There are tons of DIY dollhouse plans online, for free or for a small fee, and many of them are great.
But sometimes, you want something that’s entirely your own—a dollhouse that reflects your vision and style.
Whether you’re imagining a cozy cottage, a grand Victorian mansion, or something entirely different, designing your own dollhouse plan can be a rewarding experience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a dollhouse plan that’s as unique as you are.
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Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you start designing or cutting, it’s important to have the right (power) tools ready. A well-prepared workspace can make the whole process smoother:
- Measuring Tools: A ruler or measuring tape for precise dimensions.
- Marking Tools: A pencil or marker to outline your cuts.
- Smoothing Tools: Sandpaper for smoothing edges and ensuring a clean finish.
- Cutting Tools: Use a jigsaw for larger pieces and a hobby knife for finer details.
- Clamps: To hold pieces in place while gluing or assembling.
- Drill: A small drill with fine bits for making precision holes.
==> My Dremel has been helping me with not just my dollhouses and miniatures, but with a number of things 🙂
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a notebook handy to write down measurements, materials used, or changes to your plan as you go. It can save you a lot of time later.
Step 2: Think About the Design
Before anything else, spend some time dreaming up the details of your dollhouse:
- Style Matters: Are you drawn to sleek modern designs, intricate Victorian details, or perhaps a charming Tudorstyle vibe?
- Pick Your Scale: The scale determines how big your dollhouse will be. Here are some common options:
- 1:12 scale: One inch equals one foot. Perfect for detailed furniture and accessories and considered the most traditional dollhouse scale.
- 1:24 scale: Half an inch equals one foot. This scale is ideal for smaller spaces but still offers room for detailed designs.
- 1:48 scale: Quarter-inch scale, also called “quarter scale.” This is great for compact displays or projects where space is a concern.
- Dollhouse-in-a-Dollhouse Scale: Often 1:144 scale (1 inch equals 12 feet). These are tiny, intricate designs meant to fit inside a larger dollhouse—perfect for a miniature dollhouse room in your project!
- How Big Should It Be? Decide how many rooms and floors you want. Is it a compact two-room cottage or a sprawling three-story mansion?
💡 Pro Tip: Start with a smaller dollhouse if it’s your first time. It’s easier to manage, and you’ll learn a lot that can be applied to bigger projects later.
💡 Pro Tip 2: If you are having issues with defining the exact measurements for your dollhouse because you want it on another scale, try using my free scale convertor!
Step 3: Sketch out your dollhouse plan
Once you’ve nailed down the overall design, it’s time to put your ideas on paper. Don’t worry if you’re not an artist—simple sketches are fine!
- Decide on Dimensions: Start with the base. A manageable size for beginners could be something like 24 inches wide, 16 inches deep, and 24 inches high.
- Floor Plans: Grab some graph paper or use free CAD software to outline your ideas. Be sure to include walls, doorways, stairs, and anything else that makes your dollhouse special.
💡 Pro Tip: Sketching from multiple angles helps you visualize the final product better. Include a front view, side view, and a top-down floor plan.
Step 4: Gather Your Materials
Now that you know what your dollhouse will look like, let’s talk about what you’ll need to build it:
- Wood or MDF: Plywood (1/4″ or 3/8″ thick) or MDF are sturdy, reliable options.
- Hardware: Hinges for opening doors, screws, nails, or clamps for assembly.
- Glue: Use wood glue for structure and craft glue for finer details.
- Decorative Finishes: Think dollhouse printable wallpaper, paint, or even fabric for walls!
Miniature tiles or wood veneer work beautifully for floors. - Windows and Doors: You can buy pre-made pieces, but it’s just as fun to make your own using plastic sheets and wood trim.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re using recycled materials (like cardboard or scrap wood), test their sturdiness first to avoid frustration during construction.
Step 5: Plan in Detail
Breaking your plan into smaller sections makes the process feel more manageable. So first think about the details before you start your project!
- Room Layouts:
- Ground Floor: Maybe a living room, kitchen, and stairs?
- Upper Floors: Bedrooms and bathrooms fit nicely here.
- Attic (Optional): A playroom or storage area adds a fun touch.
- Walls and Windows:
Map out where each wall, door, and window will go. - Roof Design: Whether it’s flat, gabled, or pitched, make sure to write down the dimensions.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider incorporating modular elements, like removable walls or floors, to make future renovations or repairs easier.
Step 6: Start Building!
So now you have your DIY plans ready, here’s where the fun really begins—bringing your plans to life!
- Cut Out Your Pieces: Use a jigsaw for large sections and a hobby knife for smaller details.
- Assemble the Structure: Begin with the base, attach the walls, and then add the floors. Work your way up.
- Add the Details: Stairs, trim, and even shingles for the roof can make all the difference.
- Finishing Touches: Paint, wallpaper, and decorate each room. Doing this before adding the roof is much easier!
💡 Pro Tip: Assemble the dollhouse “dry” (without glue) first to make sure all the pieces fit properly. Adjust as needed before permanently attaching them.
Bonus Tip: Think Long-Term
One of the best pieces of advice from seasoned hobbyists is to approach your design with future upgrades in mind.
Whether you want to add lighting, a removable roof, or even motorized components later, planning for these now can save headaches down the road!
My Final Conclusion
Designing your own dollhouse plan doesn’t have to be intimidating. By taking it one step at a time, you can create something that’s completely unique and special.
Designing something from scratch, even the building plans, can be such a rewarding thing! My treehouse, for example, is completely designed by myself.
Sure, it has some perks (my gosh!), but I can proudly say that it is totally my own idea and construction!
my treehouse. Click on the picture above to take you to my youTube video of how I build it.
Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know or add to this guide in the comments below!
Happy planning!
Kind regards,
Lizzzy
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