When you’ve put hours (or let’s be honest, days, or even months) into a dollhouse or miniature project, you want to show it off properly. The right display isn’t just about finding an empty shelf; it’s about making your work shine, keeping it safe from dust or curious pets, and making the most of your space.
Over the years, I’ve tried all sorts of ways to display mine: from tucked-away shelves to full glass cabinets, and I’ve learned a few tricks that can make a big difference. In this post, I’ll share practical, creative ideas so you can choose what works best for your own dollhouse collection.
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1. Display DIY Dollhouse Kits and miniatures in Glass Cases
If you’ve ever finished a DIY dollhouse kit (I’m constantly making them, it’s a bit of an obsession!), you’ll know how satisfying it is to see all that detail come together. Brands like Robotime and Cutebee deserve more than just a spot on a shelf: they deserve to be protected and admired.
A plexiglass cover is a simple but effective way to keep dust off your miniatures while still letting people enjoy the details. You can buy ready-made covers sized for individual kits.
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But if you prefer to DIY, it’s not too hard to make your own cover using clear acrylic sheets, a wooden base, and basic hardware. That way, you can tailor it exactly to your dollhouse’s size and style.
2 . Use a dollhouse turntable for your dollhouse.
A turntable is a great way to let people admire your dollhouse from every angle without having to move it yourself. Just give it a gentle spin, and all the little details are on show.
You can buy a sturdy, oversized turntable (often called a “Lazy Susan”) or make your own if you enjoy a DIY challenge.
I’ve shared before how to build a larger dollhouse turntable, so it’s really up to you whether you go store-bought or handmade.
3. Turn a bookcase into a dollhouse!
A sturdy bookcase can be transformed into a beautiful full-size dollhouse; each shelf acts as a floor, with rooms decorated in the same scale and style.
You can add wallpaper, flooring, lighting, and furniture directly to the shelves, just as you would in a traditional dollhouse. The best part is you can choose the size based on the bookcase you have, making it ideal for larger projects or play spaces.
And you can even cut out some windows on the sides!
This can also just serve as a pretty bookcase 🙂
4. Place Your Dollhouse in a Bookcase and Cover the Front
If you have a smaller dollhouse or a finished kit, a bookcase can work as a simple dust-protected display. Just place the dollhouse inside and cover the front with a clear plastic sheet or even a lightweight shower curtain attached with Velcro. This keeps dust out while still letting you enjoy the view.
5. Showcasing Book Nooks
Book nooks fit naturally into any bookcase, making them one of the easiest miniatures to display.
They can sit right between your novels, adding a surprise scene for anyone browsing your shelves.
While dust can still get in, many newer designs, such as recent releases from Cutebee, come with a clear plastic front for protection. A well-placed book nook can turn an ordinary shelf into a little portal to another world.
6. Showcasing Miniatures in Fairy Gardens
Fairy gardens are a charming way to display miniatures, and they’re quite different from traditional dollhouses or DIY kits.
You can set them up directly in your garden, letting them blend naturally with plants, or create them in containers for a more portable setup.
In my video below, you’ll see how my fairy houses and tiny figures can transform even a small patch of space into a whimsical scene.
As for containers, you can place your fairies and fairy accessories in broken plant pots, a wheelbarrow, an old metal washing bin, or even a bathtub, and more.
7. Miniature Scenes in Picture Frames (shadow box)
Short on space? Try building miniature scenes inside deep picture frames and hanging them on the wall. These are also known as shadow boxes.
It’s a clever way to showcase your work without needing extra shelves or floor space, and it turns your miniatures into eye-catching wall art.
8. Showcasing Miniatures in a Cabinet
Another option is to arrange your dollhouse furniture and accessories inside a cabinet.
This display style was especially popular in the Netherlands during the 17th century, with famous examples like Petronella Oortman’s cabinet dollhouse (1686), now on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
The cabinets were often ornately decorated with marquetry (inlaid wood), carvings, and brass fittings.
Wealthy Dutch families commissioned these dollhouses not just for children’s play, but also as a way to display their social status and possessions.
Related articles: 11 Fun Ways And Objects To Show any Scale In Your Dollhouse Photo’s
My Final Conclusion
I hope that I could provide you with enough ideas on how to display your miniature dollhouse collections, and if you have any more questions, please feel free to leave them down below in the comment section!
You can also join my social media channels below if you like, especially all my YouTube tutorials, where I show you tons of projects to create miniatures from waste or everyday household items!
I wish you happy crafting!
Kind regards,
Lizzy
Hi everyone!
My name is Lizzy, and I am an amateur miniaturist obsessed with everything in the dollhouse and miniature world, ever since I was a teenager.
So far, I have created 2 dollhouse projects, a backyard shed and a miniature treehouse, tons of DIY dollhouse kits, and “hacked” some.
I also created a fairy garden, and lots of small and simple miniature projects on my YouTube channel. (mostly made from trash or everyday items).
I love to write as well about all things happening in the miniature world, hence the reason why I created this blog!
I wish you happy reading and crafting!
Lizzy
I never realized there were so many ways to display your miniature dollhouse collections, dollhouses, and dollhouse kits. My favorite is by creating fairy gardens. There is just something so magical about it. Appreciate all the details you provided. Thank you.
hello Joseph!
thank you for your comment and you are welcome!
Lizzy