Montessori Inspired Toddler Wardrobe | IKEA Hack

ETA: This post now includes images from our updated wardrobe. J is now 3 years old.

I can’t believe we are less than 3 months away from Jonah’s 2nd birthday! As we approach his 2nd birthday, he is desiring more and more opportunities for independence.  To support his growing desire for choice and independence (and to accommodate his lack of closet space) we created a small wardrobe for him so that he can access his clothing and some of his books independently.

Montessori-inspired wardrobes have always intrigued me.  I’ve seen many different versions online and almost all of them start with an IKEA piece as the foundation.  Are you surprised? IKEA has some of the best modular storage pieces out there and they are always so affordable.  To create the wardrobe we used 3 of the IKEA Trofast single storage units.

 

Each unit comes with added slots to hold the Trofast bins or you can also opt to use these shelves and then use your own baskets.  We chose the 2nd option and added wicker baskets that I found at Home Goods for $12.99 each.  I recently found some awesome sticky labels in the dollar spot at Target to identify the contents of each basket.

We used 3 different baskets (similar) and each one holds a different item of clothing.  There is one for pajamas and underwear, one for bottoms, and one for his socks and shoes.  I also placed to pairs of his current favorite shoes in the space next to the basket.  We ended off the bottom row with an awesome set of bookends that I found at Home Goods that spell out “READ.”

To hold the clothes I used these tension rods from Amazon.  Be sure to check the size and make sure it is correct.  The rod will be most secure if it is placed above the slat for the bins/shelves — otherwise it will be too short. Even if you do not intent to use the shelves, I recommend still adding them for additional security.

ETA: If you don’t have an IKEA in your area, you can recreate this look using items from Target + Walmart. Check it out –> HERE!

 

 

Atop of the shelves I placed a few of his essentials on a wooden tray and finally added a rattan hamper from Home Goods and this mirror from IKEA.  I am so very pleased with how it turned out!  As always, special thanks to “Daddy DIY”  for the support.

Not only does this wardrobe support child choice and independence, it is also an awesome storage solution for small kid’s rooms.  What about you?  Have you tried any unique storage solutions for your children’s clothing?  I’d love to hear about them.  Head over to instagram {@polishedplayhouse} and join the conversation.

Talk to you soon,