Perfect Toddler Table – Convert an IKEA Table

Chopping the legs off a table is liberating.

We bought a typical IKEA kids table. Like all table sets out there, is was too high for our toddlers. $40 for the table and chairs. Then we went over to Michael Olaf to see what the measurements on the perfect Montessori table ($386) were.

Their table was 14″ high, and the chairs 7″ to the seat. We added a half inch because the chairs have low down bars.

Then we got to sawing. We used a mitre saw for the table and our jigsaw for the chairs because the chairs won’t fit on the mitre saw. Jigsaws don’t give the cleanest lines, but with a little sandpaper they turn out ok.

Then we sanded it…

And we were done! This set went into the kitchen for the new little eating area. Ero is 13 months now, can walk, and can bring food to his mouth most of the time. We moved Lou from the highchair to the little table when she was 15 months. Montessori types recommend doing this at around 8 months, and using an armed chair. They put the chair against the wall and push the table up to them while they eat so they don’t fall out. Some of them call it (ominous music here) The Weaning Table.

We put an old bath rug under the table since we use real glass for most meals. Also the rugs prevent the chairs from slipping all over. Which is why we put two rugs down under the chairs.

It’s pretty adorable watching them both eating together. And messy. But so was the high chair, so whatever. The kids love it. Lou has begun clearing her plate and Ero tries to mimic her. And by mimic I mean he walks towards the dishwasher with his bowl of oatmeal or yogurt and then thinks better of it and heads straight into the living room.

Here are the other tables we have converted into awesome:

The living room play area.

The table we chopped the legs off of for Lou’s birthday tea party, which worked great with pillows.

Good stuff.

So yes, chop ‘em off. Join the appropriately sized table revolution.

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