Creating a Montessori dynamic in your child's bedroom
The Montessori method is increasingly popular. And for good reason! Inspired by the educational research of Maria Montessori, this philosophy of life focuses on the development of little ones’ independence as much as on building their self-confidence. To create an environment that supports children’s well-being, the Italian doctor advocated a child-height bedroom where spaces are distinct and organised.
As a creator of sustainable furniture, TIPTOE has also designed furniture for children suited to this educational approach. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore together the art and best practices of creating a Montessori world for your child’s bedroom.
A sleep area close to the floor
Having a child sleep as close to the floor as possible from an early age is one of the key principles of Montessori education. A far cry from standardised mass-market beds with bars, the Montessori philosophy is perfectly suited to a mattress placed directly on the floor or slightly raised.
A cabin bed
To create a cosy bedroom feel, you can consider pairing the bed with a rug or pretty cushions to soften any falls. Add a few decorative objects too, to personalise the bed. The must-have ? A cabin bed that combines the educational aspect of a low bed with the enveloping feel of a little cabin. As in Eva’s child’s bedroom, for example.
A bed canopy
If you don’t want to change the furniture in your child’s bedroom but would like to introduce Montessori elements in small touches, consider a bed canopy. An idea beautifully showcased by Jen! Beyond defining the space, her canopy creates a soft cocoon where it feels wonderful to curl up and drift off into the arms of Morpheus.
Low beds and mattresses offer many advantages. First and foremost, they give little ones the freedom to climb into and out of bed on their own. No longer dependent on their parents’ support, they learn to regulate their sleep completely independently from an early age.
Complete the bed area with a LOU stool as a bedside table. Practical and multifunctional, this decorative piece is ideal for furnishing a child’s bedroom.
OUR DESIGN STOOLA play space that evolves with the child’s age
The whole principle of Montessori education is to allow children to choose the activity they want to do to develop their motor skills. In drawer cubbies, easy for little hands to open and close, place a selection of no more than 4 or 5 toys that you leave available to your child.
A tidy, organized play area
One of the pillars of the Montessori method is an uncluttered bedroom. So that children can focus on their activity, they need to be protected from overstimulation. We’re impressed by the play table designed by Marlène and paired with our 43 cm TIPTOE table legs. A refined play space that works as both a kitchen and a car track.
Toy placement
All other unused toys should be placed up high, out of sight, so as not to spark curiosity. Our advice? Regularly change the selection of toys that remain within reach. A clever way to let your children rediscover their many toys and keep their interest alive.
Caroline had the ingenious idea of placing her children’s toys and books on solid oak shelves. A decorative and practical storage piece!
Define the early-learning area in the bedroom
To define the children’s play area, why not choose a floor rug? Even the littlest ones will enjoy learning to roll over, then crawl or take their first steps on its soft surface. We’d be tempted to try a few somersaults on Daniela’s lion rug or Marine’s rush floor mat. How about you?
As soon as they’re old enough to tidy up, it’s essential to make your little ones active participants in their environment. The Montessori philosophy encourages children to carry out tasks by themselves to develop their motor skills, provided they are shown how. Take the time to show your child how to put away their toys and keep their space free from encroaching clutter.
OUR CHILDREN’S FURNITUREMaking the child’s bedroom safe
Letting children go about their activities and encouraging them to explore their world is one of the foundations of this way of life. It’s easy to see why it’s important to make your children’s bedroom safe with outlet covers or furniture with rounded corners, for example. Perfect timing! With TIPTOE’s 43 cm table legs, you can adapt any tabletop shape. In Tatiana’s home, the round table allows them to play freely and safely.
A wardrobe within easy reach
Choosing their clothes is part of learning independence. The days when our parents forced us to wear a balaclava are long gone—an era that anyone under twenty can hardly imagine. Today, children also get a say when it’s time to get dressed. To help them get involved in their daily routine, we offer them a few outfit options based on the weather and the season. Then we let them manage, more or less!
Once again, keep in mind the very essence of the Montessori philosophy: showing the child how to put on each item of clothing before letting them practise on their own.
To make their little outfits and shoes accessible, consider wardrobes! The internet is full of children’s dressing room ideas. But you can also make your own. Using a coat rack, as in Sladjana’s bedroom. Or with customisable shelves using BRACKET wall mounts, which Karl paired with a board fitted with a hook. Clever!
A relaxation space to recharge and dream…
The Montessori method encourages children from a very young age to listen to their needs and channel their energy. After the bustle of stimulating activities, your child may feel the need to settle down before recharging their batteries. That’s why it’s essential to create an extra-cozy relaxation nook for them.
We love the soft little bench in pastel tones created by Marla. Gentle colors to encourage relaxation! But our favorite is Tatiana’s mound of floor cushions and eiderdowns. A successful layering that offers unmatched comfort to her little girl, who looks delighted!
A bookcase for storing books
For an optimized relaxation nook, don’t forget to install a bookcase nearby. Books are a fundamental part of Montessori education. They draw the child into a certain daydream and develop their imagination: essential qualities that above all teach them to settle down and concentrate. To stay true to the Montessori method, position the books at child height, with the covers facing them.
Our tip? Repurpose long, narrow spice racks to display your little ones’ small books. And regularly change the covers you place in front of them to spark their interest. A layout idea Ella adopted in her twins’ bedroom.
A modular reading nook
We love the relaxation area created by Svetlana with our oak DUKE bench. Books, toys, comforters, blankets, and cushions are neatly stored underneath to make room for a miniature den. We already know where her child will be reading!
A “arts and crafts” space for budding artists
This may be the most important space in the Montessori philosophy. Every child should be able to express themselves freely through artistic activities they can do independently. Kneading, playing with textures, drawing: what a joy to watch them grow and thrive freely!
To keep the party from turning into a nightmare, it’s important to arrange the space properly. Choose a table and a small chair suited to little ones’ proportions. And place some sheets of paper and colored pencils there for free access, for example.
TIPTOE has designed kids’ desks in wood or recycled plastic, as well as MINI LOU kids’ stools specifically for children aged 3 to 6. Lightweight and easy to handle, children can move them around their bedroom as they please—or even further! KIDS is a collection of children’s furniture in bright colours, simple and functional, perfectly suited to their height.
For older children, we tell you everything you need to know about how to create a desk area in their bedroom right here.
Beyond colouring, you can introduce your children to modelling clay, sand modelling, or even painting. The must-have ? A blackboard and chalk to try their hand at art, then start again as often as they like once a creation has been erased. Perfect for developing independence.
As playful as it is ingenious, TIPTOE designed the reversible VICE VERSA kids’ desk. On one side, a white laminate surface. On the other, an erasable chalkboard. A gift to give right away!
To sharpen younger children’s motor skills and sense of responsibility, why not give them a plant to take care of? Watering, pruning, observing: these are all tasks within their reach. Don’t underestimate their abilities, and just look at the pride on their faces as they care for it all by themselves!
The TUTTI FRUTTI kids’ desk and the seat of the MINI LOU kids’ stool in recycled plastic were made from old children’s toys. Its unique design evokes paint splatters and will spark your children’s creativity. Olivia and Line’s children would certainly agree!
As you’ve understood, the Montessori philosophy is a true art of living that requires patience, time, and mental availability. Don’t feel guilty if you can’t put all the principles of this educational approach into practice. That doesn’t make you bad parents.
Pick the tips and tricks that appeal to you most for furnishing your child’s bedroom, and enjoy them with joy and good cheer!
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