More Minis Dollhouses: Types Of Dollhouses

Usually, when we think of miniatures, we envision dollhouses. After all, what better display case is there for your miniatures? To begin your dollhouse hobby, it's essential to understand the different types of dollhouses available so you can choose the option that best suits your needs.

Let’s start by discussing the most popular way to own a dollhouse - purchasing a dollhouse kit that you assemble yourself. While there are many styles of dollhouses, they generally fall into two categories based on construction:

Tab and Slot, also known as die-cut dollhouses
Glue and Nails, which use cabinet-grade plywood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard)

Tab and Slot Dollhouse Kits (1/8" Plywood)

These kits are often referred to as die-cut, budget, or punch-out plywood dollhouse kits. Notable manufacturers include Greenleaf Dollhouses and Corona Concepts Dollhouses; both are part of the same company but operate under different names.

Many miniaturists hold a negative view of these types of dollhouses due to their complexity and the challenges associated with modifications. These dollhouses can be very detailed and intricate, making assembly difficult. The plywood used in their construction requires considerable preparation, which adds to the assembly challenges. However, this very plywood allows these dollhouses to be true to scale, resembling miniature model houses more than traditional dollhouses.

Tab and slot dollhouse kits consist of punch-out pieces that come in 1/8" thick plywood sheets. This construction method requires only glue for assembly. Every component of the dollhouse is included in these plywood sheets. Since they arrive as flat sheets, they are entirely two-dimensional until the building process transforms them into three-dimensional objects upon completion. This transformation necessitates extensive laminating of wood parts to achieve rich layers and proper thickness.

The Garfield by Greenleaf Dollhouses

Positives:

These dollhouses are replicas of real houses, featuring realistic and authentic architectural elements such as curved mansard roofs, bay windows, winding staircases, and dormers.
The interiors of these dollhouses include twists and turns that reflect the true complexities of a real house's floor plan.
The final product is very lightweight.
They can be assembled by one person using only glue; no nails are required.
All trim is pre-cut to size, eliminating the need for cutting.
Due to the thin plywood, modifying parts for kit customization will not be difficult.
These kits are inexpensive, with the most elaborate options costing only a few hundred dollars, and sometimes even less during sales.
They come with silk-screened acetate windows.
Each kit includes all components necessary to complete your dollhouse, such as windows and doors. Many kits also feature built-ins, fireplaces, chimneys, shop signs, and furniture. Some even include a yard with a picket fence.
Certain kits come with siding and shingles included.
These dollhouses are very forgiving, making repairs to damaged or broken pieces easy.

Negatives:

The plywood sheets used in these dollhouse kits consist of various wood grains and hues, which may warp, crumble, or delaminate over time. This can give the impression of poor quality, though it's often due to age and improper storage causing dry rot.
These are not "QuickBuild" kits; they contain no pre-finished, pre-assembled, or working components. Windows, staircases, and doors require piece-by-piece assembly. Windows and doors need hinges or modifications to actually work. Painting each part before assembly is necessary, as it becomes difficult to paint afterward.
These dollhouses do not come with pre-milled siding; each strip must be applied individually.
Paint and glue are quickly absorbed by thinner wood, causing parts to swell and potentially misalign. This may require force to achieve proper fit, or filling gaps where pieces fit too loosely.
Careful punch-out is essential to avoid breaking parts, and all edges require sanding.
Modifying these dollhouses with ready-made components is challenging due to their unique measurements, making kit modification best suited for experienced builders.
The unique window shapes may necessitate custom window treatments.
Many inaccessible interior areas require careful planning for proper finish application. Understanding the overall assembly process is crucial to determine when to apply finishes to specific sections.
Hinging doors can be difficult due to the extra laminated parts that create depth and detail.
These dollhouses require careful placement to avoid damage, and are not suitable for young children unless using simpler designs or omitting detailed trim.
The realistic architectural details, such as bay windows, dormers, and sloping attic walls, limit interior space, making furniture placement more challenging.

Manufacturer Overview

Greenleaf Dollhouses and Corona Concepts Dollhouses are the leading manufacturers of tab and slot dollhouses. The kits are produced in the U.S.A., with the company based in upstate New York.

