Tiny Miniature Houses: Why Sometimes, Smaller is Better

Size isn’t everything. And, standing only 5’1” myself, I had to learn to appreciate that ‘good things come in small packages’. 

Most of my previous kits have been almost exclusively 1:12-1:24 scale, which, while still fiddly, are often considered the most accessible sizes to work in. I was reading my go-to miniatures mag a while back, when I saw an article about 1:144 tiny miniature houses or a ‘doll’s house for a doll’s house’. I might never have ventured so small until shortly after I came across these two kits and couldn’t wait to give a smaller kit a try.

Actually, these kits are NOT 1:144, they’re probably more like 1:100. It took me some time to figure out their scale, since almost all the sources say 1:24, which is basically the size of Playmobil. To finally get the size, instead of measuring everything in my office with a 30 cm plastic ruler (don’t ask), I came across this great calculator, which pretty much gave me the answer. Maths just isn’t my thing.

1:100 is quite unusual for a doll’s house, and more commonly used for miniature models, such as aeroplanes, ships and cars. 1:144 scale dolls houses are available as kits, but are on the expensive side. Furniture isn’t usually included, so you’ll have to make that yourself, or find laser-cut sets you can make and paint.

I’ve just started working on a 1:144 pub from scratch, so watch this space!

Aren’t smaller kits even more difficult?

My thoughts exactly. I’m known to walk away from a ‘fiddly’ model when it just won’t stick or bend how I want it to. With the kits I’ve worked on so far, the smaller scale has been BETTER than working big. I know I have to be more meticulous. Excessive glue is hard to disguise, an extra snip of fabric or paper, and you have to start again. So, I was more careful with the glue nozzle, sometimes magically ambidextrous, holding tweezers in both hands.

Why are these tiny miniature houses so appealing? 

Rarity and Uniqueness

Firstly, cuteness plays a huge factor in this. Working on a bed that can sit perfectly on your finger feels sublime, especially when you see the finished product. Creating an object so small feels, dare I say it, special. And, honestly, compared with 1:24 and 1:48, there are fewer 1:144 scale houses around, so you’re creating something rare.

More Challenging

Some may find this a reason NOT to try working on a smaller scale, but it also gives me an opportunity to hone fine motor skills and puts the focus on the details. It’s truly rewarding to see those tiny pieces come together. It’s also fun and challenging to figure out how to recreate a lifesize piece of furniture on a 1:144 scale in a realistic way.

Space-Saving

Next, it’s perfect for someone like me who lives in an apartment or flat. I now have several 1:20 scale rooms dotted around, and they do take up quite a lot of space, especially if you have quite the collection. 

More Affordable

These kits are extremely affordable! Unlike other kits that can cost around £40/$60 , you can pick up one of these miniature doll’s houses for under £20/$25. It’s a great option if you’re on a budget or don’t want to spend a lot on materials and extra tools. 

Portability

Being so small, 1:144-scale doll’s houses are easier to transport, especially if you go to dolls house fairs or events.

Experimentation

Working on smaller projects can be a super fun and low-risk way to try out new techniques and materials. It’s a great way to explore your creativity and improve your skills without committing to a huge-scale project or full-size dolls house.