What dollhouse is better – made of wood or plastic? At what age is it recommended for children? Melissa & Doug, Kidkraft, or Hape dollhouse: here is an overview of the best dollhouses.
By the way, dollhouses have been around since the 16th century. Then as now, a doll’s house was one of the most popular toys for children from the age of about 3. Dollhouses play is advantageous for child development. Everyday situations are imitated with dolls or situations that are especially important to the child at the moment. Children mostly play mommy and daddy games, eating, brushing teeth, going to sleep. Such role plays are still very simple for 3-years-old and become more and more complex. 5 years old then play in a different way, but the dollhouses do not become less interesting.
Dollhouse checklist
It is very important how a dollhouse is made:
- Safety: Sharp edges or protruding wood splinters are a “no-go” and pose a risk of injury.
- Child’s age: The design and detailing should be appropriate to the child’s age. The older the children, the smaller the parts.
- Size: Although they may look small in the photo, many are over 1 meter high. This brings a lot of fun for the kids and their dolls, but also needs a lot of space in the children’s room. Parents should consider this carefully before buying.
- Design: The houses are either quite playful and suitable for a pink doll’s world or comparatively simple. The plain variants also have many loving details, but they are seen as a very everyday house. How this appeals to the child varies from child to child.
- Functions: The dollhouses do not just stand there boringly. Most of them also have many functions such as doors with a letter slot that can be opened and closed or an elevator in which the dolls can travel to the upper floors.
- Accessories: For the child each piece of furniture is important, so take a look at them.
- Compatibility: The dolls must fit into the dollhouse – otherwise, the joy will quickly turn into frustration and the children will quickly lose interest in the dollhouse
The most beautiful doll’s houses with furniture
Whether made of wood or plastic, for little or older children: the right dollhouse can look very different from child to child. We have compiled a list of the most favorite doll’s houses and extra accessories for you.
Wooden dollhouse
The feel of wood is natural and simply unique – even children feel that. The wooden dollhouses becomming more and more popular.
What products are recommended by parents? The following selection is specified by four quality criteria: testimonials, ratings, number of purchases and quality labels.
This house offers many play possibilities. Six rooms, moveable stairs, and a winter and summer roof, which is reversible and equipped with solar panels.
The interior, as well as the exterior design, is very detailed and good for numerous game variations
The roof of the house can be removed and, depending on the season, can be installed as a winter or summer façade. The stairs can also be moved as desired
In total the wooden house consists of 36 parts, designed for children from 3 years
Children from the age of 3 years will also be pleased that the dolls can also use the elevator, garage doors that can be opened and a total of 34 accessories. The assembly is very easy - a step-by-step assembly instruction is enclosed.
Conclusion: A doll's house with a stable wooden construction, which meets all important purchase criteria!
Handmade from solid wood
Detailed curlicue accents
Interior illustration in all colors
Easy assembly with the help of the enclosed fittings
Top 5 dollhouses made of wood – Bestseller
What are the most commonly purchased items? No recommendation is as credible as a verified purchase. That‘s why our crawlers look for the best-selling products on Amazon from every relevant category every day. We extract product data from the most popular products and show you the result here in the bestseller lists.
- 42-Piece lifestyle accessory set
- 3 levels and 10 rooms
- Mid-century modern design with trendy patterns and bright, bold colors
- Open Concept allows 360° play access
- 2 staircases that clip onto any part of the dollhouse
- PORTABLE MINI WOODEN DOLLHOUSE: The Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Mini Dollhouse is a portable...
- STURDY CARRYING HANDLES: Our Melissa & Doug Fold & Go dollhouse for kids has sturdy...
- EASY TO PLAY: This portable wooden dollhouse is designed to open fully, giving kids easier...
- GIFT FOR 3 TO 6: The Fold & Go Mini Dollhouse is a creative gift for kids ages 3 to 6. Add...
- “THE GOLD STANDARD IN CHILDHOOD PLAY”: For more than 30 years, Melissa & Doug has...
- A COZY DREAM HOUSE: Most children dream of a doll house of their own. This wonderful doll...
