Incorporating Natural
Light in Montessori Classroom Design
In Montessori education,
the environment plays an important role in nurturing independence and
love for learning. Dr. Maria Montessori emphasized well on the
importance/significance of a well-prepared classroom which will allow
for easy exploration for child's natural development. Among many
elements, natural light holds a central place. Along with thoughtful
design decision, it is a practical necessity and it is an essential
contributor to the physical & emotional well-being of children.
The
Role of Natural Light in Child Development
Exposure to daylight
supports the regulation of circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality
and overall alertness. Studies have shown that children exposed to
ample daylight during the day tend to be more attentive and
demonstrate improved mood / behavior.
Cognitively, natural
light can significantly boost concentration and academic performance.
Classrooms with access to natural lighting report better reading
outcomes and higher test scores. Emotionally, a well-lit space with
natural sunlight can reduce stress and anxiety, creating a calm and
peaceful environment ideal for Montessori learning.
Aligning
with Montessori Principles
Montessori classrooms
are well prepared to promote hands-on learning with collaborative
play. With natural light and ambience, it becomes quite engaging and
complementary.
Respect for the
Child:
Natural light honors the child’s need for beauty, order, and calm.
Bright, artificial lighting can be harsh and overstimulating, while
daylight fosters a sense of comfort and serenity.
Connection with
Nature:
Montessori education deeply values a child’s connection with the
natural world. Natural lighting strengthens this connection by
subtly integrating the rhythms of the day and the changing patterns
of weather into the classroom experience.
Encouraging
Independence:
A well-lit environment helps children roam around freely and make
choices independently.
Design
Strategies for Maximizing Natural Light
Large, Strategically
Placed Windows One
of the effective ways to invite natural light is through generous
windows, especially on the east and south-facing walls to capture
morning and midday sun. Windows should be placed at a child’s eye
level, which will allow them to look outside and feel connected to
the environment.
Use of
Skylights Skylights
are excellent ways for increasing the influx of natural light into
central areas without compromising wall space which can be used for
shelf space or wall mirror space.
Light-Reflective
Surfaces and Color Palettes Light-colored
walls, wooden floors, and minimalistic furniture helps to reflect
and diffuse sunlight throughout the room. Natural materials, such as
unfinished wood and neutral tones of soft furnishings, not only
enhances the light but also aligns with Montessori’s philosophy of
simplicity and authenticity.
Open Floor Plans and
Low Shelving The
open layout of a Montessori classroom—with low shelves allows
light to flow freely across the space, eliminating dark corners and
creating a more inviting atmosphere.
Flexible Use of
Curtains and Blinds While
natural light is beneficial, it’s important to control glare and
excessive heat. Sheer curtains, bamboo blinds, or diffusing window
films can help manage light without completely blocking it, ensuring
comfort throughout the day.
Challenges
and Considerations
Incorporating natural
light can be limited by existing infrastructure, climate, or urban
density. In such cases, schools may need to creatively adapt—using
mirrored panels, reflective paint, or even scheduling outdoor
learning times to supplement indoor daylight.
It’s also essential to
balance natural light with temperature control, furniture placement,
and the visual comfort of children. Too much direct sun can be
distracting or physically uncomfortable, especially during warmer
months.
Natural light is not
simply an architectural feature—it’s a pedagogical asset in
Montessori classroom design. By thoughtfully incorporating daylight
into learning environments, we can make honour children’s health,
learning, and emotional well-being.
With over 15 years of architectural
practice in Mumbai, I have worked on various architectural and Interior Design
Projects, but the amount of learning which has happened is because of my
involvement with Montessori School Designs is unparallel to any other sector.
For past couple of years Mumbai has seen rise of Montessori Schools and as the
philosophy gains more attention, there is so much thaat I can contribute as I
have years of experience in designing child centric spaces. Before I designed
Montessori Schools, I worked with Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation for
developing there Children’s park at Jogger’s Park in Bandra West and few
others. I was also interviewed by BMC’s initiative through Tactical Urbanism to
share my thoughts about designing child centric spaces in the city of Mumbai.
Following such great experiences, I
designed the Lower Parel branch school for Harmony Montessori from Santacruz,
Mumbai which was completed in 2023. The experience opened ways to explore the
field further and extend the knowledge to others. The belief is very simple,
that is to promote Montessori way of education and assists schools, teachers
and parent’s alike to develop child sensitive and inclusive spaces. Montessori
School Design is quite different than conventional primary schools, and it does
need keen interest and eye to detail. The space needs to be seen and
experienced through the eyes of children and not as an adult, so the
anthropometrics’ along with the aesthetic sensibilities have to be subtle and
calm.
