Give a 1:12 dollhouse the rich, layered look of a Victorian home: dark wood, carved furniture, a grand fireplace, lace and lots of treasured little things.
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The Victorian style is one of the most popular choices for dollhouses, and it is easy to see why. Victorian rooms were full of pattern, polished wood and collected treasures, which means there is always another tiny detail to add. Here's how to decorate a dollhouse in Victorian style, from the walls in.
1. Start with dark floors and finished walls
Victorian homes had polished wood floors, patterned wallpaper and plenty of trim. Lay the floor first, paper the walls, then add skirting and crown moulding for an instant period look.
Walnut dollhouse flooring
Two 17 x 11 inch sheets of natural wood with a rich walnut finish, enough for two rooms. See details and options.
Patterned dollhouse wallpaper
Wrinkle-resistant cotton paper that is easy to trim, for 1:12 or 1:6 scale rooms. See details and options.
Skirting and crown moulding set
18 wood trim pieces, each 17 inches long, to give walls a finished look. See details and options.
2. Furnish the parlor
The parlor was the showpiece of a Victorian house, where guests were received. Look for carved wood, rich upholstery and furniture arranged in conversation groups.
Victorian living room set, 8 pieces
A diamond-patterned sofa and couch, two carved tables, a glass vase, a rug and framed art. See details and options.
Red carved wooden sofa
A handmade sofa with a carved wood frame and red upholstery, a showpiece for any parlor. See details and options.
Pair of carved wooden armchairs
Two handmade armchairs with detailed carving and upholstered seats. See details and options.
3. Make the fireplace the centerpiece
Every Victorian room was arranged around the hearth. A carved fireplace with a flickering glow and a set of tools brings the whole room to life.
Rococo fireplace with flickering light
A Victorian-style fireplace with a firelight, a log rack with five logs and gold-toned tools. See details and options.
4. Dress the windows in lace
Lace curtains were a must in Victorian homes. They soften the light and give the room a delicate, old-fashioned feel.
Lace curtains, 2 pieces
Layered lace and tulle curtains with a floral pattern and a channel for a rod. See details and options.
5. Fill the room with treasures
Victorians loved to display what they collected. Fine china, a clock on the mantel, a musical instrument and potted urns all help a room feel authentically full.
Porcelain tea set with gold trim
A floral porcelain tea set for afternoon tea in the parlor. See details and options.
Porcelain vases, plates and desk clock
Six vases, four decorative plates and a metal clock with a rose design and gold edges. See details and options.
Piano music box with violin
A wooden piano that plays a melody, with a mini violin, a picture frame and a rug. See details and options.
Urn planters with dried flowers
Two classic urns filled with white and purple dried flowers. See details and options.
6. Carry the style upstairs
Victorian bedrooms had heavy wooden beds, wardrobes and washstands. A rich mahogany set suits the period well.
Mahogany bedroom set, 6 pieces
A bed with an ornate headboard and footboard, carved nightstands and matching storage. See details and options.
Tips for a Victorian dollhouse
- Go dark and rich. Deep reds, greens and wood tones look right for the period.
- More is more. Victorian rooms were full, so layer rugs, art and ornaments.
- Add pattern on pattern. Wallpaper, rugs and upholstery can all be patterned.
- Light it warmly. A glowing fireplace or candles suits the era better than bright modern light.
Want more ideas? See how to furnish a 1:12 dollhouse bedroom and how to furnish a cozy dollhouse living room, or browse the whole shop.