The dollhouses crafted from 1/8" inch plywood are remarkable. This company has released an impressive series of highly detailed miniature mansions featuring replicated, realistic architecture. Each dollhouse is perfectly scaled, showcasing incredible details that are hard to find elsewhere. They resemble real houses but are small enough to sit on a table.

The company pays great attention to detail in its kits. Some models include fold-out attic staircases, closets, fireplaces connected to hollow, realistic chimneys, intricate winding staircases, and stunning wrap-around porches. Certain designs feature lift-off roofs and turrets for easier access to their interiors.

Additionally, they are the only company offering several L-shaped dollhouse models. This L-shape enhances the dollhouse's realism, both in its exterior features and interior floor plan.

Upgrading and Additions

Greenleaf Dollhouses has created several kits that can be upgraded using the Houseworks line of components due to compatible measurements. Previously, they offered working window and door upgrades for some dollhouse models, but this option is no longer available. However, you may still find these kits on online auction sites.

Recently, Greenleaf Dollhouses has introduced numerous optional laser-cut dollhouse components and additions that complement their models effectively. They have also re-released many popular discontinued kits from their dollhouse line in a laser-cut format.

Exclusives

This company offers two hinged front-opening dollhouse models, one model that can be hung on the wall, and a half-scale dollhouse line. Additionally, there is a limited edition dollhouse model available.

The company also provides accessories and furniture.

The shingles, siding, and flooring available for purchase on their web store are specifically designed to work seamlessly with tab-and-slot dollhouse kits.

Assembly Process and Instructions

The construction of Greenleaf Dollhouses has significantly improved, featuring simpler steps and enhancements that facilitate the process. For example, composite mansard roofs have replaced plywood, making it much easier to achieve the desired slope.

Most instructions have been updated to include numerous real photographs, easy-to-read steps, excellent finishing suggestions, and fully illustrated schematics. This ensures you can identify each part, even if it falls off the sheet.

Customer Service

Greenleaf Dollhouses offers fantastic customer service, allowing you to purchase your kit with confidence. If a piece is missing or damaged in your dollhouse kit, they will replace it at no cost to you, whether you bought your kit from a retail store or directly from them.

You can also receive complete assembly assistance by calling them or visiting their online forum. Questions are typically answered on the same day by either Greenleaf staff or experienced builders, ensuring you receive accurate information.

Glue and Nail Dollhouse Kits (3/8" Plywood)

These kits, also known as cabinet-grade, "QuickBuild", or Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) dollhouse kits, are primarily manufactured by Real Good Toys. They are renowned for their easily modifiable pre-assembled components and spacious interiors, accommodating numerous miniatures.

The kits are available in MDF, 3/8" cabinet-grade plywood, or a combination of both materials. Some models feature hinged panels for front access instead of an open back, while others incorporate both designs. All kits come with pre-cut parts, eliminating the need for punching out components.

Due to the thicker wood used, these dollhouses require glue and nails for assembly. Many components are pre-assembled, reducing the handling of small pieces and simplifying the building process. The wood in these kits needs minimal filling and sanding, and its smooth surface allows for direct application of wallpaper and paint with little preparation.

These dollhouses include numerous three-dimensional components, eliminating the need for laminating small pieces.

The Queen Anne by Real Good Toys

Positives:

These dollhouses feature very smooth wood that is easily painted and wallpapered with minimal filling or sanding. Priming is much easier on this type of wood since there is no need to fill delaminating areas.
The clapboard siding is pre-milled into the walls, eliminating the need to install each strip individually.
All components are three-dimensional and pre-assembled. Most kits include pre-hinged doors and working windows.
The components of these dollhouses are easy to upgrade, making the build versatile even for those who are not experienced builders. All pre-assembled parts fit well with existing measurements.
Prefabricated window treatments can be purchased due to the universal measurements of the dollhouses.
The construction of these dollhouses follows a series of steps. Each section is built individually, and then the pre-assembled pieces fit together to complete the dollhouse. Once the basic shell is built - typically taking just a few hours - you're nearly finished.
Staircases and porches feature dowel spindles.
The kit's windows are made of Plexiglas rather than thin acetate.
There are no inaccessible areas; the simple, square rooms provide ample usable space and make finishing and decorating easier.
These dollhouses are designed to last a lifetime. They are heirlooms durable enough for small hands to handle.
The kits come in a variety of architectural styles, with a greater selection of modern models, which can be difficult to find in the world of dollhouses.

