Top 12 Vintage And Antique Dollhouses: A Journey Through Time!

I’ve been fascinated by dollhouses ever since I was a teenager, and over the years, that interest has only grown.

I love all kinds of styles: from modern, sleek mid-century homes, rustic cottages, you name it.

But there’s something extra special about antique and vintage dollhouses. They’re not just pretty to look at; they’re tiny time capsules.

I’ve visited several dollhouse museums over the years, and one of the highlights was seeing Petronella Oortman’s cabinet dollhouse in the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands.

Standing in front of it, knowing it was built in the 17th century with so much care and detail, gave me goosebumps.

So in this post, I’m sharing 12 vintage and antique dollhouses that stood out to me.

Some are famous, others more obscure, but they all show how much love and craftsmanship went into miniatures long before our modern kits and 3D printers.

Victorian dollhouses

Victorian-style dollhouses have always caught my eye. All those tiny turrets, gables, and bay windows: it’s like a miniature version of a fairytale mansion. The real Victorian era ran from the early 1800s into the early 1900s, and people back then clearly didn’t hold back when it came to decorating, even in miniature.

You’ll often see these dollhouses with intricate woodwork, patterned wallpaper, fancy little chandeliers, and rooms packed with lavish furniture. Some have two, three, or even four stories, each one full of detail. It’s no wonder this style has stayed so popular with collectors and builders to this very day.

There are some amazing examples in museums too, many of them open to the public or viewable online if you can’t travel. Here are a few beautiful historic ones worth checking out:

• The Scaife Victorian dollhouse
  

• The Juliana: Artist Vicky Bickel talks about this Victorian dollhouse which she finished many years after Julie Poland began constructing it.
  

Looking for some free dollhouse Victorian wallpaper? Check out my free ones here, but also in my Etsy store!

Georgian elegance.

If you love clean lines and balance, Georgian-style dollhouses might be your thing. This style was popular in the 1700s and early 1800s, and you can spot it a mile away thanks to its symmetry and classical look.

Georgian dollhouses usually have a stately front, perfectly balanced windows, centered doors, and sometimes even tiny columns or fanlights above the entrance.

Inside, the rooms often feature wood paneling, elegant fireplaces, and soft wallpaper prints that feel both grand and understated.

There’s something about this style that feels calm and refined. I’ve always admired how even in miniature, the sense of order and proportion really stands out.

• One notable example of Georgian-style dollhouses is the “Nostell Priory Dolls’ House,” which was created in the late 18th century and is now housed in the National Trust’s Nostell Priory in England.
  
  

• Another well-known example is the “Kensington Palace Dolls’ House,” a masterpiece created in the early 18th century for Queen Mary II of England. This dollhouse is a remarkable representation of Georgian architecture and design, complete with miniature furnishings and works of art.

Colonial charm

Colonial vintage dollhouse DIY plans by Snuzzlebabies

Colonial-style dollhouses have a simple, homey feel that’s really grown on me. Inspired by early American architecture (think 1600s to late 1700s), these houses were all about practicality—but that doesn’t mean they’re boring.

You’ll often see Cape Cod or Saltbox shapes, steep-pitched roofs, dormer windows, and big central chimneys. The exteriors are usually natural wood or whitewashed, and the interiors are filled with handmade furniture—ladder-back chairs, plain wooden tables, and cozy little fireplaces.

Some even come with tiny kitchen gardens out back, full of herbs, veggies, and picket fences. It’s those little details that bring early American life to miniature form.

Tudor style dollhouses

There’s something so charming and cozy about Tudor-style dollhouses. I’ve always loved the look of those timber-framed walls and steep roofs: it feels like something straight out of a storybook.

This style goes back to the English Renaissance (late 1400s to early 1600s), and you can easily spot a Tudor dollhouse by its exposed wooden beams filled in with plaster or brick.

The roofs are usually steep and gabled, with lots of character—some even have cute little bargeboards or thatched tops, especially if they’re meant to look like a countryside cottage.

