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

kids bookshelf, Montessori furniture, Montessori bookshelf, front facing bookshelf, best Montessori bookshelf

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

Top Front Facing Bookshelves of 2024 Ideal for Your Toddler

At Piccalio, our enthusiasm for baby gear drives us to independently curate our favorite products. If you make a purchase through the links on our site, Piccalio may earn a commission.

Updated

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 

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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

wooden kids bookshelf

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

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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

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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

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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

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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 

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



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