In the summer of 2020, I built a dollhouse for Harper using the Vermont Farmhouse Jr. kit (get in on amazon, here). I then painted the entire house and installed wallpaper.
I like dollhouses in the traditional 1:12 scale – most dollhouse furniture is made for that scale and it’s the perfect size for kids over the smaller scale or something much larger like a Barbie house (though I know those are popular too!)
The reason I really wanted to build a dollhouse from a kit versus purchasing one already assembled, like some of the options I’m sharing today, is because in 7th grade, I had a dollhouse like this and it was so special to see it come together. I loved playing with it, decorating it and making furniture and clothes for the dolls. Dollhouses like this are heirloom pieces that are meant to be passed down in the family and I can only hope it will be cherished for decades to come. I also love all of the traditional details and elements of these dollhouses – like the shingled roof, trim pieces, etc.
I remember first opening the dollhouse kit box and feeling totally overwhelmed – in fact, I closed it right back up and gave myself a few weeks to prepare mentally for the build because I knew it was a big commitment. You have to build it in stages and it takes a lot of patience (which I most certainly do not have, lol!) It was SO worth it though – I absolutely love how it turned out and H loves to play with it.
While I’m thrilled I built this dollhouse for H, I understand a project like this is not everyone’s cup of tea or that it’s not doable since it’s such a time commitment. I built it during the early part of the pandemic, so we didn’t have much going on and were home all the time – it made sense! That’s why I wanted to share some options today that are already built, painted and ready for play! Any of these would make cherished and lovely holiday gift for your child.
Scroll down to see my dollhouse gift guide and shop the different styles! Some of my favorite places to shop for dollhouse furniture are:
Etsy
Minimum World
Shapeways
Hobby Lobby (there is a section in-store)
Life in a Dollhouse (has the best stuff!)
The Little Dollhouse Company
Shop of Miniatures
SHOP DOLLHOUSE ITEMS WE LOVE ON ETSY:
During our recent in-home session with Erin Nickolas, she was able to capture some images of H with her dollhouse that I’ll forever cherish. H’s dress is by Cuteheads and you can shop this room, here.
If you’re looking for a dollhouse for your child, here are some of my top picks – both kits and already assembled!
SHOP DOLLHOUSES:
I hope you enjoyed this post! If you’d like to see more about my dollhouse build, please visit this saved highlight on my Instagram page.
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I’ve been waiting for this post! I don’t have a daughter, but I always thought it was incredibly special that you built this as such a labor of love for Harper! My grandmother had a display dollhouse that was log-cabin themed and I could look at it for hours and hours. Thanks for sharing!!
I love the dollhouse! I got one from Target for my grandkids & I will use some of your ideas to decorate it for them! Also, I love the name Harper, its my oldest g-daughters name!
Question, where did you get the tree in the front yard of your daughters doll house? I have searched everywhere for a tree like that for my girls, thank you in advanced!
I believe from a local dollhouse store or possibly from Hobby Lobby
Where is the section of the left side of the house from? It’s so beautiful!
Real Good Toys carries it!
Soooo adorable! I’m currently redoing my old dollhouse for my daughter. Do you happen to know the name of the exterior paint colors you used? I love the combination. Also did u stain the shingles?
I didn’t stain the shingles. White paint is just SW extra white and blue is farrow and ball lulworth blue color matched at SW! 🙂
could I see what the interior looks like for the main dollhouse and side add on?
I know this post is a bit older, but could you tell me what the paint color is for her walls? I love the whole aesthetic of everything in her room!