Simple Modern Doll House

diy modern dollhouse free plans
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Build your own modern dollhouse with free plans from Ana-White.com  Cost was about $30 for materials.  It's a joy to build and a joy to give!

A Blank Slate Dollhouse for Creative Play

This doll house is a blank slate to encourage creative play.  Instead of following out the set things a store-bought playset does, let their imaginations bloom.

  • Rooms can be furnished and rearranged as a real house
  • Play with any doll, action figure or animal - my toddler is playing with ponies with it
  • Can be painted or stained any color
  • Beautiful and simple enough to leave in the living room

Save $200 by Building it Yourself

This dollhouse is inspired by this dollhouse costing $229.  You can build your own all for around $30 in materials.

And building it is the fun part!  This was a joy to build, building therapy I call it!

What About the Doll House Furniture?

The dollhouse furniture is all DIY made out of scrap wood pieces.  I will be posting the plans in the next couple weeks, so stay tuned and save your scrap wood!

Video of Building this Modern Doll House

Please take a second to watch the build of this project - it goes together pretty easy.  

The free plans for this dollhouse are below.  Thank you for using my plans!

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Simple Modern Doll House

Dimensions
Modern dollhouse dimensions diagram
Modern dollhouse dimensions - sized for 1:12 scale dolls

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 1/2" plywood panel, 2 feet x 4 feet in dimension

1 - 1/4" plywood panel, 1 foot x 2 feet in dimension

1-1/4" and 5/8" brad nails

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

From the 1/2" piece of plywood measuring 2 feet x 4 feet, rip into two strips that are each 7-1/2" wide x 48" long.  Save the remaining strips (about 9" wide) for the roof panel.  Rip using either a table saw, a circular saw with a straight edge, or have your home improvement store make the cuts for you.

Then cut from those pieces the following:

From the 7-1/2" wide rips:

  • 2 @ 23" - floors
  • 1 @ 8" - bottom floor interior wall
  • 1 @ 13-3/4" - top end cut at 10 degrees off square, long point measurement (short outside wall)
  • 1 @ 18" - top end cut at 10 degrees off square, long point measurement (long outside wall)
  • 1 @ 7-1/2" - top end cut at 10 degrees off square, long point measurement (upper floor interior wall)

From the 9" wide strip

  • 1 @ 25-3/4" - roof

For the back

  • 1/4" plywood @ 12" x 24" (may not need to cut at all)

Step 2

Attach the bottom floor to the side walls, making sure the side walls are orientated correctly, so the top angles angle in the same direction.

Use 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue.

Then set the bottom floor interior wall (shown in red in the diagram) inside the dollhouse and place the middle floor on top.  

Attach with 1-1/4" brad nails.  Repeat for the second side of the middle floor.

Step 3

Attach bottom floor interior wall centered on the two floors with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue.

Step 4

Center the roof on the exterior walls and attach with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue.

Step 5

Switch nails to 5/8" nails.

Apply glue to the back edges and place the 1/4" plywood on top.

Force the dollhouse walls square to the 1/4" plywood panel and nail on.

Cut holes out with a jigsaw.  You'll need to use a drill and drill bit to start the jigsaw in the centers of the windows/doors.  I used a Kreg Jig bit.

Step 6

Place the upstairs interior wall and nail and glue in place.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Sanding is a huge part of the success of this project. I sanded each piece before assembly. Then a filled holes with wood filler and sanded again using 120 grit sandpaper. Finally I did a fine sanding of 150 grit to make it super smooth.
Vacuum off sanding residue before finishing.
Finish Used
I used a combination of white paint and black paint for painting.
Clear coat over top is recommended for longer durability.

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!