Home >> Toys >> Barbie

How to Build a Barbie House for 12-Inch Dolls

Making a dollhouse by using an old bookshelf requires very little building ability. Used bookshelves are easy to find. Short and wide bookcases are preferable for small children. Ensure the shelves are at least 14 inches tall before starting your project, to give plenty of room for the doll and her furniture. Furnish the home using your children's favorite doll accessories or furniture pieces.

Things You'll Need

Bookshelf with 14 inch tall shelves
Paint
Paintbrushes
1/4 inch plywood or lauan (optional)
Table saw (optional)
Hammer (optional)
1 inch nails (optional)
Self-sticking floor tile
Textured card stock
Glue
Doll furniture

Instructions

- 1
  Paint the outside of the bookshelf. Paint doors and windows along the back of the bookshelf, and add decorative touches like flowers in window boxes. If needed, paint the inside of the bookshelf in white to clean up the appearance of the bookshelf.
- 2
  Cut pieces of plywood to fit inside of the dollhouse's floors to create walls between multiple rooms. This is not required, but if your bookshelf only has two shelves, it might be a good idea to break up one of the floors into a kitchen and living room, and the other to a bedroom and bathroom.
- 3
  Nail the new walls into place by gently hammering in one inch nails.
- 4
  Stick floor tiles on the bottom of the shelves to create tiled floors. If possible, use multiple tile styles to create a varied look.
- 5
  Glue textured card stock on the walls to make wall paper. Choose any color your children might like, but go for a fun, vibrant look. Allow the glue and paint to dry completely before use.
- 6
  Furnish the home with furniture and decorations before introducing the doll to her new home.

Barbie