Choosing the right dollhouse kit can feel like a big decision. Do you want the satisfying precision of slotting pieces together like a 3D puzzle, or are you ready to roll up your sleeves and glue your way to a miniature masterpiece?
In this post, we’ll break down the types of dollhouse kits based on how they’re assembled, so you can figure out which one is perfect for your own taste or which crafting level you are comfortable with.
But first, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both methods, in my experience:
Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Glue-Based Kits | – Greater flexibility for customizing (bashable) | – Time-consuming to assemble |
– Allows for intricate details | – Can get messy with glue | |
– Easier to modify during or after assembly | – Requires precision and patience | |
Tab-and-Slot Kits | – Faster, cleaner assembly | – Difficult to modify or customize |
– No need for glue, less mess | – Less flexibility in design changes | |
– Ideal for beginners or those who prefer simplicity |
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Glue-Based Dollhouse Kits
Glue-required kits are for those who love a hands-on experience and enjoy getting into the nitty-gritty details of construction.
These kits often offer more flexibility in where and how you position the pieces, but they do take a little more time and effort. Here are the top brands offering glue-based dollhouse kits:
1. Robotime (Rolife)
Robotime kits, including their sub-brand Rolife, are all about the details. If you enjoy piecing together tiny furniture and delicate decor, these kits—like the popular Miller’s Garden or Cathy’s Flowerhouse—are the ones for you.
Most of their dollhouse kits require glue to ensure everything stays securely in place.
Scroll down this article to see which glue I prefer.
2. Billy (Japan)
If you’re after something with a bit of cultural flair, Billy from Japan offers kits that recreate traditional Japanese architecture, like the Showa Series Candy Shop.
These kits usually require glue for assembly, and some even come with paints so you can add your own artistic touch.
Unlike ‘Flever‘ or “Anavrin“, this brand is really unique, although the choice of DIY kits isn’t as expanded as other brands.
But they can really be great for collectors who don’t want a DIY kit that ‘everyone else’ has, if you catch my drift 😉
These can get more expensive though.
Rice cracker shop kit Shibamata of Billy handmade dollhouse kit
Buy Now →Check out more details and prices in the link above
3. Hongda
Known for their 1:24 scale miniature houses, these kits from Hongda require glue and come with materials like MDF wood, fabric, and paper.
Many of their kits also feature built-in lights, adding a charming glow to your finished piece.
I personally think that this brand Hongda, although not commonly known, is thé basic brand for kits from Cutebee and smaller rebrands. But the thing is that for example Cutebee, has become a well-known brand on its own.
What these rebrands often don’t include though, are Asian-themed DIY kits or kits with multiple floors and rooms. So you would still check out ‘Hongda’. I hope this doesn’t sound too confusing. I know, for me, it was at first lol!
This “Ozjay” DIY kit below is not from the original brand, but probably from Hongda, for example.
OZJAY DIY Miniature Dollhouse Kit, Tiny House Kit Magic House DIY Kits
Buy Now →Check out more details and prices in the link above
4. Greenleaf
Greenleaf is a classic in the world of dollhouse kits, and thus there is no confusion possible to see from which brand these kits are from.
It was a bit hard though to place them in the right section, because they do use a tab-and-slot system for the main structure, but you’ll need glue to attach the finer details like trims, windows, and decorations.
Greenleaf kits are made in the United States, and they offer a variety of dollhouse designs and styles, ranging from Victorian homes to modern structures.
I have written expansively about the Greenleaf kits before, check out the post here.
5. Cutebee (Older Models)
While Cutebee has recently switched to a tab-and-slot system for their newer book nooks, their older DIY kits are glue-based, perfect for those who enjoy a traditional approach to miniature building!
And personally, I really think that there is something unique about struggling through some things, to end up satisfied with a finished project, but that’s just me 😉
==> My hacked “Chocolatier” from Cutebee, which need quite some glue still 🙂
Tab-and-Slot Dollhouse Kits
If you’re more into the puzzle-like challenge of slotting pieces together, tab-and-slot kits are where it’s at. These kits feature laser-cut pieces that fit together without glue, making for a faster and cleaner build.
1. Cutebee (Newer Models)
Yes, I know, I have mentioned Cutebee before, but the newer book nooks and some of their dollhouse kits now also feature a tab-and-slot system. So for this brand, you can choose!
These kits are designed for a smoother, glue-free assembly, but don’t worry—you’ll still get plenty of detail and charm in the finished product.
I have personally assembled and reviewed the tab-and-slot one called ‘The Detective Agency” and for once,I was happy that it was assembled much quicker than I’m used to, I love puzzles!
In the next video below, you can hear me explain the differences between the book nook from Cutebee versus Robotime.
2. Rokr 3D puzzles
For something a little different, check out Rokr kits, another brand under Robotime.
These mechanical puzzle kits, like the miniature piano, use a tab-and-slot system that makes them fun to build and functional too—many of their models include working mechanical parts.
Put on the sound for the most important and cutest thing ever from these kits!
3. And last but not least, DIY kits with tab-and-slot on Etsy
Once in a while, you may also find the most incredible tab-and-slot kits dollhouses in places like eBay or Etsy.
These require some more work though, although you can assemble them without glue, but the beauty of this is that you can chose your own colors and decoration, as much as you like it to be.
For example, this 1:12 Scale Wooden Dollhouse KIT is called The French Quarter. Isn’t this gorgeous? (created by MiniatureRoseGarden)
Choosing the Right Glue for Your Dollhouse
Now, If your kit does require glue, picking the right type is crucial for a sturdy yet clean finish.
I personally swear by Grab Fast Tacky Glue by Aleene’s for its quick adhesion and strength. But there are other great options to consider:
- PVA Glue: This is your standard white glue, great for wood and paper. It’s easy to clean up but takes longer to dry.
- Wood Glue: Perfect for assembling larger wooden structures, wood glue provides a strong, long-lasting bond.
- Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate): When you need to stick small pieces quickly, super glue gets the job done, but be careful—it sets almost instantly! And be careful not to stick your fingers together hahaha!
This type of glue is pretty great for things like chairs made from wire, as I needed to do in the Chocolatier-kit from Cutebee in the video above!
And also in Simon’s Coffee by Robotime, without superglue, it takes forever to glue those wires together!
No matter what kind of kit you’re working with, having the right glue on hand will make the process smoother and your build sturdier.
My Final Conclusion
I hope that you can figure out which type of DIY dollhouse kit you would prefer: make your projects easier with tab-and-slot, or not? It is totally up to you because both have their charms and their little problems.
If you have any questions about this article, please feel free to leave them down below in the comment section and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
I wish you happy crafting!
Kind regards,
Lizzy
PS: Don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel!
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