, particleboard. | $30-$55 |
| Ikea FLISAT | Low-height for easy access. | Encourages independence. | Limited storage. | $25-$45 |
| Ikea BERGIG | Book display for early literacy. | Promotes reading. | Limited to books. | $30 |
| Ikea IVAR | Adjustable, solid wood shelves that grow with your child. | Durable, long-lasting. | Basic design. | $50-$110 |
| Ikea EKET | Modular cubes for customization. | Highly customizable. | Requires assembly. | $50-$95 |
| Ikea LACK | Minimalist wall shelf. | Inexpensive, easy to install. | Limited storage. | $10-$25 |
| Ikea RÅSKOG | Portable, multi-tier trolley. | Portable, versatile. | No enclosed storage. | $35 |
| Ikea SKÅDIS | Wall-mounted pegboard. | Saves floor space, customizable. | Requires wall mounting. | $20-$35 |
| Ikea MOSSLANDA | Picture ledge for small items. | Simple, easy to install. | Limited to lightweight items. | $15 |
| Ikea FLISAT Table | Removable panels for sensory play. | Versatile, great for messy play. | Needs careful cleaning. | $50 |
| Ikea BESTÅ | Open and closed storage combination. | Customizable, reduces clutter. | Large footprint. | $90-$160 |
| Ikea DUNDRA Activity Table | Large tabletop with built-in storage for hands-on learning. | Encourages creativity and independence, spacious. | Requires assembly, takes up more space. | $100-$120 |
1. Ikea KALLAX – The Best Montessori Storage Solution
The Ikea KALLAX is a versatile cube shelf that can be used horizontally or vertically, making it adaptable to different spaces. Its open design allows children to easily access toys and learning materials, fostering independence and self-directed play. With spacious compartments, it offers ample storage for books, toys, and educational items, helping keep the playroom organized. The KALLAX is highly customizable, allowing parents to add baskets or bins for better organization or leave the shelves open to display materials clearly. Its simple yet functional design makes it a go-to choice for Montessori-inspired environments.
- Pros: Customizable, affordable, available in various sizes, fits different storage needs.
- Cons: Made from particleboard, which may not withstand heavy wear and tear over time.
Verdict: The best choice for budget-conscious parents looking to create a Montessori-inspired play area.
2. Ikea TROFAST – Best for Organizing Small Toys
The TROFAST storage system is a modular solution that allows you to store small toys and educational materials in an easily accessible way. The combination of shelves and removable bins makes it ideal for a Montessori setup where children can independently organize and choose their play materials. The unit’s height is perfect for toddlers, enabling them to easily reach for and put away their toys without assistance. You can even label the bins to encourage children to categorize their toys.
- Pros: Modular and great for organizing small toys or educational materials.
- Cons: Less durable than solid wood and might need replacing after heavy use.
Verdict: Ideal for organizing toys with many small parts while keeping them accessible for younger children.
3. Ikea FLISAT Doll House/Wall Shelf – Best for Displaying Toys
The FLISAT shelf, designed with children in mind, is perfect for displaying books, toys, and Montessori materials in an inviting way. Its low-to-the-ground design encourages independence, allowing children to easily select what they want to play with or read. The minimalist wooden design blends well with most playrooms, and it offers an aesthetically pleasing, clutter-free display that inspires creativity.
- Pros: Encourages creative play and offers easy access to toys.
- Cons: Limited to smaller items due to its design.
Verdict: Perfect for younger children who enjoy imaginative play.
4. Ikea BERGIG Book Display – Best for Early Readers
The BERGIG book display makes it easy for young children to see and choose their favorite books, fostering early literacy and a love for reading. Its design aligns with Montessori principles by promoting easy access to educational materials. The child-friendly height and size make it easy for little ones to grab books on their own, encouraging independent reading habits.
- Pros: Easy-to-reach book display, encourages early reading, fits into small spaces.
- Cons: Limited to books; not suitable for larger toys or materials.
Verdict: A great option for creating a reading nook in a Montessori playroom that motivates children to engage with books daily.
5. Ikea IVAR Shelving Unit – Best for Growing with Your Child
The IVAR shelving system offers adjustability and durability, making it a great long-term option for Montessori playrooms. The shelves can be adjusted as your child grows, making this a flexible storage solution that can adapt over time. Made of solid wood, it’s a more durable option compared to particleboard models, ensuring longevity even in busy play environments.
- Pros: Adjustable shelves, solid wood construction, long-lasting.
- Cons: Basic design that may require customization to fit a Montessori aesthetic.
Verdict: Perfect for families looking for a storage solution that will last through different stages of childhood.
6. Ikea EKET – Best for Customizable Play Spaces
EKET shelving units offer endless customization options, allowing you to create a storage solution that fits perfectly into your Montessori playroom. You can mix and match cubes, colors, and sizes to suit your child’s needs. The flexibility of this system allows parents to update the storage as the child’s interests and needs evolve, creating a dynamic space that grows with them.
