Before I begin, a quick note: we don’t follow a strict Montessori method in our home. That said, I designed these toy shelves inspired by the Montessori approach — low, open, and simple — so children can easily see, reach, and return their toys. The result is greater independence and less parental prompting, which is why I wanted to share how we built our version.
I needed a toy storage solution that would fit a specific wall and make playthings more accessible. After searching and not finding a shelf to match our dimensions, I recruited my dad and we built these simple, functional units ourselves. They’ve worked wonderfully: our preschooler can access toys during quiet time and put them away without help, and seeing everything at once sparks more imaginative play and mixing of items.
Below are the details and step-by-step instructions for how we made our DIY Montessori-style toy shelves. Adjust dimensions and materials as needed to suit your space and safety preferences.
What are the benefits of this style shelf?
This open, Montessori-inspired approach to toy storage offers several advantages:
- Toys are displayed openly, so they’re visible and inviting.
- All items sit at child height, making them easy to reach.
- Contents can be grouped in movable baskets or containers for easy transport to a play area.
- Open-ended and unfinished toys (pieces shown separately rather than assembled) encourage creativity and exploration.
In our living room we previously used drawers to hide toys, but we found that out of sight meant out of mind. Displaying toys where kids can see them — like schools and preschools do — increases engagement and play.
A quick disclaimer
We built each shelf five feet long to span the full wall and maximize storage. Many Montessori-style shelves are closer to four feet. Because of the length and the wood thickness we used, these shelves are not intended to support a child standing or sitting on them. If you want the shelf to double as a bench or be extra sturdy, use thicker lumber, add braces, or shorten the shelf length.
We use these units solely for toy storage, and they meet our needs, but please consider load-bearing safety for your own project.
Supplies you’ll need
Materials for one shelf (adjust quantities for multiple shelves):
- One 3/4″ 4×8 birch plywood sheet, cut into:
- Two pieces 18″ x 60″ (or your desired shelf length)
- Two pieces 18″ x 19″
- 3/4″ birch veneer edge banding
- Wood glue
- Twelve 1 1/2″ countersink screws
- Drill and countersink drill bit
- Pencil and screwdriver
- Wood filler
- Sandpaper
- Iron (for applying veneer) and scissors
If you have a nail gun, assembly can be faster and easier. Also, clamps or an extra pair of hands will help when gluing and fastening pieces together.
How to make a simple wood toy shelf
1. On the short ends of each long board, mark three screw locations. Place each mark about 3/8″ from the edge and space them evenly along the end.
2. Align a long board flush with one of the side pieces. Using a countersink drill bit, drill through both boards at the marked points. Repeat for the other long board and side piece.
3. Remove the long board, apply a bead of wood glue to the top edge of the side piece, then set the long board back in place exactly as before. Drive screws into the pre-drilled, countersunk holes to secure the joint. Wipe away any excess glue with a damp cloth.
4. Repeat the drilling, gluing, and screwing process for the remaining sides and long boards until the box is assembled.
5. Fill countersink holes and any gaps with wood filler. Let the filler dry according to the package directions, then sand smooth.
6. Sand all edges and surfaces as needed for a smooth finish. Apply the birch veneer edge banding with an iron following the product instructions. I find it easiest to do the top and bottom edges first, then the sides.
7. After the veneer is applied, sand any overhanging edges until the edge banding is flush with the shelf. This prevents the veneer from catching when toys are slid in and out.
How much did this project cost?
Costs will vary by region and the tools you already own. For our single shelf, using the materials listed above and having the plywood cut at the store, our cost breakdown was approximately:
- 3/4″ birch plywood (4×8 sheet): $70
- Store cuts (6 cuts at $2 each): $12
- Birch veneer edge banding (2 rolls): $12
- Countersink screws: $3
- Wood glue: $4
- Wood filler: $7
Total: about $108. Pre-made Montessori-style shelves often range from $120 to $200 or more depending on design and size, so building your own can be a cost-effective way to get the exact dimensions and finish you want.
Our favorite toys
We keep a selection of open-ended wooden toys, puzzles, and imaginative play pieces on these shelves. Having toys visible and organized has made a big difference in our daily routine — we moved most of our son’s toys into his room and regained a lot of living room space.
If you’re curious about our toy philosophy and how we approach selecting and rotating toys, I’ve written more about that elsewhere. In short, we focus on durable, simple, and engaging pieces that invite creativity rather than want immediate, single-use results.
This DIY shelf has been one of the best practical updates in our home: it keeps toys organized, encourages independent play, and can be repurposed in the future for a playroom or other storage needs. Customize the size, finish, and sturdiness to suit your family and enjoy a simple, child-accessible storage solution.