Children’s toy or Collectors pride and joy
Are you buying a dolls house for yourself as a collector or for a child as a toy.
If it’s for a child then you must buy sensibly, there are so many regulations now on toy safety standards.
If it’s for yourself then buy a house with reasonable size rooms and ceiling height.
Plywood or MDF ?
Some of you will prefer a plywood house simply because it’s wooden and looks nice, nothing wrong with that! The only disadvantage with Plywood is it sometimes has a tendency to twist and splinter.
Mdf on the other hand is a stable material that won’t twist or splinter but perhaps doesn’t look as nice in its raw state. However once either one have been painted and decorated who’s to know what it’s made of.
Of course it’s not just about the carcase (main body of the house), its worth considering the rest of the kit.
Do you like the style, amount of detail, size of rooms etc.
Which era do you like ?
Georgian and Victorian are the most popular, Victorian probably tipping the scales. If you intend following a certain period religiously then a bit of research will be helpful.
For instance you have chosen Georgian and want to buy some lights, you might like gas lamps or tiffany shades. Oh dear It’s Georgian! only candles are allowed, hanging chandeliers, single or double wall candles and table standing candles. Still plenty to choose from but no fancy decorative lamp shades.
Modern and Tudor are also available but furniture etc is not so readily available
Budget
Spend as much as possible on the house as this is the main part of your new hobby.
A cheep house is likely to either be of poorer quality or lack detail compared to an expensive one. You don’t want to spend money on wallpaper and lights only to have the house fall apart.Wallpaper can’t be reused once it’s been glued in place.
Conclusion
Consider all of the above before starting this fascinating hobby. Don’t rush and buy on a whim, think it through carefully.
Copyright © Dolls House Cottage Workshop 2009