When many of us are kids, we may have dollhouses we’d play with from time to time. They may be part of a set or homemade. Yet most will come with a family along with all kinds of furniture and accessories which are sometimes sold separately. However, while dollhouses have primarily been a domain for children, their collection and crafting can also be a hobby for many adults. Think Lester Freamon in The Wire who likes making dollhouse furniture. Nonetheless, today’s dollhouses trace their history back 400 years to the European baby house display cases that showed idealized interiors, which first appeared in the 16th century. These displays mostly consisted of cabinet display cases consisting of individual rooms. Yet, unlike most dollhouses you’d find at Wal Mart today, these were handmade with architectural details and filled with miniature household items that weren’t made to a uniform scale even within an individual house. These were solely made for adults. And no, the reasons had nothing to do with safety concerns since child labor was rampant back then. But more because these early dollhouses were often status symbols of rich people who could afford them in England, Germany, and the Netherlands. Not to mention, they often cost as much as a house. Smaller houses with more realistic exteriors appeared in Europe during the 18th century. As you’d expect, early dollhouses were all handmade until the Industrial Revolution when they began mass producing toys. Of course, while many of us played with dollhouses as kids, the miniatures I will show on this post are more the work of adult hobbyists. So enjoy for your reading pleasure.
You’d be pressed not to peek into the Palace of Versailles.
Okay, it’s a miniature display. But the detail is quite extraordinary.
2. Perhaps you might want to look in the pantry.
Looks much cleaner than a typical pantry. Yet, contains all the provisions your heat desires.
3. How about we kick back and relax in the music room?
This room even includes a large painting of a woman in a purple dress within a gold frame. Also includes a piano in the corner.
4. Best to put your bookshelves above your bathroom door.
Well, it seems more like an old-fashioned set up. Even includes a spitoon in the corner.
5. Treat yourself to some fine dining.
You’d even see a chandelier on the ceiling. Not sure if it really lights up. Also, love the miniature china.
6. A blue room should always come with considerable taste.
The furniture even matches the wallpaper. Includes painting and a gold chandelier that really lights up.
7. A floral divider always brightens a room.
The dividing wall even contains a bookshelf. Love the windows and chair.
8. Sometimes a small one room trailer is all you need.
This is more of a colorful display you’d find in a Wes Anderson movie. Still, it’s quite quaint.
9. Anyone would want to have this gorgeous kitchen.
This one has pots and pans dangling at the ceiling. Yet, you won’t find a dishwasher, sink, or refrigerator here.
10. This print shop seems quite busy.
You’d almost think Benjamin Franklin would work in such a place. Though there doesn’t seem to be a printing press in sight.
11. Sometimes it helps if the wallpaper matches the floor.
Consists of 2 striped chairs with a painting and chest of drawers between them. The chairs even match the lamps as well.
12. This bakeshop is open for business.
Includes a staircase with open air dining. Tables even have flowers on them.
13. Perhaps a more modern style may suit you.
As you can see, most of these dollhouse styles seem to date before the 1920s. Though this one has zebra rug and antique bust.
14. In a palace, you’ll find plenty of rooms with outrageous extravagance.
I’m sure this room is part of a palace. Includes a chandelier and other lavish decorations.
15. A garden can always bring beauty into a sitting room.
Seems like someone’s having a tea party in here. Yet, the pug has to grab a present.
16. I guess important business is conducted in this palace room.
Apparently, it’s quite gilded from ceiling to floor. Though you’d find fruit on the central table.
17. A white living room doesn’t need to be plain.
This room has a lot of fancy decorations. Guess this was in some lavish mansion.
18. Nobody has been to this laundromat for quite some time.
Seems like this place was built in the 1960s from what I could tell from the furniture. And the machines are all defunct.
19. We all need to relax in a calm room from time to time.
Seems like almost everything in here had to match the china. Though the chaise lounge seems quite comfy.
20. This swanky diner is always a happening place.
Indeed, this place seems straight from the 1950s. And yes, it’s made from a metal box.
21. A sultan would love to have a room like this.
This one has nice pillow seats around the table. Hope the wall is tiled with real mosaic, too.
22. The furniture must always match the wallpaper.
This one even has the curtains match as well. Got to love the pillows though.
23. A lavish throne room is always fit for a king.
This is part of a palace. Indeed, it’s quite lavish. Though I’m not sure about the color.
24. You’ll find all kinds of trinkets in this white room.
I guess the trees are photos for the background. Yet, you have to admire those Greek columns.
25. A Grecian living room should always carry a marble statue.
It’s even lit by a small chandelier. Still, got to love the fireplace.
26. Perhaps you want to lie on a flowery bed.
The floral wallpaper is pretty. Not sure how I feel about the covers.
27. You might prefer to lounge around in a more modern home.
You can see the living room on the bottom floor. And you can peek in the bedroom at the top.
