Ashley Reid
December 20, 2025
Montessori Inspired Play Space
Creating a safe, fun, and nurturing play area for your children is such a rewarding and joyful endeavor.
Creating a safe, fun, and nurturing play area for your children is such a rewarding and joyful endeavor. There are so many ways you can go, or themes to explore, one of those being the philosophy and style of educator Maria Montessori. To truly capture the essence of Montessori play, there are some guidelines to follow, all made to empower you and your children.
What is Montessori?
Dr. Maria Montessori was a renowned Italian doctor and educator who developed a style of teaching in a way that mirrors how children naturally learn. Play, in her philosophy, is not a frivolous activity, but rather the work of the child.
I remember hearing that phrase during my first pregnancy ten years ago and thinking, Great… but what does that actually mean? There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to a Montessori room or play space, but there are a few general guidelines that make sense when you come to understand the philosophy. Create a space where children can manipulate, explore, and imitate:
- Create a thoughtful child-sized environment
- Designate “zones” for different activities
- Include rich textile environments with natural materials
- Make space for movement
- Include practical life activities
- Keep toys that engage rather than entertain
- Select open-ended but purposeful materials
Are you overwhelmed yet? I jest, but I know it can be hard to take on a new approach that sometimes feels like it has created a movement. But, I promise, it is much more about simplicity, and there's no need to rush out and buy more things.
Preparing a Montessori Play Space
The beauty of Montessori is that less is more. Often, many of the items you need for an engaging, child-led environment are things you already own and have at home. The idea that less is more, is something we value at East Perry too, you don’t necessarily need a bunch of new things, but a quality collection that lasts. The best pieces in your home are the ones that grow with you, the same can be said for toys.
So you’re ready for that streamlined new play space to best serve you and your children. Let’s look at each Montessori play pillar.
Preparing a Montessori Play Space
The beauty of Montessori is that less is more. Often, many of the items you need for an engaging, child-led environment are things you already own and have at home. The idea that less is more, is something we value at East Perry too, you don’t necessarily need a bunch of new things, but a quality collection that lasts. The best pieces in your home are the ones that grow with you, the same can be said for toys.
So you’re ready for that streamlined new play space to best serve you and your children. Let’s look at each Montessori play pillar.
Practical life
Think chores and independence here; pouring, sweeping, cutting, chopping, cleaning. If you’ve ever fought a toddler who insists they can “do it themselves,” then you understand how important it is to set them up for success. Kid safe knives like these were a favorite of my little ones, although wood is preferred. Any spare small cups, wooden scoops, measuring cups will do for practical life play. I often see the infamous Ikea FLISAT hack here with an automatic water dispenser, but a pitcher of any kind works just as well. My daughter loved taking flowers (sometimes even just dandelions I had picked) and creating her own little arrangements.
Rich textile environments with natural materials
Wood, metal, glass, natural fibers - anything your children are using for work/play should be the real deal. We want to avoid plastic if possible. Use what you already have in your home, not just a single use item for a play room. I love our Nursery Sheepskin, as it's a natural fiber, with rich tactile stimulation. Maria Montessori thought that a child’s work space should not be too loud or distracting, while still creating a cozy environment. Nugget couches are a fav among many Montessori parents and are easy to adapt and change with your child or as the day changes.
Engaging Toys
No flashy robots, blinking lights or bluetooth microphones in this chill play space. Montessori toys are about open ended exploration. Most Montessori guides suggest no more than 10 toys in the room. No need to purge, a toy rotation is always encouraged to keep it fresh without being overwhelming. Too much, leads to distraction and Maria Montessori said,
“The child who concentrates is immensely happy.”
Less clutter = happy kiddo and parents.
Wooden toys, with natural hues and colors are favored. Stacking blocks, puzzles, pulling/pushing toys, threading (handi-work), and musical instruments are all hot ticket choices. Items that encourage development instead of purely made to entertain is key. Dress-up and fantasy based toys on the other hand? Not so much. If you feel called to implement dress up clothing in your toy space, practical, real life dress-up like nurses or firefighters are suggested. Granted, there’s no right or wrong way to set up your play space. Have fun!
Space!
This one might seem like a no brainer but your kiddo needs space to explore. Leave some open space for spinning, building, climbing and just exploring those gross motor skills. A cozy sheepskin rug or pillow to flop and roll on is always a good choice. Bonus-the natural lanolin can help soothe some big emotions.
Play with Benefits
My hope is that you enjoy watching your child thrive in their Montessori play space, as much as they will enjoy playing in it. Here are a few more benefits:
Independence - Everything is child-sized and accessible, encouraging confidence and the ability to do it themselves. This accessibility makes children feel enabled and ties in with respecting their space.
Calm and Focus - For mama and kiddo. Without clutter and overwhelming, bright colors, and loud noises, kids can deeply concentrate and engage. Mastery is attainable in this environment where they can dive deep without distractions that are often present in a traditional playroom.
Respect for Their Space - Being responsible for their environment, children will often gravitate toward caring for their space, mimicking you as you put things away and clean up messes.
Remember
The fact that you care enough to create a thoughtful play space is wonderful. Don’t get too caught up in perfection. Less is more, choose pieces that last, and most importantly—have fun with your little ones
