Setting up a Montessori-friendly home can feel overwhelming. We want our kids to have independence, but we also don’t want our living rooms to look like a chaotic daycare. IKEA has been my lifesaver, and after trial and error (and a few “why did I buy this?” moments), here are my absolute favorite IKEA finds that actually work for a real-life Montessori home.
IKEA Toy & Storage Solutions
1. TROFAST Storage Bins ($3.99 & up) – The “Sort of” Toy Organization Solution
I say “sort of” because, let’s be real, kids are messy. But these bins make it easier. We do one for blocks, one for art supplies, and one for random treasures they refuse to part with. The best part? Even my toddler can pull them out and put things (kind of) away.
2. DRÖNA Fabric Boxes ($4.99) – For When You Just Need to Shove Everything Somewhere
Some days, I care about the Montessori method. Other days, I just want the mess gone fast. These soft fabric bins fit perfectly in IKEA shelves and are great for a “clean-up in 30 seconds before guests arrive” situation.
3. OSTBIT Wooden Tray ($9.99) – The Secret to Actually Keeping Montessori Activities Together
You know those beautiful Montessori setups you see online? Yeah, that doesn’t happen in my house unless I use trays. This little wooden tray is great for keeping puzzles, sorting activities, or snack prep all in one place—so the pieces don’t end up scattered everywhere.
4. SUNNERSTA Mini Containers ($4.99 for 6-pack) – Because Tiny Things Need Homes Too
Hair ties, tiny toys, beads, little spoons—these small hanging cups save my sanity. I clip them onto a shelf in my kid’s room, and suddenly, all those little things that used to disappear actually have a place.
Practical Life & Kitchen Items
5. BEKVÄM Step Stool ($19.99) – Because Kids Always Want to “Help” in the Kitchen
This stool is the difference between constant “Mama, I can’t reach!” and my kid actually washing their own hands without me lifting them 50 times a day. It’s sturdy, just the right height for the sink or kitchen counter, and if they can climb up to get their own snack, that’s one less thing we have to do.
6. SMÅGÖRA Step Stool ($14.99) – The “I Can Do It Myself” Stool
Smaller than the BEKVÄM, this one is easier for little legs to move around. We have one in the bathroom so my toddler can wash her own hands and brush her teeth without needing me every five seconds.
7. UPPFYLLD Salad Spinner ($7.99) – The Weirdly Fun Kitchen Gadget
If your kid wants to help in the kitchen but isn’t ready for knives, this is your answer. My toddler loves spinning lettuce dry. Is it necessary? No. Does it keep them busy long enough for me to chop veggies in peace? YES.
8. DUKTIG Utensil Set ($4.99) – Let Them Feel Like a Real Chef
My kid always wants to help in the kitchen, but regular utensils are too big. These mini stainless-steel utensils are just the right size, and suddenly, stirring and serving feel very official. (Bonus: they don’t look like bright plastic kid stuff!)
9. KALAS Kids’ Dishes (From $1.99) – Unbreakable and Somehow Never Lost
If you have a Montessori kitchen setup, these are a no-brainer. They’re the perfect size for little hands, dishwasher-safe, and come in fun colors. I don’t know how, but we always have exactly the right number, even though I swear my kids hide them in weird places.
Furniture & Room Organization
10. FLISAT Wall Storage ($14.99) – No More Book Piles on the Floor
I used to stack books in baskets, but they’d always end up dumped out in a pile. This little wall shelf changed everything! Now, my kids actually see their books, grab them independently, and shockingly sometimes even put them back. We have two: one by the couch and one near the bed for bedtime books.
11. FLISAT Book Display ($19.99) – Goodbye Overstuffed Bookshelves
We tried regular bookshelves, but books just got shoved in randomly. This display rack makes books visible and easy to grab, so my little one actually chooses books instead of dumping them all out just to find one. It also makes the room look way less cluttered.
12. LÄTT Kids’ Table & Chairs ($49.99) – The One Table They’ll Actually Use
I love my dining table, but my kids? They want their own space. Although it’s a bit pricier at $49.99, having a table and chair set made just for them is totally worth it. It’s perfect for snacks, art, or “important toddler meetings” (aka tea parties). And when it gets covered in marker? A magic eraser works wonders.
13. BUMERANG Wooden Hangers ($4.99 for 8-pack) – Tiny Clothes Need Tiny Hangers
Montessori moms love low clothing racks, but guess what? Normal hangers don’t fit tiny clothes. These wooden hangers are just right, making it easier for kids to grab their own outfits.
Play Materials & Creative Tools
14. MÅLA Easel ($19.99) – Because Kids and Walls Should Stay Separate
My 3-year-old loves to draw on everything. This easel gives her a designated spot to go wild with crayons, chalk, or paint. Plus, the paper roll lasts forever, and it keeps her entertained long enough for me to drink a hot cup of coffee (sometimes).
15. UPPSTÅ Stacking Rings ($9.99) – Classic Montessori Play
No flashing lights, no annoying music—just a simple, beautiful stacking toy that helps with fine motor skills. My toddler has been obsessed with these rings since she was a baby, and somehow, they never get old.
IKEA has saved me so much time and money while trying to make our home more kid-friendly. But here’s the real secret—Montessori doesn’t have to be perfect. Some days, everything is neatly arranged in trays. Other days, I’m shoving toys into baskets just to get through bedtime. And that’s okay.
What are your favorite IKEA finds for a Montessori home? Share your must-haves (or fails, we’ve all had them!) in the comments!