One of the common questions in the world of dollhouses is whether to glue everything down or leave items loose. I recently asked this question in my community, and the responses were fascinating! It's a choice that really impacts how you interact with your dollhouse, and everyone seems to have a strong opinion on it!
I summarized the answers:
🧲 Gluing Everything Down
For those who like to glue everything down, it often comes down to the desire for stability.
Glue keeps everything firmly in place, ensuring that small items aren't accidentally knocked over or lost. This approach is particularly useful for dollhouses used by children or in busy environments where things can easily be bumped.
Some people also feel more comfortable with glued-down items because they don't want to risk anything shifting out of place—especially with pets that might see the dollhouse as a playground. As one member put it, "I leave all the little bits unsecured in case my cat needs to borrow something. 🤣🐱"
One of my former cats used to do this all the time with my backyard shed ( RIP, I miss that girl! )
🔄 Leaving Items Loose
On the other hand, many dollhouse enthusiasts prefer to leave items loose or use temporary adhesives like wax, glue dots, or blu tack.
This allows for flexibility in rearranging items whenever inspiration strikes. Some love the idea of constantly evolving their dollhouse scenes—moving furniture around, changing the decor, and adding new pieces without worrying about pulling glued items apart.
"I like to move things around. It's a living space," said one participant, capturing the spirit of those who love flexibility. Another added, "Touch one thing and five others fall—so I use fun tack to keep it all together!"
⚖️ A Mixed Approach
There are also those who take a ⚖️ mixed approach, choosing to glue down certain elements that are less likely to change, while keeping others loose.
As I mentioned above, using wax or glue dots is popular for holding small items in place, especially on shelves, without making a permanent commitment. This way, things are less likely to fall over but can still be moved when the mood for change hits. As someone humorously put it, "I glue lids down and cups on saucers—everything else is fair game!"
👨👩👧👦 Influences on the Decision
Interestingly, some mentioned that their preference is influenced by who they are building the dollhouse for.
For example, if the dollhouse is for a grandchild or a young child, they are more inclined to glue everything down to keep it secure.
Others mentioned working with their family members, and the joy of keeping things flexible so they could continue changing it together. One member even shared, "Just to think my daughter in her 50s will be working on my dollhouse with me this Thanksgiving—the joy will be priceless!"
❓ What Works Best for You?
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer—just what works best for you and how you enjoy your dollhouse. Whether you want a dynamic, ever-changing scene or a stable, finished piece, the choice is yours. Whether you glue everything down or leave things loose, the key is to create a space that brings you joy. How about you? Do you prefer your dollhouse items glued down for a permanent scene, or do you enjoy the freedom of being able to rearrange as you go?
Feel free to share your thoughts! 💬 And if you’ve got any funny stories about items mysteriously going missing (maybe borrowed by pets or curious grandkids), we'd love to hear them too!
I wish you happy crafting!
Lizzy