28. You can’t go wrong with blue walls and white furniture.
Well, a couple of chairs aren’t white. But they go well with the white fireplace and shelf.
29. Every girl has to sleep in a pink bedroom once in awhile.
This room is in a little case. And yes, it has pink wallpaper and shelves.
30. Wonder what dresses are in store in this room.
After all, this room has plenty of dress pictures. So it’s not hard to assume it’s a dressing room.
31. A Christmas tree should always brighten a room around the holidays.
This one even includes candles which is a critical fire hazard. Though this display is supposed to reflect the 18th century.
32. You should do your laundry in this room.
Since the whole laundry room is in a bottle of detergent. Still, got to love the clothesline.
33. Got to put some wood in the stove.
This is an old-fashioned stove with copper crockery. Thank God, we have electric.
34. A desk should have as many of compartments as you desire.
This one keeps books and papers inside the top shelves. Though the green color isn’t for me.
35. A bathroom should have a modern touch.
Sure it only has red walls and a mosaic floor. But are posters necessary?
36. A design studio should have plenty of light.
This one has rather simple and wide windows. Though seems like a great place for crafts.
37. Perhaps you’d like a room with some Asian flair.
Consists of pillow seats and a low table. Yet, they also match the red cushioned sofa.
38. A white bedroom always looks clean.
Includes a shelf for white and floral blankets. Love the flowers though.
39. Any little girl would love a bedroom like this.
Has floral wallpaper and dolls on the bed. Also, you’ll find some on a shelf.
40. A 21st century kitchen should have some modern flair.
This one has a checkered floor with flowers on the tables. Includes a sleek new fridge, too.
41. Feel free to take the tea you want.
And it seems to be quite a tea party. Judging by how many teapots there are in this dining room.
42. An opulent couch can never have too many cushions.
Indeed, all these pillows come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns. Love the drapes.
43. Perhaps you’d want to sit back to a roaring fire in this rustic cabin.
I bet a fire is fake. Yet, the room seems to have a rather cozy atmosphere.
44. You can spend hours in this cozy living room.
Has a bookshelf beside the couch. While the coffee table contains cacti and a starfish.
45. Seems like there’s a special occasion going on.
This room is in a modern design. Love the fancy Chinese dragon rug.
46. When greeting guests, always make a grand entrance.
Contains a fancy green door with a fancy green ceiling. Oh, and there’s some gold railing.
47. A bathtub should always match the wallpaper.
Looks like an old bathroom given the bowl and pitcher. Yet, there doesn’t seem to be a toilet.
48. Blue cabinets will surely brighten a kitchen.
Even has a fireplace next to the stove. Though you’ll find plenty of blue and white dishes.
49. You’d swear the bed was attached to the wardrobe.
This seems like something you’d find in a Renaissance castle. Yet, the woodwork is quite ornate.
50. You’d swear that you’ve been transported into an old-timey garage.
The cars are definitely Volkswagens. And some will need tires replaced.
51. Hope your kitchen is well tiled.
This is a more old-fashioned kitchen with a wooden ice box in the background. Also, note the blue and white porcelain.
52. Doesn’t hurt to gild your living room if you can afford it.
Indeed, it’s quite an extravagant parlor with flora chairs. Even includes a famous painting or 2.
53. Want to hear a song in the music room?
You should look inside the piano. It’s quite an ornate work of art.
54. Perhaps you’d like a living room with an extravagant mural.
This mural features imagery from Greek mythology. Also includes exquisite gold columns to match.
55. A luxurious home should have luxurious furniture.
And I see this furniture set includes a bed for the dog. Not sure what to think about that.
56. A royal study should be fit for a king.
Includes a chandelier and a roll-top desk in gold trim. Even has gilded walls and mirror.
57. Sometimes simplicity is best.
Though this one hardly counts as simplicity. And yes, it has a fancy dog bed, too.
58. Guess this an empty theater long after the show is done.
Seems like it’s been abandoned. Yet, the light remains on for you to see the seats.
59. You’ll find whatever you need in this pantry.
Contains all kinds of food and preserves for all your desires. Though I don’t think I’d try the milk.
60. Sometimes a quality kitchen is a fancy kitchen.
This kitchen even contains paintings. Not sure if it belongs in a room where you cook food.
61. With high columns, your home can look like a palace.
Though I think they were actually going for the Roman palace look. And yes, there’s plenty of gild to go around.
62. You’ll have plenty of counter space in this sleek modern kitchen.
Includes an oven and plenty of shelving. Could easily see this in an IKEA catalog.
63. A pantry should have everything well stored.
You’ll find all sorts of things in here. Even a Canadian goose on the table.
64. The scullery will take care of your dirty dishes.
And I see there’s a washboard and tub on the other side. Definitely not a room I’d want to be in.
65. Hope you enjoy a walk down the halls.
And yes, there’s an ornate archway. But feel free to look at the pretty paintings.
66. A stately room should have fine lavender curtains.
Has a big chandelier with fine paintings. The chairs are rather ornate, too.
