Interior Windows
With the dollhouse interior complete, I was able to install the windows. As I mentioned earlier, I made wooden mullions from square dowel trim that matches the thickness of the silk-screened mullions. This way, you don’t have to replace the kit windows just because they are silk-screened, which can be hard to find in acetate. The silk screening is completely covered by the wooden mullions, which I applied to both the interior and exterior of each window, except for the cellar windows, which only have mullions on the outside.
All windows are permanently glued in place, except for the second-floor hallway window. This window needs to remain accessible in case I need to reach any area within the second-floor hallway. Since my bathroom door is hinged, I want to keep this space open. There’s no other access unless you hinge or make the bedroom doors removable, which would only allow side access. To ensure front access, I need to be able to remove this window. For this reason, I used repositionable glue on that window so I can easily take it out if necessary. Any non-permanent glue suitable for scrapbooking will work for this purpose.
Curtains
I initially debated whether to use curtains in the dollhouse, but ultimately decided to create them. Curtains are essential for dollhouses; they not only enhance the home-like appearance but also help conceal imperfections that might otherwise be noticeable. I prefer lighter valances over heavy drapery for this model dollhouse. The small interior space can feel even smaller and darker with bulky fabric blocking light from the windows. Valances provide a nice balance by giving the look of curtains without adding weight, allowing light to filter through while still offering a peek inside.
I like to glue valances to a strip of wood rather than directly onto the window trim, making installation easier. For The Beacon Hill Dollhouse, I used tacky glue, but for this dollhouse, I opted for hot melt glue to attach the fabric to the wood strip. Hot melt glue doesn’t affect the color fastness of the fabric, while tacky glue does. If you attach your wood strip with the valance using repositionable glue, like double sided carpet tape, on your interior window trim, you’ll have the option to redecorate in the future.
