Dollhouse Decorating

Miniature Decorating Ideas |Articles on decorating dollhouses and the history of this artform

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I have had a life-long love affair with dollhouse miniatures, and careers in art education and interior design. I hope to combine these life experiences to help other miniature enthusiasts get more out of this wonderful hobby we enjoy, a hobby that often reaches the level of an art form. Susan Downing

Posted on 22 November, 2018

dollhouse-headboard

Sunburst quilt dollhouse headboard, source unknown

Dollhouse headboards are usually the focal point the miniature bedroom, just as in real ones. It is what the eye goes to when you gaze into the room box. Here are a few examples I used in real life when the client wants to be creative. Why not have a creative dollhouse headboard in your project?

Chinese screen dollhouse headboard

Chinese Screen Dollhouse Headboard, personal portfolio

Chinese Screen

I used a six-foot Chinese screen as a headboard. The wall at the head of the bed was exceptionally high because the house had vaulted ceilings. The screen continued the exotic look of a room that had antique Chinese furniture.

Quilts & Wall Hangings

Try hanging a quilt on a curtain rod or dowel if you want a quaint farmhouse look. Or check out the picture of the stylized sunburst pattern. That sure isn’t your grandmother’s quilt. Fabric stores are loaded with big, bold fabrics to emulate a quilt or wall hanging.

Curtain Panels

Consider using a curtain panel. They offer an ideal way to take the room to new heights by extending the eye upwards and to add a jolt of pattern to a blank wall. Install a curtain rod on the wall above the bed and hang a curtain from it, using decorative hooks for a bit of panache.

Paint Works Wonders

Give an old headboard a new lift with color. Paint it a solid color, or use a stencil to add both pattern and color. You can also adhere wallpaper to a headboard with a flat surface and paint the trim.

Trellises

Bring the serenity of a garden to the bedroom with a headboard fashioned from a trellis. Wind miniature vines through the tines or drape folds of a flowered cloth sparingly over the trellis, to enhance the outdoor feeling.

Solid Door

A solid miniature door is a perfect way to make a bold statement with a headboard. Paint and let dry. Mount the door to the wall with Elmer’s Glue or ornamental brackets.

Mantel

I once found a large mantel in a salvage yard, which made a perfect over-sized headboard, giving the bedroom an architectural flair. It was pretty banged up, but the client loved the “distressed” look. Why not do the same with miniatures? Michaels has plenty 1:12 scale mantels.

Found Objects

Headboards can feature photos you’ve framed, cloth you love, salvaged materials you’ve found. Your personality can shine with just this one piece that will be the centerpiece of the dollhouse bedroom.

Susan Downing, with Patrick Owens

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I invite you to visit my Etsy Shop where I offer many accessories and pieces of furniture in 1:12 scale.

Posted by Susan Downing

Categories: recycled


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