Negatives:

Raw wood, whether thin or thick, tends to warp when exposed to temperature changes, making it difficult to hinge panels for front-opening models. The thicker the wood, the more noticeable and challenging the warping becomes to fix. With 3/8" thick MDF, a warped hinged panel often requires replacement from the manufacturer, as it's nearly impossible to repair.
Pre-assembled doors and windows are extremely difficult and time-consuming to paint. It's easier to paint them a single, solid color. If you prefer multiple colors, be prepared for an extended painting process.
MDF cannot be stained, so you won't be able to stain any components of your dollhouse kit made from this material, including floors. You must use paint instead or create a faux stained finish.
These dollhouses are typically large, bulky, and extremely heavy, limiting display options and requiring a spacious area and sturdy table. They cannot be moved easily by one person.
MDF and 3/8" plywood are difficult to cut for custom modifications like adding windows or door openings, necessitating power tools.
Assembly may require assistance due to the heavier pieces, especially with larger dollhouses.
Some areas require nails for assembly. Exercise caution when hammering to avoid damaging the finished side of the wood. Do not skip recommended nails, as glue alone is insufficient to hold the heavy pieces together. Omitting nails can cause the dollhouse to come apart after assembly, potentially causing injury or death.
3/8" plywood is very hard, and MDF is even harder, making it challenging to drive nails or attach hinges. Power tools may be necessary.
Inserting brads into MDF for electrification is also very difficult, requiring specialized tools.
These dollhouses lack the architectural details of their tab-and-slot counterparts. While they have realistic details overall, they appear more plain and toy-like, lacking the realistic "model house" look and tending to be more modern and box-like in appearance.
Depending on the style and size, these dollhouse kits can be expensive.

Manufacturer Overview

Real Good Toys is the primary manufacturer of glue and nail dollhouse kits made from 3/8" plywood or MDF. The kits are designed in the U.S.A. and manufactured offshore. Based in Vermont, the company uses renewable natural resources to produce their dollhouses.

Their larger kits are truly breathtaking in beauty and realism, making a significant impression in real life. Many of these kits include pre-assembled, working windows, doors, and staircases.

What sets this company apart is its ability to make dollhouse assembly accessible to everyone through their "QuickBuild" Kits. You no longer need to be a skilled woodworker or spend countless hours in a garage to build your own heirloom dollhouse. With these kits, you can easily spend a weekend or two assembling a dollhouse that you will be proud of upon completion, without any prior experience or know-how. This allows you to focus more on what most miniaturists consider the enjoyable aspects - applying finishes and decorating.

Upgrading and Additions

Real Good Toys offers a wide assortment of dollhouses and upgrades. You can easily modify any of their kits in any way you can imagine. If you outgrow your dollhouse, you can always find a matching addition, allowing you to create extra rooms without having to sell or give away your current dollhouse for a larger one. Additionally, there is no need to modify your existing assembly to add an extension, making these kits a confident investment for a lifetime.

The company has designed its kits to be compatible with many Houseworks components. Therefore, if you want working windows or interior doors, upgrading is straightforward, and all components will fit perfectly without any need for adjustments.

Exclusives

In addition to offering a wide array of dollhouse kits, including some with front openings, Real Good Toys provides displays for miniatures as well as various dollhouse parts and accessories.

They feature an affordable line of dollhouses across a broad price range, such as their Junior Dollhouses series, ensuring that everyone can find a dollhouse within their budget. The Junior Dollhouse series shares the same ease of construction and upgrade potential as their larger, more expensive kits.

This company also offers half-scale dollhouses and upgrade components for them. Additionally, they have room boxes in the highly coveted but rare playscale size, which can be used with fashion dolls like Barbie, along with their furniture and accessories. Previously, they produced a playscale dollhouse model called 'The Country Dollhouse'; however, it is no longer in production but can be possibly still be found in online auction sites.

Assembly Process and Instructions

At present, the primary shortcoming lies in the quality of the instructions provided. The guidelines for assembling these dollhouses are complex, confusing, and prone to misinterpretation. Instead of clear photographs detailing the process, the instructions rely on crudely drawn illustrations that often add to the confusion rather than clarify the written steps.

