Montessori-Inspired DIY Toddler Wardrobe – IKEA Hack Tutorial
Looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to create a Montessori toddler wardrobe? This easy DIY tutorial shows you how to transform an old IKEA dresser into a functional and beautiful child-sized closet that encourages independence, fits your home aesthetic, and can grow with your child.
We created this Montessori furniture DIY when half the drawers on our dresser stopped working. Instead of tossing it, we turned it into a practical and accessible DIY kids closet for our daughter—and it’s been a total game changer.
Why a Montessori Wardrobe?
Montessori principles focus on creating child-accessible environments that foster independence and confidence. A Montessori toddler wardrobe:
- Helps your child choose and put away clothes independently
- Builds confidence through daily routines
- Brings order and beauty to their space
- Reduces chaos in the mornings (goodbye, outfit battles!)
It’s a foundational piece in a Montessori-inspired bedroom, and it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated to create.
🛠 What You Need
- To build this DIY toddler wardrobe, you only need a few basic supplies:
- An old IKEA dresser or similar furniture piece
- Wooden board (to cover side once drawers are removed)
- Bottom shelf or board
- Wooden rod or dowel (for hanging clothes)
- Screws + drill or screwdriver
- Measuring tape, level, and pencil
- Optional: sandpaper, paint or stain, and child-friendly baskets
Step-by-Step Tutorial
1. Assess & Dismantle
We started with an old IKEA dresser where one side of the drawers no longer opened properly.
We removed the drawers, runners, and interior supports from one side of the unit to open up space for a low-hanging clothing rack.
💡 Tip for functional dressers: If your wardrobe is still in good shape and you’re just modifying it for now, this project is totally reversible. You can remove the rod and reinstall the drawers later when your child outgrows the setup.
2. Add a Side Panel and Bottom Shelf
To give the newly opened side a clean, finished look, we attached a wooden panel to the open edge. Then we added a bottom shelf, creating a spot for shoes or storage baskets.
This helps keep the wardrobe looking polished, like intentional furniture—not just a dismantled dresser.
3. Stain it (or paint it)
Since I repurposed old boards that were already stained a darker color, I’ve decided to stain the whole inside to give it a cohesive look. I actually think it looks really good this way! But this step is totally optional.
4. Install the Clothing Rod
I measured the width, cut a wooden rod to size, and secured it using brackets inside the space. Make sure to install the rod low enough for your toddler to reach! You can also use an extension rod, even easier to install.
5. Add Clothes and Enjoy!
Once everything was dry and secure, I added her clothes—keeping it minimal so she doesn’t get overwhelmed. Now she can see all her options and choose what to wear each day.
Tips
- Choose hangers that are easy for little hands to use.
- Rotate clothes seasonally or by type so it doesn’t get too crowded.
- Add a basket below for socks or shoes.
Final Thoughts
What started as a broken dresser turned into one of my favorite DIYs. It’s beautiful, practical, and totally aligned with the Montessori vibe of giving kids more autonomy in daily life. Plus, it saved us money and gave old furniture a second chance.
Bonus: If you’re working with a dresser that’s still in good shape, don’t worry—this hack is completely reversible. Just remove the rod and reinstall the drawers when your little one outgrows the setup.
Let me know if you try this—or tag me if you share your own version!