- Pros: Customizable layout and colors, can be adapted as your child’s needs change.
- Cons: Requires assembly and may take time to set up.
Verdict: Ideal for parents looking for a highly customizable Montessori storage solution.
7. Ikea LACK Wall Shelf – Best for Minimalist Spaces
The LACK wall shelf is a simple, space-saving option that can be used to display a few select Montessori materials or toys. Its clean design fits well into minimalist Montessori playrooms. With its affordable price and ease of installation, it’s a great solution for small spaces that need a functional but minimalistic storage option.
- Pros: Inexpensive, minimalistic, easy to install.
- Cons: Limited storage capacity.
Verdict: Best for minimalist setups or for displaying specific learning materials in a Montessori space.
8. Ikea RÅSKOG Trolley – Best for Portable Storage
Originally designed for the kitchen, the RÅSKOG trolley is perfect as a portable art or activity station.
- Pros: Portable, versatile, and great for organizing art supplies.
- Cons: Limited to smaller items like craft materials.
Verdict: A great option for rotating activities or art supplies in a Montessori playroom.
9. Ikea SKÅDIS Pegboard – Best for Wall-Mounted Storage
The SKÅDIS pegboard is a customizable wall-mounted storage system that’s perfect for keeping small toys, art supplies, or learning materials organized. It helps keep the floor space clear while still making items easily accessible. With the option to add hooks, containers, and shelves, this unit provides versatile organization solutions.
- Pros: Saves floor space, customizable with hooks, bins, and clips.
- Cons: Requires wall mounting, limited to smaller items.
Verdict: Great for organizing small materials without taking up valuable play space.
This pegboard is a versatile wall-mounted storage solution that can be customized with hooks, bins, and clips for organizing small toys or art materials.
- Pros: Saves floor space and can be customized.
- Cons: Requires wall space and installation.
Verdict: Ideal for keeping small items tidy while promoting self-organization.
10. Ikea MOSSLANDA Picture Ledge – Best for Displaying Books and Art
The MOSSLANDA picture ledge is a simple and effective way to display books, artwork, or small learning materials at a child’s eye level, fostering independence in choosing what to read or explore. Its sleek, slim design makes it an unobtrusive yet functional addition to any Montessori playroom.
- Pros: Simple design, easy to install, great for books or small items.
- Cons: Limited to lightweight items.
Verdict: A wonderful addition to any Montessori playroom for showcasing books or art.
11. Ikea FLISAT Table – Best for Sensory Play
The FLISAT table has removable panels that can be combined with TROFAST tubs, making it perfect for sensory play or art activities. Children can easily access and store their materials, promoting independent learning. Its sturdy build allows it to withstand messy play sessions, while the removable panels make cleaning easy.
- Pros: Versatile, great for messy play or arts and crafts, promotes sensory play.
- Cons: Requires careful cleaning if used with wet materials.
Verdict: Perfect for sensory activities and creative play in a Montessori environment.
12. Ikea BESTÅ Shelving Unit – Best for Closed Storage
The BESTÅ shelving system offers a balance between open and closed storage, allowing you to store toys and materials while keeping some items hidden away to reduce visual clutter. The modular design also allows parents to customize the layout to suit their playroom needs, making it both practical and adaptable.
- Pros: Versatile, customizable, includes closed storage options.
- Cons: Larger footprint, might be too big for smaller spaces.
Verdict: Ideal for families who need both open and closed storage in their Montessori playroom.
13. Ikea DUNDRA Activity Table – Best for Hands-On Learning
The DUNDRA Activity Table is designed to promote hands-on learning and creativity in children. With built-in storage and a large tabletop surface, this activity table provides plenty of space for arts, crafts, puzzles, and other learning activities. The table is at the perfect height for little ones to comfortably sit and engage in various tasks, making it an ideal addition to a Montessori-inspired playroom.
- Pros: Spacious tabletop, built-in storage, encourages independent learning and creativity.
- Cons: Requires some assembly and may take up more space than smaller tables.
Verdict: Perfect for parents looking for a functional and stylish activity table that fosters hands-on learning, creativity, and organization in a Montessori-inspired environment.
Final Thoughts on Montessori Shelves from Ikea
Montessori shelves from Ikea provide an accessible and budget-friendly way to create a prepared environment that fosters independence and creativity in your child. Whether you’re setting up a small play space or designing a Montessori-inspired playroom at home, Ikea’s versatile and affordable storage solutions will help you create an organized and inviting learning environment.
Now’s the time to choose the right Montessori shelf for your play space and see the positive impact it will have on your child’s daily activities. Make the shift towards a more organized, independent, and Montessori-inspired home today!