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Despite the youthful connotation associated with its name, a dollhouse is not just for children. There are many collectors of dollhouses around the world, and although they all have different styles and tastes, they all agree on one thing: dollhouses are not toys. They are a collector’s item and are not always meant for children to play with. Men and women of all ages can get involved in this fun and rewarding pastime.
New collectors of dollhouses must choose whether to buy a pre-assembled dollhouse or a kit that allows them to assemble themselves. Both methods are very popular and are mainly based on usage preferences. Kits are usually less expensive, but collectors risk lower quality construction in their homes. On the other hand, some collectors enjoy the building process and consider it an important part of their hobby.
After choosing which path they would like to pursue, a collector has to select which style of house they would like. The most popular styles include Victorian, Tudor, Georgian, Contemporary, and Southwestern. Each style is representative of an era or style of architecture in royal houses. There are many accessories available to complement and enhance each miniature dollhouse style.
One mistake new collectors often make is being fooled by the words “vintage” and “antique.” Many online sellers will list their products and accessories as “vintage.” This generally refers to the style and appearance of the product, rather than its actual age. Don’t be misled into thinking that the miniature book or tiny record player WAS CREATED during a certain era rather than REPRESENTATIVE of that era.
By purchasing or building a miniature dollhouse, collectors are dedicated to furnishing and personalizing their new houses. There are hundreds of places to find these items, both online and in stores. Typically, a collector will continue the theme of the home with accessories to create an authentic look. Some miniaturists prefer to put dolls in their houses and others do not. dolls and accessories are often available where dollhouses are sold.
When it comes to furnishing the house, there are many options, depending on the house. Some dollhouses are nearly empty when purchased and a collector can make everything from rugs to window treatments to furniture. Other houses come more complete and the collector only has to look for furniture and other accessories. Again, this is something that is based solely on a collector’s preference.
As a new collector, if you’re ever confused about the hobby or need some advice to turn to, there are plenty of options. There are clubs and groups in all areas of the world dedicated to buying and selling miniature dollhouses and accessories, as well as helping people get involved. Additionally, there has been a recent growth in the number of communities of online dollhouse collectors. People use blogs and chat rooms to find and share information, tell each other about sales and deals, and buy and share their products. Another place to get information is through magazines. There are many collector’s magazines for the miniatures enthusiast.
Clearly, there are many, many options available in the world of miniature dollhouses. The wide selection allows almost any type of person to enjoy collecting miniatures. The recent surge in popularity is probably as much due to increased choice and availability as it is to the online presence.