How to Design a Doll Room

How To Design A Doll Room

• 1

  Clear the room of everything in it. Remove any closets, doors and walls such that the room is one integral space. When possible, finish the ceilings and walls in a smooth surface as this will reduce places for dust to gather. (For a 14 foot x14 foot room, estimate $2,500 for demo and refinished walls.)

• 2

  Replace any window glass with glass designed to reduce UV light between the 300-380 nanometer range. Install window coverings that allow for absolute black out, yet remain unobtrusive. (UV glass can be ordered from your local glass dealer for under $1,000 per window, lined window covering can be made for $300-400 per window through a local seamstress.)

• 3

  Replace the flooring with large size grout-less tile (or marble type stones) with a highly polished surface. (Tile or stone flooring averages $4-8 per square foot installed from your local flooring company.)

• 4

  Install an air filtration system or air cleaning system that reduces dust. Install a room specific heating and air conditioning system such that you can climate control the space. (Single room filtration systems run from $200-1,200 through retailers like Allergy Buyers Club.) (Single room HVAC systems start at $1,500 and are available through retailers like Trane.)

• 5

  Install a museum quality lighting system with adjustable fittings. Your general lighting should be on a dimmer and should be optimized for conservation protection. The lamps should be designed to reduce UV light. Spotlight lamps should be far enough away from cases not to cast harmful light on your dolls. Tungsten halogen fixtures and some fluorescent light fixtures should meet these guidelines. (Lighting systems run from $1,000-$5,000. from retailers like Nova.)

• 6

  Replace any hollow passage door with an insulated door with weather seals to protect your climate control. (Available for less than $1,000 from your local hardware store.)

• 7

  Paint your room either bright white or black. Black will reduce light further adding additional protections to your collection and creating a dramatic effect on each doll. White will produce a gallery effect. The general room lights should be dim. Spotlights should be far enough away to prevent radiation damage. (Painting a room is under $100 when done yourself.)

• 8

  Display mounts and cases come in a wide variety. Select a style that you feel works with your vintage or contemporary doll. Replace any case glass with either, UV rated, non-glare acrylic or glass. Limit each wall to a single case for optimum presentation effect. (Choices run from $150-1,500 per cabinet from retailers like One Way Furniture.) (Cases run from $12-250 per case from retailers like Fine Home Displays.)

• 9

  Select internal mount pedestals, or freestanding all view cases to place strategically in the middle area of the room. Select very contemporary style pedestals so that they become invisible. Make sure they are weighted so that they are not easy to tip. You may need to mount some types directly to the floor. Select varying heights for the best effect. (Pedestals run from $200 and up from retailers like Pacific Pedestals.)