There are few ways and methods which
has been making sense to me and that is what I have also used for designing
Montessori School space. The same re mentioned below. If you do have any
suggestions or comments then do write below in the comment’s section.
1.Child
Centric Design approach
Montessori
classrooms usually starts from early age until adolescence. Depending upon the
age bracket the space needs to be designed. For early age children between 2.5
years to 6 years of age the space needs to be different from 14month old to 2.5
years of age. The human body & mind development from the time a child is
born until age 6 is quite dramatic as they learn quite a lot just by being
present in an environment, which is enriching. So as an architect and as a
mother I have been trying to observe children to design spaces which they can
easily relate to and interact with.
One
good example of the same has been to design seats or shelfs at a particular height,
which is the eye level of a child, rather than to design the same as per adult
height. The floor can be used for sitting or for doing any activity, wall
mirrors are very good for younger children as well. The possibility of making
all things accessible to children makes them self-sufficient to explore the
overall environment with confidence, which in turn helps them to become
independent.
As
an architect, it means that we have to study the anthropometric needs of
children to design the space technically and complement it with muted colour
tones for overall aesthetics. Artwork and texture of material also plays a
significant role as children at early age group learn quite a bit from there
sensorial experiences.
2.The prepared
Environment
In
Montessori, the “prepared environment” is an essential concept. It’s a space carefully
structured to support focused exploration and learning. Rather than
overwhelming students with color and clutter, we provide clean lines, natural
lighting, plantation and well defined zones for various types of
work—sensorial, practical life, language, and math.
Very
often, I am asked by client’s why our design consultancy fee is high as the
task is not more that just placing some shelfs and some art on walls, but the
essence of designing a Montessori space is all about creating balance and
harmony with “simplicity” at its core which is neither usual or common
practice. In India, for primary schools the usual approach seems to be about
putting up cartoon characters on wall or painting one wall in each room with a bright
/ striking colour.
The
layout of the room and the overall space needs to be thought well to provide a
guide / prepared environment, which will help children with self-exploration
and movement while they become free to decide about engaging with any
particular activity available to them. This process of choice and decision
making eventually helps them to develop independence and connection.
3.Use of Natural Materials
Montessori
environments prioritizes authenticity, so it is quite easy for us to use materials,
which are simple and easily available. I have worked with variety of wood and
prefer to work with Rubberwood, Ashwood, birchwood for Montessori Educational
spaces as with the light colored tint of the material, the Montessori
educational material is highlighted well within the space. This helps children
to get attract just to them and not get distracted by the rest of the
environment. Materials like, jute, coir, cotton weave, etc are few of our
choices and we add lot many natural items in our design and for creating the
aesthetically appealing interiors. Commonly we do avoid plastic material, but
certain items are easy available so we do land up suing some amount of them as
well in our design, but we are mindful of the same.
From
a design perspective, this also reflects a deeper value: children are trusted.
They are capable. They deserve beauty and real-world tools. In our
architectural choices—flooring, finishes, fixtures—we honor this belief.
4.Freedom
within limits
A
Montessori classroom or a Montessori inspired space is designed to allow
freedom of choice to children, so even though the space freely flows from one
zone to another it is well structured. There are certain boundaries within this
prepared environment that does provide harmony and balance.
We
build in sightlines for teachers to observe without interrupting. We include
cozy nooks for solitude and open tables for collaboration. There is movement
without chaos. The space itself teaches grace, order, and mutual respect.
5.Aesthetic Simplicity
and purpose
Montessori
design steers away from busy walls, cartoon murals, and clutter. Instead, we
aim for calm, neutral tones with intentional visual interest—perhaps a single
piece of art, a plant, or a well-crafted material on a tray.
This
simplicity is not minimalism for its own sake. It reflects Montessori’s respect
for concentration and beauty. As an architect, I strive to create visual and
acoustic serenity—using natural material & light with clean defining lines,
and acoustically mindful materials. There is so much that one can do within
these spaces, that there are times we feel that the opportunity Montessori Way
of education provides anyone can helps other schools (even though they may not
be with Montessori philosophy education) as well.
