How to Match Doll Size and Dollhouse Scale

Match doll and dollhouse sizes by comparing the doll to the height of the room and by checking how the doll appears to fit in the furniture.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Doll Houses
• Dollhouse Beds
• Dollhouse Chairs
• Dollhouse Couches
• Dollhouse Curtains
• Dollhouse Dishes
• Dollhouse Dolls
• Dollhouse Lamps
• Dollhouse Tables

1. Understand that there are two types of dollhouses - miniature and toy dollhouses.
2. Be aware that miniatures are made exactly to scale, and everything in the doll house should match the scale. Generally, these are collector's items.
3. Know that toy dollhouses are not made to scale.
4. Know, too, that the simplest way to match a doll and dollhouse is to place the doll in the dollhouse and see whether it looks like it's the right size - with at least several inches between the doll's head and ceiling.
5. Lay the doll down on a bed in the dollhouse. The doll should fit comfortably on the bed and not hang over the edges or appear lost in it.
6. Realize that a child will not be hugely particular about having everything in the dollhouse exactly the same scale.
7. Make sure the doll fits through any doorways and that the doll appears to fit comfortably in any chairs. When seated at a table, the table should be between waist and shoulder level.
8. Recognize that, in general, toy dollhouses are made in miniature size, in which the dolls are only several inches high; small size, in which the dolls are 4 to 6 inches tall; and fashion size, in which the house is made for Barbie-size dolls.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are trying to buy a dollhouse for a specific set of dolls, bring the dolls with you when you shop.
• If you are choosing dolls for a dollhouse, measure the ceiling height and bring a bed or chair with you for easy comparison.
• With a 1-inch-scale dollhouse, each inch corresponds to 1 foot of a real house or piece of furniture. Half-inch scale is smaller, using 1/2 inch per foot.