by 7 people |
Why Children and Adults Love Dolls' Houses
There is something fascinating about the miniature world of the dolls' house which has enchanted both children and adults for centuries. For some, it is the chance to act out the lives of their own tiny family. For others, the appeal is in lovingly decorating and furnishing each room to create a beautiful model home. Whatever the reason, dolls' houses are set to continue winning the hearts of children and collectors for a long time to come.
A Brief History of the Dolls' House
The first dolls' houses were created in the sixteenth century, and were known as 'baby houses'. Over the next few hundred years the popularity of dolls' houses steadily increased, and by the nineteenth century many children included a dolls' house in their toy collection.In the 1920s a magnificent dolls' house was built for Queen Mary. Many of the most renowned artisans of the era contributed miniature furniture and other products. The contents of the house include real Doulton china, tiny bottles of real Mumm champagne, and scale model cars built by Rolls Royce. Queen Mary's dolls' house is still on display in Windsor Castle.
Queen Mary's dolls' house inspired other adults to begin dolls' house collections, and these days there are as many dolls' houses built for grown-up collectors as there are for children.
Fun & Educational Childrens' Dolls' Houses
One of the most appealing factors of dolls' houses for parents is the educational value they offer. Through playing with a doll's house, a child can learn a great deal about the world around them. The choices a child makes about how the house is decorated and furnished will also help them to develop imaginative and creative skills which they will find extremely useful in later life.Children's dolls' houses come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and it is important to select the right kind of dolls' house for your child. For younger children, a robust and hardwearing dolls' house made from tough plastic or wood would be most suitable, as it is likely to experience a high level of wear and tear. Your child may want a house for the dolls they already have, in which case it is important to get one that is built to the same scale as the dolls themselves.
Dolls' Houses for Grown-Up Collectors
The choice of dolls' houses available for adult collectors is perhaps even wider and more varied than what is on offer for children. Scale models of buildings from many different periods of history have been lovingly created by expert craftspeople. For those collectors who like to get more actively involved in the craft, there is a huge selection of dolls' house kits available.The design and creation of dolls' houses is in itself a very popular hobby. Hobbyists can spend a lot of time and effort creating perfect miniature versions of existing and imagined dwellings. A lot of these people offer their services to other dolls' house collectors, creating furniture, dolls, and even replica food, to scale.
A Wealth of Choices for Your Dolls' House
With the amount of choice available, there is a dolls' house to suit the tastes of the youngest and oldest enthusiast. For children, a dolls' house is one of the most rewarding gifts they can receive, providing hours of enjoyment and creative play. Adult collectors of dolls' houses find it an enjoyably time-consuming and satisfying hobby.
Choice Dolls Houses for Children & Collectors in the UK
Choice Dolls' Houses are a dolls' house specialist based in the UK, supplying both children's and collectors' dolls' houses. They also stock dolls, toys, accessories, dolls' house furniture, toy castles, and figures. All Choice Dolls' Houses products can be bought online and there are always many special offers available. Visit their website, or contact them if you are looking for something in particular. Mayberry Manor
This popular dolls' house is back in stock!
Due to popular demand, this splendid children's dolls' house is back in stock at Choice Dolls Houses. Mayberry Manor is fully painted & decorated inside and out and has opening sash windows with magnetic catches, stylish bay windows and a porch. The reversible rear roof panel becomes a garden and the elegant front door has shelter from rain! Three floors with room dividers & two staircases. Dolls and furniture sold separately.Take a look at Mayberry Manor on our website for more information or to buy it online.
'Dollhouse' on Wikipedia
For even more information and history of dolls' houses, take a look at this Wikipedia article!
A dollhouse is a toy home, made in miniature. For the last century, dollhouses have primarily been the domain of children but their collection and crafting is also a hobby for many adults.
Today's dollh...
Guest Book
AbbyJ wrote...
Great lens! My mum and my daughter are both dolls house collectors, it's a fascinating world of little tiny people and things!
Posted June 20, 2009
BethErickson wrote...
Neat lens. When I was a kid I really love doll houses. Until now I'm still getting interest if I saw one displaying with an intricate designs. I used to plan for a collection but wasn't able to give it time. :)
Posted September 25, 2008
kstand wrote...
Great lens! I particularly enjoyed the history section. I actually saw that doll house in Windsor Castle 2 years ago. It was enormous. Really amazing!
If you get a chance, check out my Doll House Kits blog.
Posted August 11, 2008
CollectorsCottage wrote...
What a lovely and interesting lens - 5 stars! I've always loved the world of miniatures - you never outgrow it. Welcome to the Collector Clubs group!
Posted September 12, 2007
tplus wrote...
Great lens! I would like to invite you to become a member of Get Ratings, Give Ratings! So that others can see and rate your lens!
Posted July 19, 2007
Here's my favorite link:
Dolls' House books on Amazon
Making Furniture & Dollhouses for American Girl and Other 18-Inch Dolls
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/11/2009) 
The Dollhouse Murders
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
Anatomy of a Doll: The Fabric Sculptor's Handbook
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Making Doll's House Miniatures with Polymer Clay
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/11/2009)
Miniature Iron-on Transfer Patterns for Dollhouses, Dolls, and Small Projects
Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
Dolls and other toys and games on Amazon
Corolle Les Cheries Doll Camille Ballerina - 13" Doll
Amazon Price: $29.20 (as of 07/11/2009)
Little Mommy Baby Knows Doll
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
Amazing Dolls Amazing McKayla Interactive
Amazon Price: $29.98 (as of 07/11/2009)
Corolle Tidoo Suce Pouce in Pajamas - 12" Doll
Amazon Price: $34.63 (as of 07/11/2009)
Little Mommy Gotta Go Doll
Amazon Price: $43.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
Dolls and other toys on eBay
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