Mad for Miniatures? Show Us Your Own Dollhouse

Mad for Miniatures? Show Us Your Own Dollhouse

It’s not surprising that a 1930s house with figurines bedecked with diamonds, emeralds and pearls; murals and paintings by Walt Disney; and 2,000-year-old figurines initially cost $500,000 to build (nearly $7 million when adjusted for inflation). What’s astonishing is that after nearly 80 years no one — not the homeowner — has ever stepped foot inside the house. That’s because the Fairy Castle is really a miniature dollhouse built by silent film star Colleen Moore. The 9-foot house is on display daily at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, in which it receives hundreds of thousands of visitors every year — most of whom have to observe its own fancy decorations in the perspective of a 5-inch-tall point of view.

A current post on decorating with dollhouses directed several ers to chime in with pictures of their fabulously very small homes — with even tinier furnishings. With the launch of a strange dollhouse-themed Ikea ad, well, we are more than just a little inspired by dollhouses at the moment.

Take a look at this dream dollhouse and a few treasured dollhouses in the neighborhood — then discuss your own mini miracle in the Remarks below.

Chicago, Industry and Science Museum

The Fairy Castle at Chicago is 8 ft 7 inches by 8 feet 2 inches by 7 feet 7 inches and contains more than 2,000 miniatures, including the tiniest Bible ever composed, which dates back to 1840.

Chicago, Industry and Science Museum

Moore enlisted the help of more than 700 professionals, including surgical instrument lighting specialists, Beverly Hills jewelers and Chinese jade craftsmen, according to the museum.

Pictured here is the Great Hall, with a ceiling depicting fairy tale scenes. There are also etched windows, actual silver knights, tiny glass slippers along with three statues of the goddess Isis that date back more than 4,000 years.

Chicago, Industry and Science Museum

The flooring in Cinderella’s drawing area is rose quartz and jade. The chandelier hanging in the middle of the area is gold, hung with actual diamonds, emeralds and pearls. The vases at each side of the door are carved amber more than 500 years old.

The dollhouses out of our childhood might have been less grand, but you could actually play with them. Today they continue to provide us pleasure as grownup decor or entertainment for another generation.

Some examples from the fellow

From Kim: “This is a dollhouse that I created for my daughter when she was little. Now I exhibit it on a fresh shelf over the staircase.”

From juju622: “This is one of my dollhouses. It is a Melissa & Doug children’s toy that I stained. It is an addictive hobby!”

“In Kansas City, we have a wonderful miniature museum,” says juju622.

From candyjayne3917: “My handmade dollhouse (a work in progress!) Is an unexpected design component in my little townhouse. I painted it to match my new color choices for the space and seems completely at home … in fact, it finishes it. I’m vindicated!”

From Lucy Ananiadis: “I am a fan. We made this one for our women. They are now grown, so it is a part of my decor right now. I plan to actually fit it out someday.”

From Louise Waddington Designs: “My daughter outgrew her dollhouse but I didn’t wish to give it away, so I converted it into a table. She enjoys it and may still utilize the rooms to conceal things.”

Inform us : Have a fantastic dollhouse of your own? Please post photos of your dollhouse in the Remarks below. We’ll pick some of our favorites for an upcoming feature on dollhouses for style fans.

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