A climbing triangle with a table and drawing board is a Montessori-inspired climbing frame that folds, without tools, into a kids' table or a chalk and whiteboard surface. That gives you three functions in a single piece of furniture, in a children's room where every square metre already counts. Using the Luula NABU climbing set as an example, we'll look at which age it suits, what to check for material and safety, and how it differs from a classic Pikler triangle.
The essentials at a glance
- The Luula NABU set combines a climbing triangle, a table and a chalk/whiteboard surface in one foldable piece of furniture made from 15 mm Baltic birch plywood.
- Manufacturer-rated for children aged 1 to 10 – how much of that range your own child actually uses depends heavily on their developmental stage.
- Meets EN 71-1:2014 + A1:2018 and the US CPSIA safety standard, according to the manufacturer.
- Weighs around 12 kg, packs down to 117 × 45 × 7 cm, and is made in Latvia.
- Price: 291.99 € – at the higher end compared with classic Pikler triangles, but with two extra functions built in.
Contents
- What is a climbing triangle with a table and drawing board?
- What age is the NABU set suitable for?
- The three functions in detail
- Comparison: NABU and classic Pikler triangles
- Material and safety
- Space, setup and where to place it
- Buying checklist
- Alternatives and add-ons
- Frequently asked questions
What is a climbing triangle with a table and drawing board?
The Pikler triangle, named after Hungarian paediatrician Emmi Pikler, has been a staple of Montessori-style children's rooms for years: a simple climbing frame that lets children pull themselves up, balance and climb back down at their own pace. The Luula NABU set builds on that same idea, but takes it further. Instead of climbing only, the frame folds down into a low kids' table with a seat – and the tabletop itself is a chalk-friendly, wipeable surface for drawing.
For families who would rather not buy a separate climbing frame, play table and chalkboard, that's the real appeal of a 3-in-1 concept like this. According to the manufacturer, the set is made up of climbing rungs, table segments and steps that can be arranged into seating areas or shelves, and the whole thing folds flat for storage and transport.
What age is the NABU set suitable for?
The manufacturer states an age range of 1 to 10 years – considerably wider than most pure climbing triangles, which tend to be outgrown by around 5 to 7 years. That's because the table and drawing-board functions stay useful well beyond the climbing years: while a one-year-old might only use the frame flat and under supervision to pull themselves up, a school-age child is more likely to sit at the table and draw or do homework on the board.
For the climbing rungs themselves, the same basic rule applies as for any Pikler triangle: your child should already be standing confidently and pulling up on furniture before actively using the rungs. In the flat or lowest setting, younger children can get their first climbing experience under supervision; the full height tends to suit children from around 2 years. Watch your own child's abilities rather than relying on the age printed on the box.
The three functions in detail
The base frame consists of climbing rungs that work much like a classic Pikler triangle. The set also includes table segments and steps that, according to the manufacturer, can be rearranged into seating areas or shelves. An optional climbing ramp attachment adds an extra climbing and sliding surface – useful once your child wants more of a challenge.
The tabletop is the real stand-out feature: it can be written on with wipeable markers like a whiteboard, or drawn on with chalk. For a child who's just discovering drawing, that replaces a separate chalkboard – worth knowing, though, that chalk and markers themselves aren't included, so look for child-safe, non-toxic materials when you buy them separately.
The foldable design is the fourth, often underrated advantage: when there's no visiting children around or the room is needed for something else, the set folds down and stores away without taking up much space.
Comparison: NABU and classic Pikler triangles
How does the Luula NABU set compare with a classic Pikler triangle from our range? The table below lines up the key facts:
| Model | Price | Material | Recommended age | Stand-out feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luula NABU climbing set / table / drawing board | 291.99 € | Baltic birch plywood, 15 mm, opal white laminate | 1–10 years | Table and chalkboard function, foldable |
| Sweet HOME from Wood Climbing Triangle with Ramp | 254.99 € | Baltic birch plywood, 1.2 cm | 1–6 years | Three climbing angles, ramp included, max. 50 kg load |
| BusyKids Pikler Triangle with Two-Sided Slide and Climbing Board | from 129 € | Birch plywood, non-toxic child-safe lacquer | from 1 year | Two-sided board (slide and climbing ramp), triangle carries up to 80 kg |
The NABU set is the most expensive of the three, but it also covers the most functions: if you'd otherwise buy a separate kids' table and a chalkboard, the 3-in-1 concept may even work out cheaper overall. If you're mainly after a pure climbing element and already have a table or chalkboard in the room, a classic Pikler triangle is often the better-value choice. For more background on the classic models, see our Pikler triangle buying guide.
