How to Make a Miniature Doll House

Many children enjoy playing with a miniature doll house and one that has been created by hand can be extra special. Some people have been known to keep their handcrafted miniature doll house to hand down to their children and their grandchildren, as it represents something that is very special to them. Miniature doll houses can be a very simple design, very decorative or very intricate. For little children, it is probably best to start off with something that is fairly simple. You can always add character to it as the child grows. For the purpose of this how-to article, we will build a simple miniature doll house.

Step 1 - Toy or a Collector’s Item?

Will your miniature doll house be used as a toy for a young child or for an older child? Will it be used as a decorative item? The decision that you make here will be important for the type of doll house that you will want to make.

Step 2 - What Size and Shape?

Miniature doll houses are usually made approximately 1/12 of regular size (1 inch per foot). Will the doll house be one-story or two-stories? Do you want rooms or will it be an open-concept doll house? If you are creating this from scratch, you will need to draw out a detailed pattern to scale. This is what you will follow when you create the house so it will need to have every detail documented. Make sure to note the location and the dimensions of all the windows, doors and rooms. The type of roof and the size will also need to be documented. If this is your first doll house, it may be best to start with a pre-designed pattern that has all this information already figured out for you.

Step 3 - Gather Together All Your Supplies

Gather together everything that you will need to make the doll house. It is easier and faster to work on a project if you have everything handy in one location. Make sure that you have bought everything that you will need before you get started.

Step 4 - Making the Doll House

Cut each piece of wood using a circular saw, to the size that is indicated on the blueprint that you are using. Mark the location and draw the pattern on the wood for the windows and doors, then cut them out. This can be done by drilling holes into the corners of the window and door positions, and then use a keyhole saw to cut them out completely.

Sand all the edges of the pieces of wood, including the inside of the window and door frames, until they are smooth and splinter free. Take the pieces of plywood that you cut for the walls and join them together using wood glue and nails. Attach the roof to the building. Then sand any more locations where sanding may be needed.

Step 5 - Finishing Touches

Paint the doll house the color or colors that you have chosen. Add the accessories and it is ready to play with or to display.