Dollhouses are one of the great treasures of childhood. Who doesn’t remember all those hours spent rearranging the doll house furniture just so, or playing out thousands of scenarios that mimicked real life. Doll houses gave us the chance to explore real life, while remaining safe at home.
Doll houses remain just as popular today as they were in our own childhood, still allowing children to give flight to their imaginations. And today, doll houses come in so many styles, there’s something to catch every child’s interest. The 4-Sided Playhouse by Maxim is sure to delight any child. It’s colorful, open sided construction leaves room for multiple children to play together. Your children will spend hours in cooperative, creative play.
The Savannah Dollhouse by KidKraft is reminiscent of the lavish homes of the old South. There are plenty of charming details in the design. The downstairs bathroom has a claw foot tub, and the grand staircase leads you to the upper levels. The wooden construction of this dollhouse means it’s built to last, and would make a wonderful heirloom your child can pass down to future generations.
For play on the go, try the Fold & Go Dollhouse by Melissa & Doug. This lightweight doll house is ready to fold up and go at a moment’s notice, with a convenient carrying handle. It comes with two figures, and eleven pieces of furniture, and your child will love the working garage door.
The History of Dollhouses
Dollhouses have a rich history dating back to the 16th century. They actually began not as children’s toys, but as display pieces called “baby houses” or “cabinet houses” among wealthy European adults, particularly in Germany, Holland, and England.
The first documented dollhouses were created in Bavaria in the 16th century. These “baby houses” were miniature replicas of actual homes, carefully crafted with incredible detail and filled with tiny furniture. They served as both status symbols and teaching tools for wealthy women to instruct their daughters about household management.
The most famous early dollhouse was the Nuremberg House of 1611, commissioned by Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria. These early houses were incredibly expensive, handcrafted items that could cost as much as a real house!
The 18th century saw dollhouses become more widespread among the upper classes. The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century brought significant changes:
- Mass production made dollhouses more affordable
- New materials like tin and cast iron allowed for cheaper furniture and accessories
- Middle-class families could now afford these previously luxury items
A particularly interesting development occurred in the Victorian era (1837-1901). Dollhouses became incredibly detailed representations of Victorian domestic life, complete with servants’ quarters, nurseries, and all the latest miniature technological innovations like tiny working stoves.
The 20th century transformed dollhouses into primarily children’s toys. Companies like Lines Brothers (Tri-ang) and Meccano in Britain, and Fisher-Price and Mattel in America began producing affordable dollhouses for the mass market. The introduction of plastic in the 1950s made them even more accessible.
Some notable historical dollhouses that still exist today include:
- Queen Mary’s Dollhouse (1924) at Windsor Castle – perhaps the most famous dollhouse in the world
- The Stettheimer Dollhouse (1920s) at the Museum of the City of New York
- Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle (1935) at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago
Today, dollhouses continue to evolve. While children’s versions remain popular toys, there’s also a thriving adult collector community. Modern dollhouse enthusiasts create incredibly detailed miniature scenes, often incorporating LED lighting, working plumbing, and other technological advances. The hobby has also gone digital, with virtual dollhouse games and design applications becoming increasingly popular.
