Pretend play is an excellent way for children to express themselves creatively. Playing with dollhouses is popular among children because they can design the dollhouse and create a storyline for the characters as they bring them to life.
I love watching my children play pretend with dolls because I know they are having fun, developing empathy, and learning through fantasy and role-playing. They are also exploring how to care for and interact with others through playing with dolls.
1. Cardboard Dollhouse
Making a dollhouse out of cardboard is very inexpensive and allows children the opportunity to show off their art skills. They can decorate the cardboard doll house using paint, colored pencils, crayons, or markers. Having the ability to personalize it makes this dollhouse special for children.
Learn More: Wonderful DIY
2. Wooden Dollhouse
If you are interested in building a wooden dollhouse from scratch, you may want to check out this step-by-step guide to building your own dollhouse. Although this is a project for someone handy, it will be worth the time and effort to have a custom dollhouse for your family.
Learn More: A Beautiful Mess
3. Minimalist Plywood Dollhouse
If you are considering making your own DIY modern dollhouse that doesn’t take up too much space, this minimalist plywood dollhouse might be the perfect dollhouse for you. Although it is small, you can incorporate doll furniture and different types of dolls that will work for this structure.
Learn More: Instructables
4. Miniature DIY Dollhouse
This is a modern and sweet dollhouse made from miniature crates. I love the pergola design and all of the miniature features like the grill and kitchen table. Your child can have fun with dolls in this unique and adorable setting.
Learn More: Refresh Restyle
5. Childhood DIY Dollhouse Kit
If you prefer to put together a pre-made dollhouse kit, you are in luck! This is a toy cottage house that comes with an instruction manual. You can bring your dream dollhouse to life. It is unfinished, so you will be able to add your own style of dollhouse decor.
Learn More: Miniatures
6. Cardboard Brownstone Dollhouses
I love the intricate details of these handcrafted dollhouses. These sweet dollhouses have a dollhouse living room, dollhouse kitchen, and many little dollhouse accessories. I love how these three dollhouses are similar but very different. It’s like a little dollhouse village! How cute!
Learn More: Special Learning House
7. DIY Portable Dollhouse
This DIY portable dollhouse is perfect for families on the go! I love this 3D dollhouse and how it is compact yet so very detailed. Your children will love playing with this sweet dollhouse that can travel with them everywhere they go.
Learn More: Dollar Store Crafts
8. DIY Barbie Dollhouse
How beautiful is this DIY Barbie dollhouse? I love it because it is a lifelike dollhouse that is modern, playful, and fun. The wallpaper accents, on-trend kitchen design, and hardwood floors make this dollhouse look so realistic.
Learn More: Hartley Home
9. Wooden Dollhouse Plan with Printable Furniture
This is a wooden dollhouse plan that comes with free printable furniture. This is great because it does not take up much space and can be mounted directly on the wall. Since the furniture is flat, you won’t have to worry about losing the pieces.
Learn More: Remodel Aholic
10. Boho Dollhouse Design
This boho chic dollhouse design is so on point! I love the little hanging swing and the bamboo-like material that the dollhouse is made of. It is truly a beautiful dollhouse with so many amazing details. I feel like I’m on vacation just looking at it!
Learn More: Raffaela Sofia
11. Tree Dollhouse
Is this a tree house or a dollhouse? I think it’s both! This must be where the dollhouse fairy lives. This tree dollhouse is so majestic and wonderful. Your children will really let their imaginations run wild playing with this amazing dollhouse.
Learn More: Makezine Blog
12. Cheap & Easy DIY Dollhouse
This cheap and easy DIY dollhouse is simple to DIY for your little ones. Although this is a pretty easy project, it still has many small details that make it special. If you look closely, there are even pictures hanging on the walls. That is impressive!
Learn More: Makezine Blog
13. Waldorf Dollhouse
This Montessori-inspired Waldorf Dollhouse is certainly an elegant design. The beauty of these pinewood dollhouses will provide the perfect backdrop to enrich the minds of your littles and are a fabulous way to engage them in a day of imaginative play.
Learn More: Etsy
14. DIY Dollhouse Makeover
If you have an old dollhouse that you are considering bringing back to life, you should look into this DIY dollhouse makeover. It is amazing what you can do to refinish an older dollhouse and make it new again.
Learn More: Oh Happy Play
15. Shoebox DIY Dollhouse
I never knew you could make something so extraordinary with a shoe box! This shoebox DIY dollhouse is so much fun to make and play with. It is big enough for children to interact and play, but not too big where it will take up space in your home.
Learn More: Craft Whack
16. DIY Chalkboard Dollhouse
DIY chalkboard dollhouses are awesome because you can draw different designs every single time you play! I love that this example shows many houses of various sizes, which proves you can create your dollhouses any way you please.
Learn More: Delia Creates
17. Fabric Dollhouse
This fabric dollhouse pattern makes it easy for you to create your own fabric dollhouse. It is portable with its own handle for easy carrying and transporting. It folds out to make a cute scene where you can play with other fabric pieces of the dollhouse.
Learn More: Fast Made
18. Dollhouse Kit
This is a dollhouse kit that you can put together yourself. I love that it has real lights that turn on and many small details that make it unique. It even has a little dog on the porch watering plants, how adorable!
Learn More: Uni Hobby Tech
19. Sweet Nursery Dollhouse
This nursery dollhouse is so impressive! The dollhouse decor is stunning, and even the dolls themselves are beautiful. You can really get a feel for the love that went into making this adorable dollhouse.
Learn More: Jessica Etcetera
20. Full-Size Dollhouse (Intermediate Skill Level)
If you are not intimidated by higher-level DIY projects, you may want to look into making this full-size dollhouse for your family. This is excellent for children to be able to see their dolls at eye level to get a more interactive experience.
Learn More: Anna White
21. DIY Doll Doghouse
If your little one has a beloved toy dog that needs a home, this doll doghouse might be the perfect solution! You can customize this doghouse with your toy dog’s name and your child’s favorite colors. I know my daughter would be very excited to have this in our home!
Learn More: Little Lovelies by Allison