DIY Cardboard Miniature Hall Bench with Coat Rack And Drawers (1:12 Scale) -

Sometimes I just want to build a piece of furniture that looks detailed and realistic, but is still completely doable with cardboard and decorative paper. This little miniature hall bench is exactly that.

Table of Contents

It has curved side panels, a wooden-look back panel, a small top rail with hooks, and two working drawers at the bottom.

No paint involved: everything is covered with paper, which keeps it clean, neat, and surprisingly sturdy. Let’s dive in!

As an Amazon, Etsy and Anavrin associate, I earn a small commission from your purchase, with no extra charges for you.

PPS Design is by me, but I had some health issues last week, so I had help from a family member this time!

Materials needed

Thick cardboard (for structure)
Thin cardboard (for drawer parts)
Pink decorative paper (or any color you prefer)
Wooden-print decorative paper (for back panel and drawer fronts)
Hot glue gun
All-purpose glue (for wrapping paper)
Craft knife
Metal ruler
Pencil
Small round wooden beads (drawer knobs)
Decorative push pins (for top hooks)
Sandpaper (optional)

Aleene’s 33141 Fast Grab Tacky Always Ready Adhesives, 4 oz.

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Measurements

This project really needs some cutting out, but you will love the end result!

🎥 Watch this Short on YouTube

Main Structure

Back panel → 13 × 18.5 cm
Side panels (2x) → 8 × 20 cm (cut into curved shape as shown)
Drawer cover strip (upper front bar) → 7 × 13 cm
Center divider → 3 × 7 cm
Top inner holder strip → 1.7 × 13 cm
Top front edge strip → 15.5 × 2 cm

Drawer Measurements (each drawer)

Drawer base → 6.2 × 6.5 cm
Sides (2x) → 2.7 × 6.5 cm
Back → 6.1 × 2.8 cm
Front (structure) → 6.2 × 3 cm
Drawer front cover (wood print) → same size as front piece

Tutorial

Start by drawing and cutting the two side panels from thick cardboard. Both sides have a curved inner section and small feet at the bottom. Cut one first, then use it as a template to trace the second so they match perfectly.

Once cut, wrap both side panels completely in your pink decorative paper. Glue the paper smoothly around the curves and trim any excess neatly.

Prepare the back panel (13 × 18.5 cm) and cover it with the wooden-print decorative paper. This will form the visible back wall inside the dresser.

Glue the two side panels upright onto the back panel. Make sure everything is aligned and square before the glue fully sets.

Cut and wrap all the rest of the pieces in pink paper.

Glue the pink shelves between the sides about one-third from the bottom. Add the center divider (3 × 7 cm) vertically underneath this shelf to separate the two drawer spaces.

Next, glue the upper shelf in place to form the open display section above the drawers.

Wrap it in pink paper first. This piece will hold the decorative push pins, which act as small hooks.

Finally, glue the 15.5 × 2 cm strip along the very top front edge to finish the structure neatly.

To build the drawers, start with the base (6.2 × 6.5 cm). Glue the side pieces to both long edges, then attach the back piece. Add the front structure piece (6.2 × 3 cm).

Wrap the drawer box in pink decorative paper. Glue the wooden-print paper onto the front to match the back panel design.

For the drawer front, glue a small wooden bead in place as the knob.

Slide both drawers into their compartments. They should fit snugly but still move easily.

And that’s it: a small but detailed miniature dresser that adds a lot of character to any dollhouse hallway! Decorate it with tiny jackets, an umbrella, etc.. 🙂

My Final Conclusion

If you decide to build this miniature dresser yourself, I’d genuinely love to see how yours turns out. Did you stick to the measurements, or did you tweak the design to fit your dollhouse?

Let me know in the comments below! I read every single one.

And if you want to share your mini makes, ask questions, sell or buy miniatures, come join my Facebook group.

I wish you happy crafting!

Kind regards,

Lizzy