Whether you’re looking to update an older dollhouse, create an extra special gift for a loved one, or are interested in the challenge of building a dollhouse yourself, making a dollhouse is fun and can be addicting! From miniature rugs and chairs to tiny artwork, knowing where to find modern dollhouse furniture and high end dollhouse furniture can be a challenge. If you want to give your dollhouse a contemporary look, I’ve compiled a list of everything I used in mine.
The story behind the dollhouse
During Covid-19 in April 2020, I was getting a little stir crazy while staying at home. I knew I would have a little more time on my hands than normal and was inspired to create a dollhouse for my niece, Avery, who would be turning three in July. At first I searched for a preowned dollhouse to update, but I ended up finding an unopened dollhouse kit on Facebook Marketplace for a steal. I had never DIYed anything let alone built something, but figured I could give it a try and work on it in the garage while I watched the boys play outside.
I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. It literally came in pieces. Everything had to be glued together, including the walls that came in 3 inch strips! Now I know why that box from 1993 was unopened, ha! But, since we were going to be stuck at home anyways I figured why not give it a try. Luckily my dad had a bunch of tools to help put it together more efficiently but boy it was really tedious and tested my patience! I was able to work on it a little each week and completed it in just over two months, right in time to give it to my niece for her third birthday.
After I was done building it, it was time to decorate and furnish it. I was able to find a ton of sources for modern dollhouse furniture and decor and thought I would share them with you below. The craftsmanship and detail on these pieces are a work of art.
Modern dollhouse furniture and decor sources
Here are a few of my favorite dollhouse stores that I ordered miniature furniture and decor from for my niece’s dollhouse.
Exterior:
Dutch Front Door: Amazon
Brass door knob: Amazon
Urn Planters: Dollhouses and More LLC
Boxwood balls: created by using a small foam ball from Michaels and hot gluing faux boxwood to it.
Welcome Mat: Bits and Pieces by Pam
Lantern wall sconces: Shapeways // Paper Doll Miniatures
Wallpaper
Floral wallpaper, gingham check wallpaper, bead board, shiplap: Jessica Cloe Minis
Blue floral wallpaper in main bedroom: The Modern Dollhouse
Flooring
Light wood floors, hex tile, bathroom cement tile: Jessica Cloe Minis
All the floors were digital downloads that I printed onto cardstock and followed Jessica’s flooring tutorial.
Rugs
I bought this computer printer fabric and printed images of Caitlin Wilson rugs onto it.
Entryway
Chandelier: Shapeways // Paper Doll Miniatures
(this chandelier is a miniature version of then real one, as shown here)
Checkered floor: Dollhouses and More LLC
Console Table: The Modern Dollhouse
Large Mirror: Life in a Dollhouse
Kitchen:
Cabinets and Island: Amazon
Hood: Maggie Melinda Custom Miniatures
Lantern Pendants: Shapeways // Paper Doll Miniatures
Stools: Amazon
Charcuterie board: Lula Mae Miniatures
White flowers: The Modern Dollhouse
White Jars: Dollhouses and More LLC
Living Room / Dining Room:
Fireplace: My Tiny Nest Adventures
Blue and white planter with Lemon tree: Life in a Dollhouse
Blue and white striped sofa: Life in a Dollhouse
White coffee table: Life in a Dollhouse
Dining Table and Chairs: Hobby Lobby
High Chair: Factory Direct Craft
Chandelier: Shapeways // Paper Doll Miniatures
Main Bedroom
Fireplace: Mini Fun Times
Chandelier: Shapeways // Paper Doll Miniatures
Bed and Bedding Set: Life in a Dollhouse
Nightstands: The Modern Dollhouse
Dresser: The Modern Dollhouse
Vintage art: Dollhouses and More LLC
White sofa: Amazon
Round Pedestal Table: Factory Direct Craft
Laundry Room
Washer and Dryer: Factory Direct Craft
Bathroom
Bath tub: Miniature Crush
Sink: M for Miniatures
Mirror: The Modern Dollhouse
Toilet: Dollhouses and More LLC
Little Girl’s Bedroom
Girl’s Bed: My Tiny Nest Miniatures
Nightstand: Amazon
“A” Initial Art above Bed: My Tiny Nest Miniatures
Pom Baskets: Maroon Mama
Pink Chair: Life in a Dollhouse
Neutral Nursery
Crib: Dollhouses and More LLC
Giraffe Art: My Tiny Nest Miniatures
Rocking Horse: Factory Direct Craft
Teddy Bear: Boho Vibes Studio
xo, Kate
Laura
What brand was the kit?
Kate
LauraIt was the Dura-Craft Farmhouse “FH 505” Miniature House Kit from 1993 I think.
robyn fiore
Your dollhouse is stunning. So very Beautiful.
Kate
robyn fioreThank you Robyn! It was so fun to build!
Susan Canaday Henry
Lovely house. Dollhouses are definitely addictive, I bought 14 kits over lockdown and now have 12 assembled, rigged for electricity.My latest houses include two dollhouses I decorated based on the Hollywood homes of Gwyneth Paltrow and the other of Dita Von Teese. It’s a fantastic hobby.
Kate
Susan Canaday HenryWow that is amazing!!
Tony Roberts
Kate,
My hobby right now is building dolls houses from scratch using MDF BOARD. I have built about 28 now in the last 15 months. I am an old retired bloke who does this to keep his sanity and I also donate most of them to our local kindergartens in Cairns Queensland. Some people pay me to build something out of the ordinary which covers the cost of superglue and little hinges etc.
Adrienne
You did a lovely job with the decor and furnishings. Just curious, how are the pieces holding up to small child’s hands? I am thinking about going with more kid friendly (but less attractive) furniture for my daughter because I my concerns for durability.
Kate
AdrienneHi Adrienne,
Thank you for your message! I think it depends on the child. My niece is pretty careful so everything has held up great 🙂
Janet
AdrienneBeautiful house. I just retired and I’m excited to redo my farm dollhouse, that was done over 40 years ago from a $39.00 kit,purchased from Frank’s nursery. Thank you for sharing
Tony Roberts
My dolls houses are constructed from M.D.F.board. I use both superglue and a hot glue gun. I have now built about 37 during the last two years and I continue to donate them to the local kindergartens in the Cairns region.
Anna Saum
I am fixing up my childhood dollhouse for my daughter. I was looking for ideas and came across your blog and it is the same dollhouse!!! So fun to see what you did and get some inspiration.
McKenzi K
This is amazing! Was wondering if you would mind linking to the kitchen cabinets and island again? The links keeps giving me and error.
Stephanie Silk
Hi! I love this. The Amazon link to the kitchen cabinets is dead. Can you repost? Thanks!
kimie
this dollhouse is so cute. what brand and color paint did you use for the front door and kitchen island?