How to Make 1:6 Scale Doll Furniture Yourself (Even If You're Not a Pro)

Maria Stolts
Jun 28
2 min read

If you already own doll furniture but want to try making something custom for your display or photos — you absolutely can. A basic table, ottoman, or nightstand is a great place to start. You don’t need professional tools — just a bit of patience and creativity.

Where to Start

Collect ReferencesBrowse Pinterest and save anything that inspires you: room settings, individual furniture pieces, color palettes, or even technical drawings. Visual references will help guide your build.
Simplify the DesignFound a full-scale furniture plan? You don’t need to replicate it perfectly. Just simplify it. Stick to the overall shape and proportions.
Sketch the IdeaI personally use Adobe Illustrator for precise plans, but a regular grid notebook works just fine. The goal is to plan, not improvise mid-build.
Take Real MeasurementsSit your doll on a surface and measure the height from the floor to the seat. This number becomes your base. For example, a typical seat might be 7–8 cm high. Use this to calculate all other dimensions. Always double-check using the actual doll.

Close-up view of a handcrafted miniature chair — Beautifully crafted miniature doll bookcase showcasing fine details

Materials

Basics to Start With:– Thick cardboard– Foam board (easy to work with but dents easily)– PVA glue or strong gel adhesive– Craft knife or mini saw (if you're working with wood)

Creative Alternatives:– Bamboo skewers + bottle caps = stools or coffee tables– Shoe boxes = king-size bed bases– Small product boxes = nightstands or drawers

Tip: Find a piece of furniture you love, then figure out how to recreate its shape with what you have on hand.

Eye-level view of a miniature living room with handcrafted furniture — Intricately designed miniature living room showcasing crafted furniture pieces

Assembly

Start simple:

– Tables

– Benches

– Ottomans without legs

Look for straight lines and minimal pieces.

High angle view of a workstation with crafting supplies for doll furniture — Knit ottomans is great for beginners. If you can knit :)

Finishing Touches

– Primer + acrylic paint for clean, even color

– Fabric upholstery using small-print cotton or real upholstery scraps

– Decor elements like mini books, dishes, pillows, or plants (buy or DIY from clay or paper)

Good to Know

– Make furniture you’ll actually use in your doll setup

– Stick to the 1:6 scale — 1 cm = 6 cm in real furniture

– Don’t aim for perfection on your first try — handmade charm works in miniature

– Mix and match store-bought and handmade items for a realistic scene

1:6 scale doll furniture can be a rewarding creative outlet. You don’t have to become a full-time maker — just start with something fun, and see where it takes you.