I’ve seen some with diamond-paned windows, tiny chimneys with brick detailing, and leaded glass that really mimics the originals. It’s one of those styles where even the imperfections make it feel more real.

It’s actually on my list to try and make one myself someday: maybe a crooked little Tudor cottage with a thatched roof and a fireplace inside. I’ll just need to find the right moment (and the patience, skills, and to find that old book I once bought on Tudor dollhouse lol!)

A great example of Tudor-style dollhouses is made by Kevin Jackson and I interviewed him!

Art Deco Dollhouses:

Art Deco dollhouses are a whole different vibe, sleek, bold, and definitely not shy. This style became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and it’s all about clean lines, strong shapes, and a good dose of glamour.

What I love about Art Deco miniatures is how different they are from the cozy clutter of Victorian or Tudor styles. Think zigzags, sunbursts, and geometric patterns. Some even have flat roofs and smooth, shiny surfaces that feel super modern—even today.

You’ll sometimes see chrome details, glass or lacquer finishes, and really striking color combos. It’s not about softness here—it’s about making a statement.

I haven’t tried building one in this style yet, but it’s tempting. I can imagine a black-and-gold living room with mirrored furniture and a miniature cocktail bar!

Come to think of it, the miniature kits that I’m bashing into a Golden Years miniature pub, might be a bit inspired by this style hahaha!

Now, let’s look at an example of an Art Deco dollhouse by WackiWear, where he takes you through different steps on building his Art Deco Dollhouse!

Baroque Splendor in Miniature

If you’ve ever looked at a dollhouse and thought, “Wow, that’s fancy,” there’s a good chance it was inspired by the Baroque period. This style was big in the 1600s and early 1700s, and it’s all about drama—curves, carvings, gold, and over-the-top detail.

Baroque-style dollhouses usually have loads of ornate woodwork: carved panels, fancy moldings, and gold-painted trim everywhere. Some even lean into Rococo influences, with curved lines, asymmetry, and all those frilly touches that came in toward the end of the era.

Inside, you’ll often find tiny velvet curtains, gold mirrors, silk-covered chairs, and delicate little tapestries. It’s the kind of style that makes you want to whisper when you walk past.

There’s something so theatrical about them, like every room is waiting for a miniature violin concert.

Now, let’s look at a couple of examples of Baroque-style dollhouses:

• The Astolat Dollhouse Castle: This is one of the most famous and opulent dollhouses in the world. It was created by artisan Elaine Diehl and took over 13 years to complete.
  The Astolat Dollhouse Castle is a masterpiece of Baroque design, featuring intricate woodwork, gilded details, and luxurious furnishings that evoke the grandeur of a royal palace.
  

• A Baroque dollhouse room box by Afriqbaja

Regency-Inspired Dollhouses

Regency-style dollhouses have this quiet elegance that’s really lovely. The real Regency era, around 1811 to 1820 in England, was all about refined taste. Nothing too flashy, but everything beautifully balanced.

These dollhouses usually have neoclassical features like little columns, pediments, and symmetrical facades. Inside, you’ll often find pale, soft colors like pastel blues, light pinks, and creams. It’s a very calming, graceful style.

The furniture tends to be delicate and stylish, made of lighter woods like satinwood or polished mahogany. Everything feels refined but still livable, like the kind of place a Jane Austen character might quietly sip tea and judge someone.

Take a look at this video by Rachel Hoffman: A Life as a Doll in the Time of Jane Austen: A Visit to a Regency-Era English Dollhouse:

Rococo Revival Dollhouses

Rococo Revival is one of those styles that feels straight out of a fantasy. It popped up in the 19th century as a nod back to the original Rococo period, which was all about curves, detail, and a touch of playful drama.

In dollhouse form, this style is full of ornate touches and romantic flair. You’ll see curvy shapes, asymmetrical designs, and loads of tiny scrollwork and decorative carvings. It’s delicate, detailed, and very dreamy.