The schematics are equally perplexing, and without a tape measure at hand, identifying the various parts becomes challenging. For certain models, users are required to cut trim pieces to the appropriate size. This additional task can be particularly stressful for beginners, further complicating an already daunting assembly process.

Customer Service

Real Good Toys provides exceptional customer service, demonstrating genuine concern for both their customers and products. My experiences with them have been positive and professional, and other miniaturists have also noted that they are consistently reachable, reliable, quick, and very helpful, allowing you to purchase your kit with confidence.

While there is no forum on their website for assistance with construction or questions, they can be contacted directly by phone. You can request missing parts through their website or by calling them. Additionally, they have posted many instructions for their popular dollhouse models on their website, so you may not need to contact anyone if your instructions are missing.

Each type of kit, whether tab and slot or glue and nail, has its positives and negatives, and it is up to you to determine which aspects are important to you.

Now that we have discussed dollhouse kits, what other options are available?

Pre-assembled Dollhouses

If you want to have your dollhouse immediately, you can purchase one that is pre-assembled by the manufacturer. These dollhouses tend to be more expensive than unassembled kits. If the interiors are not completely finished, it can be very difficult to complete them later, especially if there are inaccessible areas.

Real Good Toys previously offered a line of pre-assembled and custom-finished cabinet-grade dollhouses. Unfortunately, these models no longer appear to be available. For inquiries about this service, you would need to contact them directly.

Finished Victoria's Farmhouse by Real Good Toys

Museum-quality dollhouses also come pre-assembled. These dollhouses are manufactured by The Lawbre Company, which does not produce kits. If you wish, the finishing is left up to you.

The Rosedawn Plantation by Lawbre

The House That Jack Built, also known as Melissa & Doug, produces several pre-assembled dollhouses available through various online vendors. This manufacturer offers a wide range of prices. Previously, they sold select dollhouse models as unassembled kits; however, it appears that they have shifted their product line towards toys rather than dollhouses.

The Lady Ashley by The House That Jack Built

Although tab and slot dollhouses are not pre-assembled by manufacturers, you can hire someone to custom-build yours. This option is also available for other types of kits. To my knowledge, there was only one company that provided a dollhouse assembly service, but they are no longer in business.

While rare, there are still some individuals who will assemble a tab and slot dollhouse for you. However, few will also finish the interiors. As mentioned before, some of these dollhouses have inaccessible areas after construction, making it difficult to install wallpaper or flooring. It's important to familiarize yourself with the dollhouse you're interested in and ask questions to an experienced builder.

Assembly of tab and slot dollhouses can cost up to five times the retail price of the kit due to the labor-intensive and time-consuming nature of the work. This price often excludes interior finishes. Before committing to the service, ensure you discuss all details of what will be included in the assembly with your builder. You may find better rates for other types of dollhouse kits that are easier to assemble.

Regardless of your choice, remember that your builder might not be located in your home city or state. This means you'll need to arrange for pick-up or delivery of your dollhouse. Keep in mind that the finished product is typically large, fragile, and heavy, so always obtain shipping quotes before investing in the assembly of your kit.

Non-Kit Custom Dollhouses

Non-kit custom dollhouses are constructed from architectural dollhouse plans, similar to how a real house is built. This project is suited for experienced woodworkers rather than beginners. You will need to create your own architectural plans, measure, and cut all the wood yourself. It is advisable to have a workshop or an empty garage where you can store your power tools.

Alternatively, you can hire someone to build a custom dollhouse for you based on their own plans, or you can purchase their plans to construct it yourself.

Used Dollhouses

You can often find already assembled dollhouses for sale online, at garage sales, thrift shops, or miniature shows. Occasionally, you might even come across one for free if the owner can no longer keep it. While these dollhouses may not be in the best condition, the appeal of a bargain price - often just a fraction of what a new kit would cost - entices many aspiring dollhouse owners to consider this option.