- DESIGN YOUR OWN HOME: Let your child’s creativity flourish with a kit of seven furniture...
- REALISTIC DOORBELL: Complete with a realistic "ding" sound, the doorbell will give you a...
- MOVEABLE LAMPS: The LED lights for each room can be moved using a convenient magnet....
- TIMELESS TOY: Combine with other Hape Doll House & Furniture sets to enrich the play...
- PORTABLE WOODEN DOLLHOUSE: The Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Dollhouse is a portable wooden...
- WORKING DOORS: This portable wooden dollhouse has been designed with a working front door...
- STURDY CARRYING HANDLES: This Melissa & Doug dollhouse for kids includes chunky, sturdy...
- GIFT FOR AGES 3 AND UP: Our dollhouse makes a great gift for kids ages 3 and up. Add the...
- “THE GOLD STANDARD IN CHILDHOOD PLAY”: For more than 30 years, Melissa & Doug has...
- PERFECT ROLEPLAY DOLLHOUSE: A classic 3 story wood dollhouse that encourages imaginative...
- ROOM FEATURES: This dollhouse for kids features 6 rooms including four room sets of a...
- FULLY FURNISHED: The house has unique home furnishings and household appliances that are...
- DURABILITY: This kids wooden dolls house has solid wood construction and has a child safe...
- AWARD-WINNING: Recipient of the 2011 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal Award
Dolls should live in a dollhouse. At least for many children, this is a crystal clear fact and so at the age of three, it will be time for a dollhouse in the children’s room. The wooden dollhouse versions are very popular. They are now available in many different shapes, colors, and sizes. Here the dolls can experience all everyday things like sleeping, eating, playing. The children play very often that they are grown up, so they can even set up a small home office, just like mom and dad do.
However, parents should think about the size of the dollhouse. Some are as big as the children playing with them. There is not so much space in every children’s room.
Japanese Dollhouse
Japanese dollhouses are especially beautiful and a little bit different. Similar to other dollhouses, they also have a very detailed interior with vivid miniature furniture, including LED lights, but the dollhouses with traditional Japanese style will always surprise you. They are really neat with everything sorted in little packages.
So if you need a new challenging project, and the lego set is to easy for you and your child, we recommend Japanese dollhouses.
Please note, these are designed for older children
- Assembled Yourself:It have a lot of pieces,will be difficult to complete under 14 years...
- Detail:The dollhouse miniature scale of 1:24,finished size is 17*15*17 CM,weight about is...
- Package Include:All the furniture and accessories in the pictures,And we extra sent dust...
- Meaningful Gift:Perfect and meaningful festival gift(Christmas & Thanksgiving & Halloween...
- Important Note:Package not included glue and batteries,because they are forbidden to ship...
- √Accurately speaking, the cute house is not designed to be played with, but collectible...
- √High quality and excellent designed match its price: Materials are of good quality,the...
- √A very perfect gift and collectibles for who enjoy crafts and miniatures, the box...
- √We want to encourage you it easy to assemble just a little patience. Printed sheet was...
- √Important Note: The kits have been inspected 100% carefully before delivery, so as to...
- Assembled Yourself:It have a lot of pieces,will be difficult to complete under 14 years...
- Detail:The dollhouse miniature scale of 1:24,finished size is 30*20*19 CM,weight about is...
- Package Include:All the furniture and accessories in the pictures,And we extra sent music...
- Meaningful Gift:Perfect and meaningful festival gift(Christmas & Thanksgiving & Halloween...
- Important Note:Package not included glue and batteries,because they are forbidden to ship...
Barbie Dollhouses
Slim, blond, permanently smiling: Barbie is often discussed. Some think that Barbie has given generations of girls a problematic image of women. Some think this doll should stand for diversity. We don’t recommend Barbie Dollhouses, but if you think they can be good for your child, here is the best selection of Barbie dollhouses:
- Measuring an impressive 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide and featuring 3 stories, 8 rooms,...
- Dreamy features include the working elevator with room for 4 dolls or a Barbie doll in a...
- Lights and sounds add realistic touches and encourage role-play: place the frying pan on...