The color palettes are usually soft pastels, pinks, minty greens, and light blues, paired with floral patterns and nature-inspired details like tiny leaves or shell motifs.

I couldn’t find many specific dollhouses built in full Rococo Revival style, but the influence is definitely there in certain miniatures. Here are a few that come pretty close if you want to get a feel for the look:

Gothic Revival Dollhouses

Gothic Revival is a dramatic and moody style that popped up again in the 19th century, inspired by medieval churches and castles. If you like tall towers, pointed arches, and a touch of fantasy, this one’s for you.

In dollhouse form, it’s all about those signature pointy windows, delicate tracery, and ornate fretwork. Some even have little spires or towers, just like miniature cathedrals. And if you’re lucky, there might be tiny stained glass windows with bold colors or geometric patterns.

It’s definitely one of the more theatrical styles, and while not as common in miniatures, there are a few amazing examples out there.

Let’s take a look at one of them:

• The Thornhill Dollhouse: This is a dollhouse kit that captures the essence of the Gothic Revival style. It features pointed arches, intricate tracery, and tall spires reminiscent of Gothic architecture.
  

Dutch Cabinet Dollhouses

Dutch cabinet dollhouses are some of the most fascinating miniatures I’ve ever seen. They first appeared in the Netherlands in the 1600s and were often built right into tall wooden cupboards or cabinets—furniture on the outside, a tiny world hidden inside.

What makes these dollhouses so special is how much detail is packed into such a compact space. Open the doors and you’ll find beautifully furnished rooms, tiny accessories, and sometimes even hidden compartments that reveal more scenes. It’s like a miniature home with surprises tucked away in every drawer.

The interiors reflect daily life from the time they were made, and the attention to detail is incredible. Everything from the wallpaper to the tiny dishes was made to match the real world: just in miniature.

One of the most famous examples is the Petronella Oortman dollhouse in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. I’ve seen it in person, and it’s truly amazing. If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t miss it.

Asian-Inspired Dollhouses

Asian-inspired dollhouses have such a peaceful, elegant feel to them. They draw from the architecture and traditions of places like Japan, China, Korea, and other parts of Asia — and each one brings its own charm.

These dollhouses can look really different depending on the style. You might see a tiny Japanese temple, a Chinese courtyard house, or a cozy Korean hanok.

What they often have in common is the use of natural materials: lots of wood, bamboo, paper, and clay, which gives them a grounded, calming look.

Inside, you’ll usually find delicate screens, low tables, floor cushions, and soft lighting. Some even include tiny Zen gardens or bonsai trees, which add to that peaceful atmosphere.

I’ve come across a few beautifully made ones, and while I don’t have one myself yet, I’d love to try making a minimalist Japanese-style room someday, just to capture that sense of calm in miniature.

Let’s take a look at an example:

Japanese Ryokan-Style Dollhouses:
These dollhouses capture the essence of a traditional Japanese Ryokan, or inn. They feature sliding shoji doors, tatami mat flooring, and miniature futons and tea sets, offering a serene and minimalist atmosphere.

Shabby Shic dollhouses

Shabby Chic dollhouses are like miniature romantic cottages: soft, sweet, and full of charm. The style itself became popular in the 1980s, but it draws inspiration from vintage furniture, pastel colors, and that perfectly worn-in look.

These dollhouses usually have weathered paint, soft pinks, whites, and pale blues, and a cozy, slightly faded vibe that feels like a well-loved space. Inside, you’ll often find vintage-style furniture with chipped paint, floral cushions, and delicate little details that make the whole thing feel soft and inviting.

Let’s take a look at a lovely example by Miss Diorama:

Related article: When were dollhouses invented?

My Final Conclusion

I hope that you liked this article on vintage and antique dollhouses and if you have any more questions about this article, please feel free to leave them down below in the comment section.

You can also follow me on one of my social media channels below if you like or my cozy Facebook group. See you there?

I wish you happy crafting!

Kind regards,

Lizzy

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