Material and safety
The NABU set is made from certified Baltic birch plywood, 15 mm thick, with a smooth opal white laminate finish and naturally oiled edges. That combination makes for a sturdy construction that, at around 12 kg, is still light enough for an adult to reposition.
According to the manufacturer, the set meets EN 71-1:2014 + A1:2018 and the US CPSIA safety standard. For sale within the EU, products also need the CE mark under the EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, which Austria's Wirtschaftskammer names as the binding basis for toys sold in Austria.
Before each use, check that all folding joints are fully locked into place before your child climbs. A climbing triangle – with or without a table function – is never a substitute for supervision. Stay nearby, especially in the first few weeks, place a non-slip, soft mat underneath the frame, and keep it away from radiators, windowsills or sharp-edged furniture.
Space, setup and where to place it
Folded down, the package measures 117 × 45 × 7 cm according to the manufacturer – small enough to slide behind a sofa or wardrobe. How much floor space the set needs when unfolded depends on the configuration you choose, so measure the free area in your child's room first, ideally marked out on the floor with painter's tape, before deciding where to put it.
Choose a clear stretch of wall with a little extra clearance, so your child doesn't bump their head while climbing or leaning back. Avoid placing it right next to stairs, windows without child locks, radiators or glass-topped tables. Because the set folds flat without tools, you can also move it out of the way quickly whenever the room is needed for something else.
Buying checklist: climbing triangle with table and drawing board
- CE mark and standards listed: toys cannot legally be sold in the EU without the CE mark.
- Developmental stage over age number: go by whether your child already stands and climbs confidently, not just the age printed on the box.
- Surface and edges checked: smoothly finished, no splinters, oiled or rounded edges.
- Space measured: compare the packed size and the unfolded footprint against your child's room.
- Weight realistically assessed: around 12 kg is manageable to reposition but not light for small hands.
- Do you actually need the table and board functions: if you already own a kids' table, a cheaper pure climbing triangle might suit you better.
- Placement planned: clearance from stairs, windows and sharp furniture edges, plus a non-slip mat underneath.
Alternatives and add-ons
If you mainly want a pure climbing element and already have a table and chalkboard in the room, the BusyKids Pikler Triangle with Two-Sided Slide and Climbing Board (from 129 €) is a more affordable alternative with a slide built in. To expand the movement corner around the NABU set, a set of low balance beams lets you build small balance-beam courses.
If you're already thinking about Christmas gifts this year: a piece of furniture like the NABU set can be assembled in advance and only "unveiled" in the child's room on the day itself – easier than wrapping a bulky box.
Frequently asked questions
What age is the Luula NABU set suitable for?
The manufacturer states a range of 1 to 10 years. How much your child actually uses depends on their developmental stage: younger children climb in the lowest setting under supervision, while older children are more likely to use the table and drawing-board functions.
Is the drawing board safe for young children?
The surface itself is a wipeable, chalk-friendly board. Chalk and markers aren't included, so choose child-safe, clearly labelled non-toxic materials when buying them separately, and supervise younger children while they draw.
How much space does the set need when unfolded?
The manufacturer doesn't give exact unfolded dimensions, only the folded package size of 117 × 45 × 7 cm. It's best to measure the free floor area in your child's room before deciding where to place it.
Can the NABU set be extended with a slide or ramp?
According to the product description, a climbing ramp is designed as an add-on. Check in the shop before buying whether the ramp is included or available separately.
How is NABU different from a classic Pikler triangle?
A classic Pikler triangle is for climbing only. The NABU set builds on the same basic idea but adds a table and chalkboard function, and can be rearranged into seating areas or shelves – which is also why it costs more than a pure climbing triangle.
Do I need to supervise my child while climbing?
Yes. A climbing triangle with a table and drawing board is never a substitute for supervision. Stay close by, especially in the first few weeks, and place a non-slip, soft mat underneath the set.
Wondering whether the Luula NABU climbing set / table / drawing board fits your child's room? It's particularly suited to families who want a single piece of furniture for climbing, sitting and drawing. You'll find more climbing and balance equipment in our Climbing and Balance collection.