Article: The 6 Best Montessori Bookshelves (And How to Pick Yours)

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The 6 Best Montessori Bookshelves (And How to Pick Yours)

Top Front Facing Bookshelves of 2024 Ideal for Your Toddler

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By Rachel Peachey

Updated Apr 29, 2024

When it was time to pick out a book, my toddlers always pulled all the books off the bookshelf. This problem ended when we finally got a Montessori bookshelf. This front facing bookshelf allows toddlers to see the book covers, making it easier to select a book to read.

As a Montessori mama and former Montessori teacher, I've tried a variety of kids bookshelf designs. This guide will help you pick out the best Montessori furniture for your needs.

What is a Montessori Bookshelf?

A Montessori book shelf is a front facing bookshelf that displays book covers. The style gives children easy access to books and allows them to view covers at eye level. Additionally, Montessori bookshelves encourage independent reading, as toddlers can easily select a book without help.

Not all Montessori bookshelves feature the same design. Some versions are simply open shelving. Typically, Montessori-inspired bookshelves are made of natural wood.

Montessori bookshelves also features simple designs. This helps children focus on the books and activities available.

Best Montessori Bookshelf: Top 6 Picks

Whether you follow the Montessori method or not, the following are quality bookshelves for kids. Add them to your child's bedroom, playroom, or even your living room. Here are our top Montessori bookshelf picks:

1. Best Montessori Bookshelf Overall: Montessori Bookshelf by Piccalio - $239

Hands-down, the best toddler bookshelf is this Montessori bookcase. This piece of furniture delivers function and beauty, making it the perfect addition to your home.

Not only is it made with high quality natural materials but it also features storage space in the back. This is the ideal setup for a children's rotating bookshelf. Display a set of books for your child and rotate them every few weeks. Keep things neat by storing toys or additional books on the back shelves.

Features we love:

Made of FSC-Certified birch plywood
Greenguard Gold Certified
Front-facing and features storage space in the back

2. Best Versatile Bookshelf for Kids: Stackable Play Shelf by Piccalio - $139

Low to the ground, this child sized shelf is ideal for babies and toddlers. With this toy shelf, your child can pick out books and Montessori toys independently. As your child grows, add another shelf on top, creating a two-tiered shelf.

You can display books, baskets of toys, art supplies, and more on this toy shelf. Made with gorgeous natural wood and featuring rounded edges, this shelf is ideal for your Montessori home.

Features we love:

Made of FSC-Certified birch plywood
Greenguard Gold Certified
Stack two shelves to save space

3. Easiest to Move Montessori Bookshelf: TOMI Bookshelf by Bush Acres - $176.13

This bookshelf for kids features four tiers where you can display a lovely range of books for your child to enjoy. A front-facing bookshelf, children can browse covers when choosing a book to read. The product is unfinished, meaning you can add your own stain or varnish if desired. Or, simply enjoy it in its gorgeous natural state.

Features we love:

Made of unfinished Baltic birch plywood
Features 3 handles for easy carrying

4. Best Toddler Bookshelf: School Book Display Shelf by Sprout - $230

Keep it simple with this Montessori bookshelf including three shelves. We love that there are two size options, giving you the option to display up to about 18 books.

Features we love:

Made of UV-finished Baltic birch
Includes a 10-year warranty
Made to withstand heavy use in a school environment

5. Montessori Bookshelf with Most Tiers: Mon Toddler Montessori Style Bookshelf - $370

Another front-facing bookshelf, this piece of Montessori furniture features five tiers to display more books. A hole provides access to the back of the shelf. This may be a small drawback, as toys and books could get stuck there.

Features we love:

Made with Baltic birch plywood
More shelves means more space for books!

6. Most Versatile Montessori Bookshelf: Oeuf® Mini Library - $780

Would you prefer a more traditional Montessori bookcase? Oeuf's model is low enough for your child to use independently. Display books, toys, and other materials on the shelves. Use the cupboards to store art supplies, extra toys and books, or anything you'd like!

Features we love:

Made with Baltic birch plywood and eco-MDF
Greenguard Gold Certified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Montessori shelf theory?

Montessori shelf organization helps children find the most appropriate activities for their level. Teachers typically arrange activities from simple to complex, with the simplest activities on the bottom shelves. Also, children must return items to the correct spot on the shelf.

Teachers also organize Montessori shelves based on curriculum area. For example, all math activities are in the same section, while language activities are in another area.

Why are Montessori shelves open?

Montessori shelves are open to promote independence. In a Montessori home or school, children can freely access activities and books whenever they'd like. Plus, open shelves also help children observe the activities and choose one. The beautiful materials and activities are on display, enticing children to work and learn.

What is the sequence of the Montessori shelf?

The sequence of Montessori shelves means that activities are usually organized from simple to complex. The easiest activities are on the bottom shelves where younger children can easily reach them. More difficult activities are on higher shelves.

What makes a shelf Montessori?

Montessori furniture is child-sized and easy for children to move. When Montessori started her first school in the 1900s, tables and chairs for children didn't exist. So, she made tables and chairs that children could sit in comfortably and arrange within the classroom.

Another important characteristic of Montessori furniture is that it is simple and made of natural materials. Montessori shelves shouldn't distract children from the activities and materials on display.

Posted in: 0 - 3 Months, 12 - 18 months, 18 Months - 3 Years, 3 - 6 months, 3 - 6 years, 6 - 9 months, 9 - 12 months, elementary age, Montessori, Our Favorites

Written by Rachel Peachey

A former Montessori teacher, Rachel taught at an international bilingual Montessori school at both the preschool and lower elementary school levels. She also uses the Montessori method at home with her three children. In her free time, Rachel loves spending time with her family, baking, reading, and crafting.