The Montessori learning tower, from A to Z

What is a learning tower?

A learning tower is a small enclosed step stool: the child climbs up one or two steps and ends up standing on a platform, surrounded by a frame that holds them. This way they reach the counter, the sink or the workbench — at adult height, but without the risk of a plain chair.

Its value isn't only practical. By giving the child independent access to daily life, it turns ordinary moments — preparing a meal, washing their hands, helping with the dishes — into chances to learn, to imitate and to do things « like the grown-ups ».

At what age — and until when?

The right moment is as soon as the child stands up on their own and starts wanting to see what's happening up high. Rather than watching them climb onto a chair, the tower gives them access designed for them, at your height.

After that it stays useful for a long time. As long as the child needs a little boost to reach an adult's height, the tower remains useful — often until around 5 or 6 years, before ending up as an occasional step stool. It's an object you keep.

Why it's so « Montessori »

The Montessori approach rests on a simple idea: « help me to do it myself ». To that end, you bring the environment to the child's height, give them access to the real gestures of everyday life, and let them take part at their own pace.

The learning tower is one of the objects that best embodies this principle at home. It doesn't replace the adult: it puts the child alongside them, an actor rather than a spectator. Pouring, mixing, rinsing, transferring: so many little missions that build confidence and fine motor skills.

Safety: the points to check

This is criterion no. 1. Before buying a learning tower (from us or elsewhere), look at :

• Stability — a wide base and a low centre of gravity, so it doesn't tip over when the child moves.
• Support — a frame or rail that surrounds the child on the sides and at the back, not just a board set up high.
• The finish — softened edges, gentle surfaces, and a healthy wood treatment (without harmful solvents).
• The sturdiness of the assembly — a build that doesn't loosen with use.

Elysta towers are designed with these requirements in mind: stable base, supporting frame, rounded edges and water-based varnish. They assemble without nails or screws, with tenons and keys, to stay sturdy over time.

The wood: why birch

All our towers are made of birch plywood — a birch plywood made up of fine cross-laminated layers. That's no accident : it's a light, dense and very stable wood, which barely warps, withstands daily use and offers clean edges, pleasant to the touch once rounded.

We finish it with a water-based varnish, designed for little hands. The result: a healthy, bright and robust object that ages well.

The figures of the Elysta tower

All our towers share the same dimensions and the same design. Important point: the platform is adjustable to 2 positions, to follow the child's growth.

The 4 Elysta towers, compared

Our towers are part of the world of Ely's Adventures. Same design, same price, same safety — what changes is the character and the finishes. It's up to you (and the child) to choose their companion.

Need to equip two children? A twin kit lets you welcome them side by side on the same tower.

Finishes & personalisation

Each tower comes in several finishes from the Elysta range: natural wood, and soft shades that vary by model. You can also add a personalised first-name engraving — enough to turn a useful object into a memorable gift, for a birth or a birthday.

Made in Belgium, in our workshop

Our towers aren't resold imports: they are designed and made in our workshop in Andenne (Coutisse), in Wallonia. We choose the wood, cut, assemble and finish on site — the same hands, from design to delivery.

They are delivered as a flat-pack kit, to assemble without nails or screws. Delivery in Belgium and France.

Frequently asked questions