Making your dollhouse a work of art is not all about putting away miniature furniture; it's more about designing an entire miniature world that's full of character, warmth, and fun. Whether you’re a beginner or pro, the young and young at heart, with some very simple dollhouse decoration tips and tricks, even the most run-of-the-mill dollhouses can become work of art material.
From selecting the perfect color palette to incorporating sweet little details, a few thoughtful touches can animate your small space. If you're ready to give your dollhouse a mini-makeover, these easy tips will guide you into making a beautifully decorated room that looks like it's straight from a designer's portfolio; just on a much smaller scale!
Preparing your dollhouse for its makeover
Before you start decorating, make sure to prepare your dollhouse well. Begin by cleaning the dollhouse well; dust, grime, and old wallpaper can cause new paint and decorations to not adhere well.
If the doll house trimmings you are working on are very old, inspect them for any repairs you may need to make, such as loose panels or broken hinges. Smooth out rough edges to provide a smooth surface for painting and decorating.
Finding your perfect design style
Just as in actual houses, Real Good Toys is the only dollhouse manufacturer that offers a great selection of designs, sizes, price levels and room or porch additions for expansion. Perhaps you prefer some warm farmhouse decor or a want to create a fantasy fairy-tale. For inspiration, take a look at actual interior design magazines, Pinterest pages, or even your own residence. Building a mood board of colors, patterns, and textures will allow you to see your finished dollhouse in your mind before you begin decorating.
Theme suggestions to suit your taste
Picking a theme for small to large dollhouse kits for adults can simplify the decorating experience and be more enjoyable. Consider the following theme suggestions:
- Victorian Luxury – Delicate wallpaper, elegant furniture, and antique floral designs come to mind.
- Modern Minimalist – Clean lines, neutral colors, and minimalist furniture provide a modern aesthetic.
- Rustic Country – Wooden finishes, soft cotton, and comforting decor provide a warm glow.
- Bohemian Retreat – Blend-and-match prints, bright accents, and snuggle-up seating areas.
- Fairy-Tale Cottage – Delicate pastel shades, flowered prints, dollhouse stairs, and playful touches create a warm ambiance.
Selecting a theme makes it easier to have everything connected and look cohesive. After selecting a theme, you can begin shopping or making the ideal miniature decor items.
Selecting paint and primer for your dollhouse
A new coat of paint is one of the simplest ways to give an old dollhouse new life. Painting your dollhouse is perhaps the simplest way to change its appearance. Before you begin, be sure to select the proper paint. Many feel a quality primer makes paint stick better and provides a smooth finish, but we just find it an unnecessary cost. We simply replace the primer coat with a first coat of the actual paint color we’ve chosen for that area. We always use semi-gloss latex interior paints. The better-quality paint you use, the better your finish will be. It is worth the extra expense. You could use water-based acrylic paint, as the choice is yours, but we don’t recommend this unless it is for small, tiny details.
We have found that using foam brushes gives a fine finish and you don’t see brush lines.
Painting your dollhouse the right way is the mark of a high-quality finish enhancing the overall aesthetic of the dollhouse. So, sit tight, relax, and get ready to experiment with different colors and styles!
Must-have tools and supplies for dollhouse decoration
For ease in decorating dolls house trimmings, one needs to have the correct supplies and equipment. Here's the list of necessities:
- Precision Craft Knife: Great for cutting wallpaper, floors, and any other little things
- Mini Foam Paintbrushes & Rollers: Assists with detailed and even painting
- Glue Gun & Wood Glue: A necessity for fixing and constructing furniture and décor
- Tweezers & Small Clamps: Useful for handling tiny pieces and ensuring precise placement
- Miniature Sandpaper: Helps smooth surfaces before painting or decorating
- Fabric Scraps & Paper: Great for making miniature curtains, rugs, and wallpaper
- Decorative Accessories: Small picture frames, books, flowers, and rugs bring the space to life
Styling your dollhouse with wallpaper and trim
Choosing the right wallpaper depends on your dollhouse’s style, florals and pastels for a cottage vibe, bold prints for a modern look, or vintage patterns for a classic feel. Whatever your preference for small or large dollhouse kits for adults, follow these steps for a flawless application:
- Measure and Cut precisely: Measure the walls precisely before you cut out the wallpaper. Precision scissors or a craft knife will ensure clean edges.
- Select the Correct Adhesive: Double-sided tape is suitable for temporary wallpaper, whereas wallpaper glue or wallpaper paste is ideal for a permanent finish.
- Smooth It Out: Use a small roller or a credit card to gently smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles.
- Add Moldings and Trim: Wooden trim or decorative moldings can add a polished look to your wallpapered walls. Use Real Good Toys baseboard molding or crown molding for the finished touch. We also sell detailed wainscoting for another fine look to your miniature dollhouse.
Fixtures and fittings done prettily
Fixtures and fittings such as doors, windows, window flowers boxes, and furniture animate a dollhouse. Some ideas to take your dollhouse fixtures and fittings to the next level are:
- Upgrade Doors and Windows: Paint or stain door frames and windows to fit your dollhouse's theme. Adding miniature hinges or handles will make them even more realistic.
- Update Old Furniture: Rather than purchasing all new items, repaint or reupholster the old miniature furniture. Placing small throw pillows, blankets, or rugs will make a room feel cozy.
- Add Decorative Hardware: Small drawer pulls, knobs or handles add a sophisticated look to dollhouse furniture. Beads, jewelry findings, or brads make perfect mini hardware for furniture.
- Decorate with Small Stuff: Fill spaces in the room with small details such as books, picture frames, plants, or dishes. The mini details count and will make your dollhouse more realistic and fun.
Bringing your dollhouse to life
After you have finished the major steps of rehabbing your doll houses kits, it's time for the best part; decorating! Those tiny details will give your dollhouse a lived-in look which will complete your miniature home.
With some creativity and patience, your dollhouse can turn from basic to astounding. Whether you're building a dream house for your little inhabitants or just having fun with a fun DIY project, these easy tips will assist you in creating a fashionable and beautifully adorned dollhouse that you will adore for years to come!