Update: Please visit my updates to this vintage dollhouse makeover series here:
Vintage Dollhouse Makeover Part II Exterior, Part III Boy’s Room, Part IV Girl’s Room, Part V Laundry / Bathroom, Part VI Living Room
This summer I picked up this vintage doll house from the thrift store for a few dollars. I can’t explain why I picked it up, but I was thrilled with the find. So, what to do with a 1940’s era doll house in disrepair? I originally had delusions of restoring it, because it certainly had charm. However, once I started trying to do some touch ups I was faced with the reality that this baby needed a complete overhaul.
Here’s how it looked when I brought it home.
Covered in some serious grunge and dust. 
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Here it is after I’d started a few touch-ups with white paint. 
You can see some splashes of what appears to be haphazard paint and nail polish applications here and there…perhaps a little “sprucing up” courtesy of it’s former child owners?
I have big plans for this little doll house, but I’ve put some strict parameters on myself. In order to make this project worthwhile at all, I want to spend less than $50 total to update and furnish it – the price point at which I figure I might as well have bought a new doll house, despite whatever charm we might argue comes from a solid-built vintage doll house. That means I plan to use a lot of creativity and resources I have on hand. I’m realistic – this isn’t going to be a show piece, but I hope it’s an adorable and sturdy play house that my 2 and 5 year olds will enjoy playing with.
Do you like my vintage doll house remodel series so far? Be sure to subscribe to get more updates on the dollhouse renovations and follow my Pinterest dollhouse inspiration board. In the meantime, follow my other vintage dollhouse makeover posts here:
Vintage Dollhouse Makeover Part II Exterior, Part III Boy’s Room, Part IV Girl’s Room, Part V Laundry / Bathroom, Part VI Living Room
Sources (clockwise, from top left): Practically Functional, Paracosm, Mandy Lynne, Amy Butler paper.
how funny! we found a doll house (not vintage and not completed) at the thrift store the other day and brought it home too. I see a flaw though in our plans – we did not set a budget! Thanks for the tips and I can’t wait to see how you redo yours!
What a cute find! I can’t wait to see the final product!
What fun you’ll have! I collect dolls and have a doll house on my wish list. I posted a doll baking cookies this week! Hope you can stop by to visit. Holiday hugs, Diane
This is so cool. My heart skipped a beat when I saw this. Thank you for doing this. I’m going to follow along as you renovate. The little girl in me loves this!
Oh thank you so much, Charlene! I’m having so much fun with this project 🙂
I love all of your posts pertaining to this doll house! You are doing a fantastic job! The photos show your creativity and the love you are putting into this fixer upper! Definitely brought a smile to my face this morning.
Aw, thank you so much for taking the time to share those kind words!
I have a doll house exactly like this one. It was given to my granddaughter and then given to me to make it GREAT!!!! So glad I found this. You are great inspiration. I have already painted the exterior. The roof needs repairs, so I plan on laying a new one. I have no budget. I am having fun picking out new furniture and carpet. Thanks for your post.
Oh I hope you come back and share your results! So fun!