Even with so much of today’s furniture being made from plastic, there is something about wooden dolls house furniture that adds more of an air of realism than miniature plastic furniture. The warm hues of natural woods create an inviting, homelike atmosphere better than resin or plastic ever could. If you are creating a dolls house as a collector’s item, wooden furniture is a must for adding value and an antique appearance.
Quality Hardwoods
One of the most important aspects of realistic wooden dolls house furniture is the wood it’s made from. Hardwoods are generally more durable, more richly colored, and less likely to splinter than softwoods. Quality wood furniture may not be cheap, but the miniature variety is a lot more affordable than its life-sized counterpart. If you’re designing a dolls house you hope will last several generations, these woods are well worth the investment. Some of the most popular high quality hardwoods for dolls house furniture are:
Mahogany
Oak
Cherry
Walnut
Budget Woods
As nice as quality woods are, they are just not practical in every situation. A prime example is when you are choosing furniture a small child will handle. No matter what, those charming little tables and chairs are going to get scratched, dented, stained or lost under the fridge. Safety is also more of a concern.
In this case, cheap yet sturdy maple furniture is your best option. Maple comes with an attractive tan color and smooth finish that’s gentle on little fingers. Obeche wood is also popular among craftspeople who create miniature furniture. This wood can be dyed to imitate other woods and is generally free of splinters. Pine is another good option, although it tends to splinter more easily than hardwood.
Attention to Detail
Quality craftsmanship is critical for both durability and a realistic appearance. Minimalist furniture designed for young children can still look all right even when mass produced. If fact, that’s part of what keeps the price down.
Detailed-rich hardwood furniture, on the other hand, looks best when handmade. If you’re a stickler for detail, you can buy a dolls house furniture kit and do the job yourself. Otherwise, look around for dolls house artisans whose handiwork appeals to you. Naturally, artisan furniture is little pricier, but worth it if you’re creating an heirloom dolls house.
Planning by Furniture Period
Wooden dolls house furniture is designed in American Colonial, Victorian, Edwardian, contemporary and a number of other period styles. While it’s not an absolute must, using one style throughout the house gives you a better chance of achieving a realistic look. If that sounds a bit too restrictive, try choosing a style for each room or section of the house. An eclectic mix can also work well, but plan your purchases carefully so you don’t end up pieces that clash.
Detailed, scale-model furniture is what really makes a dolls house look like a true miniature home. Genuine wood furniture adds and even greater feeling of homeliness. So, before you buy, take a little time to shop around and find dolls house furniture that really appeals to you.
When you were a little girl did you have a dolls house? I did and I have fond memories of the many hours that I played with it many years later.