Vintage wooden dollhouses have brought joy to everyone since time immemorial. Thus, vintage wooden dollhouses hold a special place in many homes, providing families with moments to reminisce. Restoring one lets you preserve that history while creating a beautiful and safe toy for children to enjoy today.
So, whether you found a wooden dollhouse at a market or got one from family, restoring it can be truly rewarding. Don't worry if you don't know how to do it, because we are here at your rescue!
This guide will show you each step—from basic repairs to adding beautiful furniture and fun decorations. It will teach you how to turn an old dollhouse into a lovely play space full of magic. So, let's begin!
Step-by-Step Guide to Restore and Furnish
Restoring a vintage wooden dolls house for kids can be a rewarding journey. If you're wondering where to begin, just follow these simple steps:
1. Check the Condition
To restore, you need to know the places that need fixing. So, start by closely observing your wooden doll house. It will tell you if they have any cracks, loose parts, or missing pieces. Further, check its display, including the wallpaper, to see any signs of dullness or peeling. Noting these things early helps you decide what to fix first. Taking a photo now can also help you see the changes later and enjoy the makeover journey.
2. Clean It Carefully
Old wooden dollhouses are bound to gather dust and dirt. To remove the dust and dirt, use a soft cloth to clean the surface, ensuring you create a clean canvas. It should be damp, not wet. Avoid too much water—it can damage old wood. For tiny corners, use a soft toothbrush.
3. Fix the Basics
Start with small repairs. Use wood glue to fix any loose parts or broken joints. Sand rough edges to remove splinters. If something is missing—like a window frame or a balcony—you can recreate it with cardboard or craft wood.
Ensure all parts of the wooden dolls house are safe for children to use. Ensure that there are no sharp edges or loose nails. Everything must be sturdy, smooth and secure.
4. Paint or Refinish
If the old paint is peeling, you need to sand it down and start fresh. Then choose a new colour. Always use child-safe, non-toxic paint. For a soft, vintage look, go with pastels. For something more modern, try using bold colours.
Want extra charm? Use stencils or add tiny trims. You can even recreate wallpaper using scrapbook paper or printable patterns.
5. Furnish with Style
Now comes the exciting part—adding furniture! You can mix old and new pieces. At Barnshenn, we offer doll house furniture that fits perfectly in both new and restored houses. Our furniture is safe, strong, and full of charm.
If you have old furniture:
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Repaint or polish it to match your theme.
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Fix any broken parts using glue and small clamps.
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Add cushions, covers, or quilts for a cosy look.
6. Decorate the Inside
Let your creativity shine. Use leftover fabric to make curtains. Use felt as rugs. You can cut cardboard to make picture frames, mirrors, or shelves.
Don’t forget the walls! You can paint them, add wallpaper, or hang tiny art prints. Make each room different—just like a real home.
Style Ideas for Your Vintage Wooden Dollhouse
Every doll house for kids is a blank canvas. Here are a few style ideas to spark your imagination:
Countryside Cottage
Use floral wallpaper and lace curtains. Add soft colours and simple wooden furniture. To enhance the design, consider placing a small flower box on the window.
Vintage Victorian
Imagine rich colours, patterned rugs, and antique-style dollhouse furniture. Gold accents and dark wood work great here.
Modern Minimalist
Go for clean lines and lighter colours, like white, grey, or beige. After establishing a soft canvas, add a pop of colour with small, vibrant pieces, like pillows.
Whimsical Wonderland
Use themes like fairies or forests. Add glitter, soft lights, or storybook props. Anything magical works well here!
How Barnshenn Helps Bring It All Together
At Barnshenn, we know how special it is to restore a wooden doll house. We craft our furniture with meticulous attention to detail. It works for both new homes and restored ones because we focus on safety, durability, and beautiful design.
So, whether you're bringing home a birthday gift, a keepsake, or a family treasure, we’re here to help. Our pieces are built to last—and loved by both kids and collectors.
Final Thoughts
Fixing up a wooden doll house for kids is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to create something special. With care, creativity, and time, you can bring an old dollhouse back to life.
So don’t be afraid to try new things. Mix colours. Try fun styles. Add your personal touch.
And when you're ready to furnish your doll house, explore Barnshenn’s dollhouse furniture. Our collection is full of safe, stylish pieces that help children play, dream, and imagine.
Let your ideas flow—and build a tiny world full of love and wonder.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use any paint for a doll house?
No. We would advise you to go for child-safe and non-toxic paint only. Doing this will make your wooden dollhouse safe enough for kids to play with it.
Q2: What if my old furniture is too damaged?
You can try to fix and repaint it. If not, replace it. Barnshenn has furniture that blends well with both old and new styles.
Q3: Can I mix old and new furniture?
Yes! It actually looks charming. A mix of old and new gives the doll house character and makes it more fun.
