Doll Closet - Folding 18 Inch Doll Furniture Storage Trunk with Bed

American girl closet bed DIY
Difficulty
Intermediate
| Print this plan

Beautiful folding doll bedroom stores a bed, clothes, accessories and a 18 inch doll inside.  Opens up on hinges to create a play bedroom.  Free plans by Ana-White.com

American girl closet bed DIY
American girl closet bed DIY
American girl closet bed DIY
American girl closet bed DIY
American girl closet bed DIY

Are you building projects for Christmas gifts this year?  I'm such a fan of handmade wooden projects because they are custom, made with lots of heart, and are an earth-friendly alternative to importing plastic toys over thousands of miles, that aren't biodegradeable.  Holidays are a busy time of year, it's impossible to do everything, but do consider committing to at least one handmade gift this year.

And of course, we are here to help!

Jaime from That's My Letter and I put on a Christmas gift building series - Handbuilt Holidays - each year in the weeks leading up to Christmas -

I'm so excited about today's new free gift plan!

 

Doll Closet

It's a folding doll closet, suitable for 18 inch or American girl dolls!  

When opened, it's a full bedroom, with a closet, vanity -

And a bed!

When playtime is over, everything fits inside the doll closet!

And folds closed for storage.

We both love how this project turned out and are so excited to be able to share these plans with you today!  

Make sure you check out Jaime's build post here for lots more photos and building steps and details, and then grab the free plans for this doll closet below (if this is the homepage, you'll need to click READ MORE below).

Please do share if you build, we'd love to know that you guys are building, and how your projects are turning out!

XO Ana

 

MORE PHOTOS AND BUILD DETAILS FROM JAIME AT THATSMYLETTER

 

 

 

Doll Closet is suitable for 18" dolls - when folded shut, 11" x 18" x 21" - compartment openings are approximately 5-1/2" deep x 19-1/2" tall x 7-1/2" wide

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long

7 pieces of 1/4" thick x 5-1/2" wide hobby boards (poplar or similar) 21" long (you can buy 4', 6', 8' pieces and cut down)

1 - 1/4" plywood panel 24" x 48"

1-1/4" brad nails or staples

wood glue

Hot glue also recommended

2 sets of hinges with screws 1/4" in length

1 handle

clasps for holding shut

Cut List

5 - 1x6 @ 8-1/2" long - smaller section top, bottom and shelf

6 - 1/4" x 5-1/2" hobby boards @ 21" long - sides

2 - 1/4" plywood @ 9" x 21" - back of smaller sections

2 - 1x6 @ 17-1/2" long - top and bottom of larger section

1 - 1/4" x 5-1/2" hobby board @ 20" long - larger section divider

1- 1/4" plywood @ 18" x 21" - back of larger section

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Attach 1/4" hobby boards to the top and bottom 1x6 pieces with 1-1/4" nails or staples and wood glue.  Adjust for square.

Step 2

Apply wood glue to the back edges of the top and sides.  Place back on project, and nail or staple to the top and bottom.  TIP: Hot glue could be used to further strengthen the hobby board to 1/4" plywood joint.

Step 3

For the vanity side, add a shelf.  The shelf will help tie the two pieces together.  Apply glue to edges of 1x6 shelf and nail in place through the hobby boards and 1/4" plywood.

 

Step 4

Build the larger section of the doll closet, notching the top and bottom 1x6s for the 1/4" hobby board piece to fit inside.  NOTE: You may need to add the closet rod to the divider section before assembly as Jaime did.  Use glue to secure all joints.  Ajdust for square.

Step 5

Step 6

Place the three pieces of the doll closet in the closed position and attach on outside with hinges.  Also add a locking (hook and eye or other clasp) to keep project closed when in storage position.  

Comments

sasharock614

Fri, 11/04/2016 - 20:53

Seriously, can you post some innovative clothing storage for small spaces? I need some inspiration like this because I love seeing my clothes spread but my bedroom is 12×10. I'm looking forward to utilizing one of your loft bed designs to help :)