About Dollhouses
Dollhouses, with their miniature models of real world objects, have fascinated children and adults for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Dollhouses come in a wide variety of sizes and styles, some made for adult collectors, and others as children's toys. They may be finely detailed works of art, or simple playthings. Dollhouse enthusiasts may make their own dollhouses and accessories, or purchase them already made.
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Features
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Dollhouses are miniature houses or cabinets that contain furniture, decorations, and other household items, such as pretend food and dishes, in the appropriate scale for small dolls. A simple dollhouse may have just one room for all the furniture, while more complex models may have bedrooms, bathrooms, a living room, dining room and kitchen, as well as connected patios or porches. Dollhouses are open on one side or the top, or have a hinged or removable wall or roof, so that the owner can rearrange or play with the dolls and furniture.
Size
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Standard sizes for dollhouses have varied over the years. Most current dollhouses use one-inch or 1:12 scale, in which one inch represents one foot or 12 inches. Larger dollhouses, such as those made for Barbie dolls, use 1:6 scale. Smaller dollhouses may use half-inch scale or even quarter inch scale. Until the 1970s, most commercially made dollhouses used two-thirds scale, or 1:18. German dollhouses often use 1:10 scale rather than 1:12.
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History of
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During the 16th century, "baby houses," or cabinets filled with finely made miniature furniture and dolls, became popular with the wealthy women of Europe. These dollhouses were handmade, highly prized works of art, not to be played with by children. In the early 19th century, dollhouses began to be mass produced, making them less detailed but more affordable, and they became popular toys for children, especially young girls. Germany was particularly well known a top producer of dollhouses until World War I. By World War II, most commercially made dollhouses became simple toys of sheet metal and plastic.
Function
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The earliest known dollhouses date back 5,000 years to the tombs of Egypt. These wooden models of houses, furniture, people and animals were most likely made for religious purposes, rather than as toys. Today, dollhouses allow serious artists to make exquisite miniature models of furniture and other household items. Children often enjoy using dollhouses for pretend play, setting up the house and acting out the roles of various people. Dollhouses may also serve as storage areas for dolls, furniture and accessories.
Type
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Dollhouses may be elaborate works of craftsmanship with intricate details, finely made furniture and working electric lights, suitable for adult collectors and hobbyists, or they may be simple children's toys. Dollhouse enthusiasts may purchase dollhouses and furniture, or they may enjoy making their own. Toy companies make a variety of plastic, wood and metal dollhouses, while many toy and hobby shops sell balsa wood dollhouse kits. Children may also make their own dollhouses at home using shoeboxes or small cardboard boxes, and decorate them with colored paper and other household items.
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