6.Practical
Life Integration
One
of the most distinctive features of Montessori design is how seamlessly
real-life activities are woven into the space. In many schools, children help
prepare snacks, water plants, sweep floors, and even do laundry. We design
child-accessible sinks, food prep stations, and storage that invites
participation.
This
hands-on work grounds children in reality. It builds life skills, confidence,
and a sense of contribution. Architecture here serves not just function but meaning.
7.Community
and Multi-age learning
Montessori
classrooms typically serve mixed-age groups, which encourages leadership and
collaboration. Therefore, as an architect, I have realized this allows us to
create zones, which caters to different kinds of interaction of children of
different age groups. These changes in the design of classrooms are more to
create micro-communities than grade-level as commonly seen in general primary
schools.
Therefore,
while Designing Montessori inspired spaces, we have to keep the Child in Mind. In
conventional architecture, the adult perspective dominates—tables, chairs,
lighting, and even traffic flow reflect adult priorities. Montessori challenges
that. It asks us to see the world at 3 feet tall. It invites us to slow down,
to create spaces that are beautiful, respectful, and alive with purpose.
Montessori
design is not just about aesthetics. It is a commitment to human development. In
addition, as an architect, I find that deeply inspiring. If we design well, the
environment will speak to the child: You are capable. You belong. You are
free to grow.
We at Atelier ARBO
love to design educational spaces and designing Montessori spaces are very
close to our heart. These spaces are not just about creating a space with
minimalist furniture and natural materials, its about crafting an environment
that supports a child’s independence, curiosity and love for learning. But what
works for a toddler won’t necessarily suit a six-year-old. So, we have invested
a lot of time into observing and learning from children and how they interact
with their surroundings. Here are some design ideas which works well and can be
adopted for designing children’s spaces.
A.Infants
(0 to 18 months): A world of Gentle Discovery
1.Freedom of
Movement
Montessori
spaces encourage floor time, so a soft mat floor with low height mirror is great
as an experiential item for children at this age.
2.Visual
Simplicity
Infants
are sensitive to sensory overload, so by using calm colours and natural
textures to create a peaceful atmosphere.
3.Low
Shelving
Low
height shelfs with material for children to play with makes it quite easy for
them to make the choice. This also allows them freedom to explore.
B.Toddlers
(18 months – 3 Years): A Stage for Independence
1.Child size
If all the furniture and equipment
can match up with the anthropometric size of children of this age bracket then
it makes the space more adaptable and accessible for them. This helps in
developing self-sufficiency and independence.
2.Practical
Life Areas
A water station, sweeping tools, or
a place for dressing up helps toddlers practice real-life skills.
3.Order and
Accessibility
Open shelves with clear ordered
organization and marking helps children to understand the order of the
surrounding space. The cognitive memory of the child is
C.Pre-Schoolers
(3-6 years): The sensitive period for learning
1.Prepared
Environment
The classroom at this age resembles
a small, curated world where everything has purpose. The same idea and
philosophy can be replicated at home to clearly define spaces for reading, art,
and hands-on work.
2.Beauty and
purpose
The overall aesthetics of the space
matters, so we prefer to use natural wood material which is lighter in shade,
coir, jute rugs, cushions, soft furnishings, elegant artwork and others to
create a meaningful and serene space. Every artwork selected also has purpose
as they are not very loud and, on the face, rather are very elegant art which
shares story, colour, pattern and idea.
3.Objects at
Eye level
As the power of observation and
absorption by a child a=in this bracket is immense we can only harness this by
creating appropriate shelfs or spaces which keeps items of interests at there
eye level. This makes it just appropriate for them to get attract to the
material and begin self-exploration.
I guess the major intent is not to
create distraction and calm spaces which has meaning and purpose for the users.
This is where a prepared environment designed by a loving architect and a
Montessori teacher comes together.
D.Early
Elementary (6 -9 Years): A space for Exploration & Big Ideas
1.Flexible
Work zones
At this stage, children need spaces
to dive into deeper projects- whether ir’s writing, building or science
experiments. We suggest including a large working table, with shelves and
categorized materials will help. Also, there should be enough space to display
items.
2.Autonomy
and collaboration
At this age children begin to
collaborate more, so we try to design spaces which allows them to work together
in large groups or as spaces which are convenient enough for them to work
individually. The trick to avoid dead spaces and also to avoid any un-necessary
distraction.
