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How Do I Choose the Best Doll House Bookcase?

Tara Barnett
Tara Barnett

A doll house bookcase is a set of shelves with markings and features that give it the outline of a house, typically including a roof. Some designs include windows and divided rooms, though the front of the bookcase is typically left uncovered in order to maintain easy access to its contents. Choosing the best doll house bookcase involves thinking about the size of the object, the colors, and its cost. Most of these furniture items are very similar, but some take highly elaborate and unique forms that can be beautiful but dangerous in a child's room.

One of the major differences between various doll house bookcases is the direction of the roof on the top of the bookcase. Some bookcases involve two stationary sloping planks at the top of the bookcase that create a pointed house pattern when viewed from the front. The other common design involves orienting the roof to run parallel to the wall against which the case is placed, attaching one side of the roof with a hinge to create a hidden compartment. Depending on the needs of the bookcase's owner, either design may be appropriate.

Woman holding a book
Woman holding a book

The paint and decorations used on a doll house bookcase are often the most appealing features of this type of furniture. Floral designs, bright colors, and details that suggest that the bookcase is a dollhouse can all be appealing, although which design is the best depends on the room in which the furniture will be placed. Size is also a major consideration, as the bookcase should be small enough that the child can reach all levels. Usually, a bookcase of this type is made for both storage and play, and attempting to reach to the top of tall furniture is dangerous for children.

Small features can make a bookcase much more special and much more appropriate for play. Doors and windows, for example, are very important in a dollhouse because they allow a unique vantage point as well as entrances and exits. Individual rooms are also essential for play. The best doll house bookcase balances play features with functional features, creating a truly dual-purpose object.

A doll house bookcase can also be made at home to fit the precise requirements of an individual space. Even when a person does not have the woodworking skills necessary to make this type of bookcase, there are many doll house bookcase kits available that merely need to be finished with paint. By choosing an unfinished bookcase, you can make sure that the item precisely matches the decor already present in the room. A solid wood bookcase will also often last longer than a pressboard or plastic bookcase, and may also be a better investment for that reason.

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    • Woman holding a book
      Woman holding a book