Sensory Table

Last week I decided to build a sensory table.  The husband had been aching for a train table, but I wanted a light table, so I compromised.

We had a hollow core door that had been sitting around for months.  It had been a desk for the husband (laid across two filing cabinets) but he upgraded to an actual desk. I kept trying to think of ways to recycle it...maybe an art station or a chalkboard?  An idea came to me....

Inset sensory bins on the left, train table in the middle, light panel on the right, toy storage underneath. 

I plunge cut the holes for the light panel and sensory bins.  I just cut through the top layer of the door, then cut out the ribbing inside.  I attached corner molding for the plexi to sit on. I used rope light because it was affordable, safe, and easy.  I've seen others use florescent lights, but I thought it would be too bright.  The florescent lights give a better glow then the rope light, but I think the rope light works just fine. I covered the lights with some clear plexi backed with a frosted shelf liner to diffuse the light.  You could use white plexi, but you need to buy it from a specialty shop.  The big box stores don't carry it. I painted the table with white latex enamel- very easy to clean.  I found the bins at Walmart. They come in different heights and widths. I took Rea with me to see what height would work best for her.  I drilled holes in the storage bins and attached them with zip ties, and used Velcro to attach the table top to the bins. I also caulked around the plexi to make it water proof. 

This cost $150.  It adds up quick! I only meant to spend $30 because I already had the door and an old coffee table base (but we really needed the extra storage, so I bought storage bins).  The bins alone cost $70. Paint $10, lights $20, plexi $10.  Hollow core doors are $25 for a 2'x7' door and they go up from there. 

Sensory bins...colored pasta with foam numbers and green rice with safari animals and scoops. 

Light panel with Easter grass and a plastic egg on top. 

Geo Trax Train.

Storage bins.  I'm going to put pictures of what goes in each bin on the front.

Playing with the sensory bins!

Having fun on the light panel!