67. A grand entrance must always impress.
Gas 2 grand staircases coming down the middle. But take a peek at the paintings.
68. In a Tudor room, you always rely on the window light.
Don’t see a lot of furniture here. Yet, I do find a chandelier.
69. If you can’t have cabinets, curtains work just as well.
Counter is filled with food. Yet, you’d always come to a sunny kitchen with that kind of light from the windows.
70. You will always enjoy fine dining in a green room.
You have to admire the fine wooden furnishings. While the chandelier has candles to light up the room.
71. Perhaps you might prefer to dine in a large white room.
Wonder if this is a palace room. Since it sure looks like it. Though I do love the large painting.
72. A blue bedroom can always make you relax.
Has a nice mural on the ceiling to look at. Includes white furniture with blue drapes and cushions.
73. Care to dine in a fancy room?
Has a lot of wooden furniture with a white fireplace. Includes a table filled with culinary delights.
74. Enjoy a recital in this gilded music room.
Even the piano is gilt with gold. And it has a big chandelier from the ceiling.
75. Mirror walls make for a luxurious bathroom.
Has a lovely marble bathtub with sink. Not sure how I feel about the mirrors though.
76. A living room should always have a fine mix of wooden and floral furniture.
The floral couches have gold upholstery. While a large painting sits above the fireplace.
77. You’ll find plenty of tables in this hallway.
Well, it’s more of a social hall. Contains plenty of palm trees near the table areas.
78. At this apothecary, you’ll find a cure for whatever ails you.
Has plenty of jars and boxes in fine packaging. There’s even a witch’s picture near the window.
79. An Art Deco kitchen will always give what you need.
The cabinets are in black and white. While the ice box is in a separate room.
80. Get all the produce you want from this market stand.
You can see all the fruit and vegetables to your heart’s delight. Wonder what each item costs.
81. Sometimes all you need is a nice, cozy dining room.
Even has a couple of dogs sleeping off from the table. Also has a green fireplace and archway.
82. A quaint entrance always leaves room for flowers.
Sure it’s not extravagant. Yet, seems like a rather quaint front entrance you’d find almost anywhere.
83. Now I would definitely get myself ready in this dressing room.
Mostly because the walls and furniture are purple, which is my favorite color. Love this room.
84. “Grandma, what big teeth you have?”
This is a miniature rendition of Little Red Riding Hood. And yes, the wolf is up to no good here.
85. This living room is fit for any Renaissance man or woman.
Has high columns with a globe and harp. Even has a wooden ship model.
86. Guess this bedroom belongs to an artist type.
You can see a couple of paintings near the bed. And yes, it’s in a modern design.
87. A bright cyan bedroom will always lift one’s spirits.
Has a white bed inside. While the upholstery is in gold. Yes, lavish indeed.
88. Sometimes a simple kitchen is all you need.
You’d think this was an old kitchen. Until you see a small package of Ritz crackers.
89. You’ll find plenty of dishes in this cabinet.
The dishes consist of fine china and jugs. Perfect for any old American kitchen.
90. Care to take a holiday reservation?
This seems like a rather swanky restaurant or hotel. Still, love the Christmas tree in the next room.
91. Gold furniture never goes out of style.
Once again, the set includes a luxurious dog bed. Like the gold divider though.
92. Kick back and relax in this rustic bedroom.
Has a deer head aboce the bed. And plaid curtains on each side to match. Great for a weary traveler.
93. A fancy room should always have some fancy furniture.
The walls are quite elaborate with Greek columns and wide windows. Love the chandelier.
94. Perhaps a small house may suit your fancy.
Even has a piano outside for serenades. But where’s the bathroom and the kitchen?
95. Perhaps you might go for a fancy bathroom with an ornate sink.
Comes with a chandelier and a shelf above the tub. Has a stained glass window on the tub ceiling.
96. There’s nothing like a hard day in the garden.
Contains birdhouses and pots. Even includes a rusty wagon.
97. A lovely living room should always give way to large windows.
Has a floral mural above the fireplace. Nonetheless, the pets seem to enjoy this room.
98. Wooden walls always make for a fine dining room.
The woodwork on this dining room is amazing. Love the chairs, too.
99. Blue walls will always make a room more elegant.
Here the dog sits by the wicker chair and ottoman. Love the curtain on the right.
100. A dining room should always look its best to entice guests.
Here the table is all set up and surrounded by paintings. Guess it’s a state dinner at a palace.
2 responses to “The Dollhouse World of Miniatures”
The best compilation of beautiful rooms I have ever seen. And I think all rooms I have never seen. Quite the inspiration.
Just excellent, congratulations and thank you!
The Lone Girl in a Crowd 
The best compilation of beautiful rooms I have ever seen. And I think all rooms I have never seen. Quite the inspiration.
Just excellent, congratulations and thank you!
ABSOLUTELY EXQUISITE!!!!