Modifying or repairing these pre-assembled dollhouses is commonly referred to as "rehabbing" among enthusiasts. However, it's important to remember that if your bargain dollhouse is in poor condition, rehabbing it can be quite challenging. The difficulty largely depends on what changes you want to make. Tasks like repainting, adding flooring, or applying ceiling paper can be tedious but manageable. In contrast, replacing rotted wood, re-wallpapering, modifying the floor plan, finding missing pieces, or preventing the structure from falling apart can be significantly more complicated.

Rehabbing a used dollhouse requires experience and specialized knowledge that goes beyond assembling new kits. Therefore, before committing to such a project, it's advisable to consult with an experienced "rehabber" to learn the necessary skills and avoid disappointment. Alternatively, you can hire someone to rehab a dollhouse for you.

Discontinued Dollhouses

Many manufacturers of dollhouses are no longer in business, one of the most popular being Dura-Craft Dollhouses. These dollhouse kits are still available at garage sales and online auction sites. Some of these kits are highly sought after because the company produced many beautiful models, often featuring rare details such as gutters.

The San Franciscan by Dura-Craft Dollhouses

Most of these kits were made from a combination of punch-out parts and MDF or cabinet-grade plywood. They were assembled using both glue and nails. Many of the trim pieces were not cut to size, so you would need to follow the schematics and make the cuts yourself.

If you are looking for one of these kits and happen to find one, there is a high possibility that it will be incomplete. Since the manufacturer is no longer in business, you will not be able to order missing parts; instead, you will need to make them yourself or barter for them on online auction sites or dollhouse forums.

Purchasing a Dollhouse

Once you decide on the type of dollhouse you'd like to buy, the next step is to make the purchase. While we've discussed the potential issues with used or discontinued dollhouses, it's important to consider other options as well.

Purchasing From Individual Sellers

Dollhouse kits can be quite complicated, and performing an inventory to ensure that a kit is complete and undamaged can be a lengthy process best suited for experienced builders. Many individual sellers, especially those unfamiliar with dollhouses, may not carry out this crucial task properly, if at all. If the kit is missing parts or has damaged components, you will need to replace them. Depending on the kit and the specific parts that are missing or damaged, you might end up spending nearly as much on replacement parts as you did on the kit itself. If the dollhouse kit is discontinued, finding replacements for missing or damaged parts may be impossible.

For these reasons, I recommend purchasing your kit directly from the manufacturer or a reputable miniatures dealer. Hobby Builders Supply is a retailer I have had positive experiences with. Buying from the manufacturer or an authorized miniatures dealer ensures that your purchase is secure and allows you to obtain free replacements for any missing or damaged parts. Unless you are an experienced builder, I do not recommend purchasing your kit from online auction sites or individual sellers.

Many people who are not well-versed in dollhouses may find a kit at a garage sale, discover one tucked away in their attic, or remember that their grandmother had an unassembled one. They see the beautiful picture of a dollhouse on the front and a lovely vintage box and immediately believe they have found treasure. Subsequently, they attempt to sell these kits on online auction sites at inflated prices. The reality is that dollhouse kits do not hold significant value; unless a kit has historical significance, its worth is generally limited to the manufacturer's suggested retail price. Since auction sites and individual sellers are not retail stores, the value is often even lower. People visit these sites seeking deals rather than paying retail prices.

To avoid being misled by sellers claiming that a dollhouse kit is worth "hundreds of dollars," I recommend asking for a picture of the dollhouse kit box first. Do not rely solely on the seller to provide the name of the dollhouse, as they often get it wrong. Use Google to research the name of the dollhouse; if it is still in production, it will be listed on the manufacturer's website or another miniatures retail site. Share links showing both the highest and lowest selling prices with the seller to help bring them back to reality. They should offer you the dollhouse kit for less than the lowest retail price available.

Keep in mind that a dollhouse kit cannot be considered "new" if it is being sold on an auction site. Only manufacturers or authorized retailers can sell new dollhouse kits. Just because a seller claims they never opened the kit box doesn't guarantee it hasn't been opened by a previous owner. Identifying whether a dollhouse kit has never been opened can be extremely difficult; some manufacturers use staples while others use tape, and some package their kits in cellophane while others do not. Anyone can open a box, remove valuable components, and then reseal it with staples, tape, or cellophane. Therefore, when buying from an individual seller, "never opened" is relative. Many of these kits have been passed around for years, making it highly likely they were opened at some point. Ultimately, just because a kit is in its original box does not mean it has never been opened.

