Dollhouses

Dollhouses are small-scale models of real houses that are typically furnished and decorated to resemble authentic interiors. They are used for play, display, and collecting, and they span a range of styles from simple wooden structures to highly ornate, historically themed houses.

The history of dollhouses traces to early modern Europe. In the 16th and 17th centuries, miniature rooms and cabinet houses were created in German-speaking areas and the Netherlands for aristocratic households. By the 18th century, dollhouses had become popular educational and entertainment tools for children in Europe, with English makers producing elaborate “Puppenhäuser” that mirrored contemporary domestic life. The 19th and 20th centuries saw the rise of mass production, standardized scales, and a boom in both toy versions for children and display or collectible models for adults.

Sizes and types vary, but the most common scale is 1:12, with other popular options including 1:16, 1:18, and 1:24. Some larger sets use 1:6 for fashion doll displays. Dollhouses may be constructed from wood, cardboard, or plastic, and interiors are often furnished with miniature furniture, textiles, wallpaper, and accessories that replicate real rooms such as kitchens, bedrooms, and living areas.

In contemporary culture, dollhouses are produced for children as toys and for adults as hobbyist projects and collectibles. They are also featured in museums and exhibitions as historical and artistic objects, illustrating domestic life and design trends across eras.

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