3.Connection
to Nature
Any space can do with some amount
of plants which work well indoors. These are quite essential for children at
this age as well. They do create the right balance between indoor space and
outdoor.
4.Accessible
Items
Keeping supplies, like paper,
scissors, magnifying glasses, or maps within reach in a properly organized
space helps children to use them and also to place them back in the correct
location.
With
our experience we have learnt that the best way to Design a Montessori space we
need to “follow the child”. Whether we are designing for an infant or an
eight-year-old child, we need to specifically observe their needs and
interests. We are very invested into creating spaces which will support their
needs and not in a controlling way and makes the flow of movement easy for
them. And their growth. At Atelier ARBO , we design with this deep respect for
children’s development, combining beautiful materials with purposeful function,
because when a space is truly prepared, the child can flourish.
Do write your thoughts at atelierarbo.india@gmail.com
Designing a Montessori classroom is more than just arranging desks and putting up educational posters with Montessori Material. It’s about creating an environment that helps children to navigate through the environment independently with a supporting adult (the teacher) in the class. Whether you are a parent setting up a Montessori-inspired space at home or an educator preparing a classroom, understanding the essential elements and layouts of Montessori philosophy is essential.
Understanding the Montessori Philosophy
The Montessori approach, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, emphasizes child-led learning within a carefully prepared environment. In a Montessori classroom, children choose their activities from a range of developmentally appropriate options, learn through hands-on experiences, and move freely within the space. The environment is crucial—it's often referred to as the “prepared environment”
Essential Elements of a Montessori Classroom
1. Child-Centered Design
Furniture and materials must be sized appropriately for children. Shelves, tables, chairs, and even sinks should be accessible to all them easy use and exploration. This empowers children to engage with their environment independently without any assistance from an adult.
2. Prepared Environment
Every object in the classroom serves a purpose and has a specific place. The space is calm, orderly, and beautiful—designed to promote focus and intrinsic motivation. The teacher’s role is to observe and guide, not to direct.
3. Hands-On Learning Materials
Montessori materials are often made of natural materials like wood and designed for self-correction. They include practical life tools (e.g., pouring pitchers, button frames), sensorial materials (e.g., pink tower, sound cylinders), and academic tools for math, language, and science.
4. Freedom Within Limits
Children are free to choose their work, but within clear boundaries. These boundaries are defined by the layout of the classroom, the availability of materials, and the ground rules established for respectful behavior.
5. Mixed Age Groups
Montessori classrooms typically span three-year age ranges (e.g., ages 3–6, 6–9). This encourages peer learning, mentoring, and a sense of community.
Designing the Layout: Room Zones and Flow
A well-designed Montessori classroom is open, uncluttered, and segmented into different learning areas:
1. Practical Life Area
This area develops motor skills, independence, and concentration. Materials include items for pouring, sweeping, buttoning, food preparation, and more. Place it near a sink or kitchen area if possible.
2. Sensorial Area
Sensorial materials refine a child's senses and prepare them for more complex learning. Keep this area quiet and organized with ample floor space for layout work.
3. Mathematics Area
Include Montessori-specific math materials like number rods, golden beads, and bead chains. Organize these materials sequentially, from concrete to abstract.
4. Language Area
This area includes sandpaper letters, moveable alphabets, books, and writing materials. Create a cozy reading corner with floor cushions and shelves displaying books forward facing.
5. Cultural Area
This space introduces geography, science, art, and history. You can include globes, maps, nature specimens, musical instruments, and art supplies.
6. Peace Corner
A quiet corner with a soft mat, calming objects, or peace tools gives children a space to self-regulate and reflect.
Tips for Implementation
Less is more: Avoid clutter. Display fewer materials to maintain order and minimize overstimulation.
Rotate materials: Keep things fresh by rotating materials based on children's interests and developmental readiness.
Observe and adapt: Watch how children interact with the space and adjust accordingly to meet their needs.
Include natural elements: Plants, wood furniture, and natural light help create a warm, grounded environment.
Encourage responsibility: Teach children to care for their classroom—watering plants, cleaning up spills, and returning materials to their proper place.
Final Thoughts
A Montessori classroom is a dynamic, living space that grows with its students. By thoughtfully arranging the environment and choosing the right materials, you’re not just creating a room—you’re cultivating a space where children can thrive, explore, and become independent learners. Whether at home or in a school setting, the Montessori approach to design invites children to discover their potential in a respectful and nurturing way.
