Dollhouse Frequently
Asked Questions
Q: Which scale of dollhouse miniature should I
choose?
A: Scale is defined as the ratio between
a full-size object and its miniature-sized version. Many scales of dollhouse
miniatures are available. The most common size of traditional dollhouse
miniatures in the United States is 1:12 scale, also called one inch scale. This
means for every inch a dollhouse miniature measures is equal to one foot in its
full-size version. Other common dollhouse scales included 1:24 scale (or
half-inch scale), 1:48 scale (or quarter-inch scale) and 1:144 scale. For
consistency in proportion throughout your dollhouse, it’s important to make
sure your dollhouse miniatures are the same scale.
Q: Will traditional 1:12 scale dollhouse miniatures
work in my Barbie dream house?
A: 1:12 scale
miniatures are designed for the traditional dollhouse. Barbie Doll furniture
and accessories 1:6 scale (also known as playscale) which is larger than
traditional dollhouse furniture and accessories. For example, Barbie measures
approximately 11 1/2” in height. If you were to put Barbie in a 1:12 scale
furnished dollhouse, she would be the equivalent of an 11 foot-6 inch tall
woman!
Q: Why build a dollhouse?
A: Often thought
of as a toy exclusively for little girls, dollhouse design and building is
anything but limited to small children! Many adults enjoy this pastime known as
the ultimate crafting and design experience. The dollhouse hobby has been
around since the 16th century when it was common for wealthy
citizens to commission craftsmen to build custom dollhouses and miniature
furniture.
Interior
design is at the heart of every dollhouse project and gives its builders a
creative outlet to use their design skills to build and decorate a model scale
home without the need to take out a second mortgage. Adding the finishing
touches to your dollhouse including solid walnut and mahogany miniature furnishings
and detailed miniature accessories including tiny books, kitchen utensils and
vases make the dollhouse project even that much more rewarding!
Q: Where do I start if I want to
build a dollhouse?
A: There are
many options for building a dollhouse display. Some miniaturists enjoy the
challenge of constructing a house on a miniature scale, while others enjoy the
pastime of creating miniature room boxes or displays such as miniature stores, miniature
post offices, miniature villages, etc. The creative options for miniatures are
almost endless!
Our
suggestion is that you carefully plan what you would like to build before you
ever pick up a hammer of bottle of glue. Clarify on paper what you want your
dollhouse or room box to look like, what scale of furnishings and accessories
you would like to use as well as the budget you would like to work within.
More experienced
crafters and carpenters may enjoy the challenge of building a dollhouse from
scratch using dollhouse plans. If you are new to the hobby or aren’t confident
about building a dollhouse from scratch, consider using a dollhouse kit. A
dollhouse kit will come with all pieces pre-cut (shingles and trim, siding,
post and rails, stairs) as well as some pieces that are preassembled including
windows, doors and shutters.
Most
importantly, have fun with your project! Designing and building a dollhouse can
be a fun and rewarding experience.
Q: At what age is my child old enough to play with a dollhouse?
A: Children should be at least 3 years of age before playing with a traditional dollhouse. Dollhouses often contain many small parts and can be a choking hazard for young children. Small children should never be left unsupervised around dollhouse miniatures.