If a dollhouse kit is no longer in production, that does not necessarily mean it holds greater value; it simply means you are taking a bigger risk by purchasing it. In fact, you should expect to pay less for discontinued kits since they do not appreciate in value. They consist of unassembled parts that have no worth until you invest time, effort, and money into assembling them into an actual dollhouse.

While discontinued kits may be hard to find and sought after by certain collectors, this does not equate to monetary value. Many discontinued kits are relatively easy to locate if you know where to look; numerous individuals are looking to sell theirs. Taking some time to inquire within dollhouse or miniaturist forums can help you find your desired kit quickly.

Additionally, anyone with basic woodworking skills and access to a rotary tool can recreate a discontinued dollhouse using their own materials without needing an official kit. A picture of the original dollhouse can suffice for this purpose; while they may need to purchase pre-assembled components or trim, replicating the overall design and shape is entirely feasible without an official kit.

Although there may not be a manufacturer-suggested retail price for discontinued dollhouses, recent sales by others can provide guidance on pricing. Some retail stores might still have inventory of discontinued kits available online; researching their prices can help you negotiate more effectively with sellers by providing evidence of what similar kits are selling for elsewhere.

Hiring A Builder To Assemble For You

If you do not have the time or confidence to assemble your own dollhouse, you will likely need to hire someone to do it for you. While we previously discussed the potential high costs associated with this choice, there are additional issues to consider beyond just assembly and shipping expenses.

Assembling a dollhouse differs significantly from finishing one:

Assembling involves constructing the walls, floors, and roof according to kit specifications. This may or may not include the installation of components such as chimneys, fireplaces, windows, and doors, which is left to the discretion of each builder.
Finishing encompasses all aspects of painting, wallpapering, siding, shingling, interior trim work, and the installation of finished components (e.g., windows, doors, fireplaces).

Finishing may also involve detail work, such as attaching hinges and hardware to doors, finishing closets, or adding stone to chimneys or foundations. The definition of "finishing" can vary among builders; some may consider only wallpapering as finishing while viewing detail work as an extra service. Additionally, many builders do not offer detail work as an option at all. Electrification is typically available at an extra cost, if offered.

When hiring someone for assembly, be sure to clarify what is included in their price. If the quote seems too good to be true, it likely does not cover finishing work. Finishing a dollhouse is labor-intensive and requires careful planning; it is generally more time-consuming and challenging than assembly. The materials needed for proper finishing can also be costly, depending on the size of your chosen model. The decision-making process between builder and buyer can be complex since you are trying to make choices based on something that cannot be seen beforehand. Consequently, it can be challenging to find someone willing to finish a dollhouse rather than just assemble it.

Keep in mind that dollhouses are unique, handcrafted items with outcomes that remain uncertain until completion. Dollhouse kits are inherently unpredictable; no two assemblies are identical even if they are the same model. Some dollhouses come together easily, while others do not. Finishes are equally unpredictable; you can only make educated guesses about how something will turn out until you begin the process. Ideas and images often do not translate into reality due to unforeseen circumstances during assembly. Once decisions are made and finishes applied, reversing them is usually impossible without damaging the dollhouse or needing to reorder replacement materials or parts. A builder can provide guidance, but unless you have assembled and finished a dollhouse yourself, it is difficult to fully understand the unpredictability involved in the process.

Ask questions before committing to any part of the assembly or finishing process. Educate yourself on what to expect from each finish. Builders often have a lot on their minds while working on these complex handmade items, so don’t hesitate to remind them of any topics you wish to discuss before making your final decision. Remember that the agreed-upon outcome is always a goal rather than a guarantee.

Finally, remember that you get what you pay for. Most builders operate independently from their homes and do not have access to wholesale materials like larger companies might. If you want your assembly to be cost-effective, be prepared for the outcome to reflect that choice. To offer a reduced cost, builders may not use expensive materials like flooring or siding in your build. Omitting these options will undoubtedly affect the final product; for example, finishing the original kit floors will yield different results than applying a flooring cover. Similarly, not adding siding will alter the exterior appearance of the dollhouse. Consider all these factors when deciding what you are comfortable with and what you are not.