Doll houses or miniature homes have been enjoyed for thousands of years in one form or another. Early examples can be traced back as far as ancient Egyptian, where servants, furnishings and other wooden items were placed in tombs.
However, the doll house as we know it today has its roots in European doll houses or "baby houses" as they were known. In the 16th century, these dollhouses were not for the amusement of children but instead were finely detailed replicas of the homes of the wealthy. Used to display their status, baby houses were created by craftsman and were expensive, some costing as much as a modestly priced home would in that era.
The best dollhouses of this period were made in Germany were several dollhouses companies flourished and then exported to Europe and America. These early dollhouses painstakingly recreated furniture's, paintings, rooms and more. The exquisite craftsmanship of these early dollhouses as well as their detailed look at life during this time has made them highly priced collectors items with the best examples currently on display in museums.
Unlike the toy they are today these early dollhouses were for show. If children were allowed to play with them it was rarely and only with exquisite care. In the 1700 and 1800s, these dollhouses were often found in children's nurseries, uses as a way to teach young girls about domestic life and managing a household.
As the industrial revolution happened in Europe, factories began to mass produce items including dollhouses. With interest in the product spreading, doll houses became more affordable for the middle class and by the 1900s, dollhouses were in production in America as well. It was also during the 20th century that a standardized scale was put into place for dollhouses. A scale of 1 inch to 1 foot was created for Queen Mary's Dolls' House, one of the most well known and admired dollhouses of any period.
Built in the 1920s Queen Mary's Dolls' House was created by a leading architect of the ear, Sir Edwin Lutyens and was the idea of her cousin Princess Marie Louise. The doll house is remarkable because many of the furnishings and items inside are replicas of those found in Windsor Castle with silk walls, marble floors and wool rugs. The dollhouse included a flushable toilet, workable lights and a wine cellar fully stocked with alcohol.
After World War II dollhouses were mass produced using new methods that emphasized quantity over quality. These newer dollhouses were made of painted sheet metal and contained plastic furnishings but their affordability allowed many young girls to pick up the hobby.
Today dollhouses are popular among children as well as adult hobbyist. Paper and cardboard dollhouses can be purchased as can cheap mass produced dollhouses. Collectors and hobbyist will find expensive and elaborate dollhouses that feature the craftsmanship found in early European dollhouses. Antique style dollhouses can be built using a variety of materials or hobbyist can build a perfect replica of their own homes. A doll house kit can also be purchased to help beginners create a dollhouse with their child.