- Two-in-one fun expands the possibilities for play: the couch opens to create bunk beds and...
- Additional accessories -the Barbie dollhouse comes with 70 pieces total -encourage...
- Measuring an impressive 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide and featuring 3 stories, 8 rooms,...
- Dreamy features include the working elevator with room for 4 dolls, a new home office,...
- Lights and sounds add realistic touches and encourage role-play: place the frying pan...
- Two-in-one fun expands the possibilities for play: the couch opens to create bunk beds...
- Additional accessories - the Barbie dollhouse comes with 70 pieces total - encourage...
- When a glam girl needs to relax, she needs a glam getaway house!
- A latch and carrying handle means this getaway home is also the perfect house for a...
- Open and unfold to reveal a cute kitchenette, adorable bedroom and en suite bathroom.
- Colorful accessories engage girls’ decorating skills, while a unique feature keeps the...
Plastic dollhouse
The advantage of a plastic dollhouse is that most houses are well made and you can’t hurt yourself. Another advantage is the price, because houses made of plastic are usually cheaper than those made of wood.
A disadvantage is quality because many dollhouses made of plastic are not well processed and break after a few times of playing. Wood is definitely much more robust here.
A house of this kind is not environmentally friendly and should not be swallowed by your child. Since small children like to put things in their mouth and bite into things, you should be careful.
If you still want to buy a plastic dollhouse for your child, it makes sense to check that it is free of harmful substances.
Dollhouse accessories
The play ideas of children with a dollhouse are almost unlimited. So that all ideas can be put into practice, there should be no lack of accessories.
- ENDLESS FUN:Highly-detailed design and mild color scheme,4 complete well-made wood...
- DEVELOP THEIR IMAGINATION:Playing with this lovely furniture set stimulates children's...
- HIDDEN SURPRISE: Mirror can be rotated, drawers can be pulled out, cabinets can be opened....
- SAFE TO PLAY WITH: The sturdy dollhouse furniture play set is finished with non-toxic...
- INCLUDE: 22 pieces of furniture and accessories for dollhouse role play including dining...
- 5 SET DOLLHOUSE FURNITURE: 5 colorful complete well-made wood dollhouse furniture set with...
- BATHROOM and BEDROOM: this bedroom set with pink bed and blue bed, dollhouse furiture and...
- COMFY LIVING & DINING ROOM:Flat screen TV to the oversized, cushy recliners, and couch,...
- LOVELY KITCHEN: There with the sink, stove, refrigerator and cabinet; you can own all the...
- PERFECT DOLL FURNITURE SET:there have work fine colorful dollhouse furniture it is graet...
- Material: Each dollhouse accessory is made of high quality wood, and surface painted with...
- 35 Pieces of Dollhouse Accessories: this package contains 5 sets of dollhouse furniture...
- Living Room Set: includes 3 sofa, 1 table, 1 TV and 1 TV stand. Bedroom Set: includes 2...
- Design: the dollhouse furniture are colorful and elegant, the doors of wardrobe and...
- Perfect for Dollhouse: decorate your dollhouse with this Accessories, Create a dream home...
Dollhouse kitchen furniture
The sets for the dollhouse kitchen are available in a wide variety of styles, just like the range of kitchen equipment in real life. Depending on your preferences you can choose a rustic country house kitchen or a modern kitchen. But the number of accessories is quite different. What should not be missing in any equipment is a sink, stove, refrigerator. Some kitchens also have a dining area. Just like in a real kitchen, dolls house furniture for example has both small and large kitchen cupboards. Therefore it should be noted that the furniture in general, although all of them are on a scale of 1:12, can vary in size.
For role-playing, there are kitchen utensils such as miniature food, baking sets, pot sets, and dishes, and household appliances.
- MY SY MODERN KITCHEN FULL DELUXE KIT BATTERY OPERATED PLAYSET: Let Your Child Master Their...
- BATTERY AND SIZE DIMENSIONS: Stove Requires 3 LR44 Batteries to Run
- SOUND AND LIGHT UP STOVE/MICROWAVE: Lights come on for the microwave and stove for...
