5 things we did to Set Up a Montessori Playroom for our toddler

After moving into our home in Placerville we decided that the family room needed to be kid friendly. The room had 3 closets with boxes and a headache of extra things we kept throwing into them.

We wanted our 2 year old to play by himself and have natural curiosity while promoting order and focus in the family room when guests come to visit (Because the family room is the first room people see).

1. We Chose a Calm, Minimalist Space

The family room already had a basic white color (the house was all painted white inside before it was sold to us). But the closets had the old pink color and it was dirty with outdated shelving. We wanted more simplicity so we took out the closet door and removed the metal railing. The shelving was also removed.

To calm the space we got Elmira White HC-84 from Benjamin Moore which is a shade of greige to contrast with the family room white . Later on we will ad something decorative on the wall.

2. We Used Low Shelves for Accessibility

The short bins in the photo was purchased from Ikea which makes it accessible for kids. The same with the kitchen that we purchased from a garage sale. We plan on rotating the toys to keep things fresh and engaging. Keeping the toys simple and separate from one another fosters decision-making skills.

3. We will gradually use Natural and useful Materials

While some of the toys are still plastic, we want to replace it all with wood, fabric or other natural products. Prices are higher on these natural toys but the plan is to have less toys that are better quality. Less toys make it easier to clean up at the end of the day.

Replacements will also include the bins the toys are in. Wicker baskets look nicer instead of plastic bins and are also great to add blocks, Brio trains and all the beanie babies and stuffed animals.

4. We Created Defined Activity Areas

There are 3 closets we converted and repainted. The first is in the picture above with the kitchen and Ikea drawer, the next one has the Indian Tipi to foster reading. The third closet is converted to the art space.

5. Encouraged Independence

We incorporated child-sized furniture, for one thing we bought a small table and chair that also converts to a toddler tower. This tower has also been used for James to participate in the kitchen and make cookies.  Eventually I will ad an area in his room for hooks so he can grab his coats and shirts.