Get crafty with our DIY Montessori Shelf Plans [WITH FREE INFOGRAPHIC DOWNLOADS]

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Great choice on deciding to build your very own DIY Montessori shelf!

Montessori-inspired environments are becoming increasingly popular among parents and families who want to create a space that promotes exploration, independence, and creativity for their young children.

One of the essential elements you’ll find in a Montessori environment is a well-designed, child-sized shelf that provides easy access to learning materials.

Two types of shelves that parents are often eager to set up include the Montessori toy shelf and the forward-facing Montessori book shelf.

While there are many Montessori shelves available for purchase, building a DIY Montessori shelf can be a more affordable and customizable option.

Today, I’ve put together some step-by-step instructions on how to DIY your own shelf, as well as a list of DIY Montessori shelf plans available online to help you build the best Montessori shelf to suit your little one’s needs.

While you’re here, check out my articles on setting up your Montessori bookshelf and how to use your Montessori toy shelves.

DIY Montessori Toy Shelf

Let’s start with the classic Montessori toy shelf. This fun and rewarding project is perfect for parents, teachers, or anyone who is passionate about creating a Montessori-inspired learning environment for young children. To help you get started, here are some easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.

Materials:

  • 2 sheets of 4 ft x8 ft plywood (1/2 inch thickness)
  • Saw
  • Sandpaper
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • Wood glue
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Paint or stain (optional)
  1. Let’s get started by cutting the plywood into the following pieces:
  • 2 sides (30 inches tall x 12 inches wide)
  • 1 top (30 inches long x 12 inches wide)
  • 1 bottom (30 inches long x 12 inches wide)
  • 3 shelves (28 inches long x 12 inches wide)
  1. Sand all the pieces of plywood to ensure that there are no rough edges or splinters.
  2. Next, take one of the side pieces and place it on a flat surface with the outside facing up. Apply wood glue along the top and bottom edges of the side piece.
  3. Position the top and bottom pieces onto the glued edges of the side piece so that they form a 90-degree angle with the side piece. Secure the pieces together with screws.
  4. Repeat step 4 with the other side piece, creating a rectangular frame.
  5. Now, it’s time to attach the shelves to the frame by positioning them evenly spaced between the top and bottom pieces. Apply wood glue along the edges of the shelves where they meet the sides of the frame. Secure the shelves in place with screws.
  6. Sand the entire shelf again to remove any rough spots or splinters.
  7. If you want to add some color to your shelf, you can now apply a coat of paint or stain to it. Allow it to dry completely before use.

Congratulations! Your DIY Montessori shelf is now complete! Place it in your child’s learning environment and fill it with materials that promote exploration, creativity, and independent learning.

DIY Montessori Toy Shelf

The forward-facing design of this bookshelf allows children to easily see and select books, and encourages independent exploration and learning. If you’re ready to build your very own DIY Forward-Facing Montessori bookshelf, here are some easy-to-follow steps:

Materials:

  • 2 sheets of 4 ft x8 pt plywood (1/2 inch thickness)
  • Saw
  • Sandpaper
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • Wood glue
  • Paint or stain (optional)
  • 3 (3/4 inch diameter, 32 inches long)
  1. First, start by cutting the plywood into the necessary pieces. You’ll need:
    – 2 sides (36 inches tall x 12 inches wide)
    – 1 top (36 inches long x 12 inches wide)
    – 1 bottom (36 inches long x 12 inches wide)
    – 3 shelves (32 inches long x 10 inches wide).
  2. Sand all of the cut pieces of plywood to remove any rough edges or splinters.
  3. Take one of the side pieces and place it on a flat surface with the outside facing up. Apply wood glue along the top and bottom edges of the side piece.
  4. Position the top and bottom pieces onto the glued edges of the side piece so that they form a 90-degree angle with the side piece. Secure the pieces together with screws.
  5. Repeat step 4 with the other side piece, creating a rectangular frame.
  6. Attach the shelves to the frame by positioning them evenly spaced between the top and bottom pieces. Apply wood glue along the edges of the shelves where they meet the sides of the frame. Secure the shelves in place with screws.
  7. Sand the entire bookshelf to remove any rough spots or splinters.
  8. If desired, apply a coat of paint or stain to the bookshelf and allow it to dry completely before use.
  9. Once the paint or stain is dry, mark 3 evenly spaced marks, about 4 inches from the front edge of the shelf and around 3 inches from the shelf.
  10. Position the dowel and use wood glue to hold it into place. Secure with screws. Repeat for the remaining two dowels.

Voila! Your DIY Forward-Facing Montessori bookshelf is now complete! Fill it with a variety of books that encourage your child’s curiosity and love of learning. 

Don’t forget to check out my articles on setting up your Montessori bookshelf and how to use your Montessori toy shelves.

DIY Good Plans: Montessori floor book shelf and display

A DIY solution for yo great DIY solution if you’re seeking a smaller display for tight spaces or you wish to ensure your Montessori shelf is kept to a small amount of items. The Montessori Floor Book Shelf and Display plan by GoodDIYplans is a downloadable PDF that offers easy-to-read step-by-step instructions, a material list, information on the tools needed, helpful links for tools and materials, and clear 3D illustrations.

This floor shelf plan is part of a comprehensive Montessori room furniture set that includes plans for a building bricks play and storage system, floor and wall shelves, step stool, chair, activity and weaning table, twin size floor bed, children’s wardrobe, and storage and activity shelf.

The Montessori floor shelf promotes accessibility and freedom for children, featuring a low-to-the-ground design that allows them to easily view and select books and items.

The 17-inch height and 37.5-inch length shelf includes an upper compartment for books and a lower compartment for toys and activities.

Designed with simplicity in mind, the floor shelf is crafted from basic lumber available at most hardware stores, featuring simple joints and a beginner-friendly build.

With more than 5000 purchases and a 4.8-star average review rating, GoodDIYplans has established itself as a reputable Etsy Star seller.

The owner, Vitaliy, is passionate about sharing his decade-long experience and expertise with fellow DIYers, offering plans designed to make your project a success.

The 3D illustrations provide a clear visualization of your project before you begin. If you ever need help or have questions, Vitaliy is always happy to chat.

CharlestonCraft 2-in-1 Woodworking Plans – Montessori Toy Shelf and Montessori Book Shelf

The perfect solution to organizing your child’s books and toys while following the Montessori methodology. This digital PDF download bundle by CharlestonCraft offers woodworking plans for two distinct pieces: a forward-facing bookshelf and a Montessori-inspired toy shelf, all for a discounted price when you buy as a bundle.

The forward-facing bookshelf is ideal for kids’ rooms, nurseries, preschools, and playrooms, making it easy for children to see and choose their desired books.

The design includes four bookshelves and a shelf for small toy displays, all made from 1/2″ plywood. Measuring 37″ wide, 30″ tall, and 15″ deep, this project requires a pocket hole jig, drill, sander, and either a circular or table saw.

The Montessori toy shelf complements the bookshelf perfectly, showcasing toys in a way that encourages independence in children. Made from 1/2″ and 1/4″ plywood, the final dimensions are 81 1/4″ wide, 36″ tall, and 15″ deep. The same tools are needed for this project as for the bookshelf.

Once you complete your purchase, the plans will be available for immediate download.

With rave reviews highlighting the simplicity and straightforwardness of the instructions, you can embark on a rewarding DIY project, potentially modifying the designs to suit your personal taste.

Note that this listing is for a digital PDF download and no physical item will be sent. Please contact the seller with any questions prior to purchase, as no returns or exchanges are accepted.

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