- ALL DOORS AND CABINETS OPEN: Explore this detailed kitchen and let your child organize and...
- VARIOUS ACCESSORIES: Plates, Pots, Pans, Cups and Utensils Can be played with and stored...
- Dollhouse 1:12 Scale Kitchen/Dining Room Furniture Kit - Luxury Cabinet Set(Sink Cabinet +...
- Well designed and crafted for your children to have the best house-hold companion for all...
- Suitable for 1:12 miniature dollhouse; Great decoration for your doll house,creating a...
- Special Note: This is not infant toy , please take away from kids to avoid eating
- 1 Kitchen Cabinet Set (1 Kitchen Sink Cabinet,1 Stove Cabinet,1 Small Cabinet),1 Piece...
- 7-piece furniture set
- Includes: 1 kitchen table, 2 kitchen chairs, 1 sink and countertop, 1 oven with stovetop,...
- Handcrafted wooden pieces
- Working doors and drawers
- 1:12 scale
If you ask how to make dollhouse furniture out of household items, here are some tips.
Dollhouse with lights
Also in the dollshouse Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to revel in atmospheric decoration.
How to light a dollhouse with christmas lights?
How to wire a dollhouse with lights
Dollhouse lighting kit
The typical dollhouse lighting for are hanging lamps, floor lamps, ceiling lamps, table lamps, and Christmas lighting. The connection of these dollhouse lamps is usually made by a lighting transformer or by the battery.
All lamps are usually on a scale of 1:12, but please read the manual for this. The lamps are completely ready for connection with bulb, connecting cable, and plug.
- 4 levels and 8 rooms
- Gliding elevator
- Garage doors open and close
- Smart, sturdy wood construction
- Packaged with detailed, step-by-step assembly instructions
- A COZY DREAM HOUSE: Most children dream of a doll house of their own. This wonderful doll...
- DESIGN YOUR OWN HOME: Let your child’s creativity flourish with a kit of seven furniture...
- REALISTIC DOORBELL: Complete with a realistic "ding" sound, the doorbell will give you a...
- MOVEABLE LAMPS: The LED lights for each room can be moved using a convenient magnet....
- TIMELESS TOY: Combine with other Hape Doll House & Furniture sets to enrich the play...
- Accommodates fashion dolls up to 12 in tall
- 13 pieces of furniture, including a canopy bed and a dining set
- 3 levels of play
- Molded plastic staircase
- Outdoor patio area
Dollhouse guide

Here are the manufacturers of dollhouses that parents trust most often.
1. Barbie Dollhouse
2. Kidkraft Dollhouse
3. Melissa & Doug Dollhouse
4. Hape Dollhouse
Dollhouses are one of the best pretend play games toys that encourage role-playing in children. Children shows through the game what moves them and enter “into the adult world”.
– In a role-play, the child simulates everyday situations and feels as important and big as the adults. It playfully gets to know the tasks, roles and also professions of the adults and develops an understanding for them.
– Through role-playing in the doll’s house, the little ones learn to adopt different perspectives and see the world with “different eyes”. They practice social behavior in a playful way – distribution of roles, how to take responsibility, how to make compromises, etc. The children can implement their own play ideas and imagination or make compromises – just like in “real” life.
– In role-playing, children also learn to adhere to rules that have been jointly agreed upon. This also includes, for example, sharing, keeping silent or showing stamina. Just as is the case with family games, for example.
– Role-playing with dolls and doll’s house also involves processing everyday experiences. Children play situations, but can also reduce fears that have arisen in real life.
– The language and expressive abilities of children are also practiced in role-playing. They learn new words and express themselves better.
A doll’s toy is valuable when a child shows interest in role-playing. If you observe your child playing, you will quickly recognize whether there are already small role plays with dolls or other children. Basically, the first simple role-plays start at about the age of three, from then on it makes sense to buy a doll’s house.
Playing with dolls and doll’s houses is also a very typical and frequent form of playing for daycare and primary school children.
There are numerous instructions and tutorials on the Internet. These are some of the best. The video is in German, but you have an English title.
This post contains affiliate links. Product Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Last update on 2020-08-16