Dollhouse Furniture and Accessories

One of the keys to maintaining the illusion of believability in a dollhouse (also spelled as "doll house") is the believability of the objects within it. While miniature pieces of porcelain by such acclaimed potteries as Minton, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, and Limoges are important, realistic-looking miniature furniture is crucial. Even a small chair is large enough to notice if the wood has been carefully carved and if the leather upholstery and caning is authentic. Tables with leaves must actually expand and contract, while dresser drawers should open and close. By the 1900s, the list of American dollhouse furniture manufacturers was a long one, especially after World War II. Ideal, which made dolls such as one modeled after Shirley Temple, produced chairs, sofas, and floor lamps, as well as stoves, sinks, and other housekeeping pieces. Its Petite Princess sets are especially sought after. Renwel made colorful plastic desks and benches, as well as small items such as trash cans and radios. Other dollhouse furniture makers included Tootisetoy, which also made dollhouses, Fisher-Price, Marx , and Jaydon.