Victorian Doll House Furniture
Victorian doll house furniture are some of the best looking accessories and miniatures that are in demand with doll house collectors. After all, what is a majestic Victorian doll house without the corresponding furniture that is a wonderful reminder of that remarkable era? They evoke a romantic sense despite the fact that Victorian-style furniture were the first to be mass-designed and produced. To help you find and purchase your very own Victorian doll house furniture, here are some of the things you must consider:
The Victorian style
The Victorian style in architecture and furniture takes its name after Queen Victoria. She was an English monarch who ruled from 1837 to 1901. The eponymous style reflected the personality of the Queen, who was known for her simplicity and preference for things that were more comfortable than flashy. She was more middle class than royal, although her class extended well beyond and more than encompassed her own personal style. For that, her name was used to define an era of romanticism, beauty and simplicity.
To find doll house furniture that reflect the Victorian era, look for slightly gothic influences and furniture that feature heavy proportions. Finishes are glossy and darker and feature elaborate and beautiful carving. Victorian doll house furniture are stylish, classical and a throw back to the genteel era of smoky English parlors, rich carpeting and flowing ornamentation.
The Victorian doll house furniture
Victorian doll house furniture appear formal and somber. They also feature elaborate details, including outwardly curving arm chairs. Chair seat and back are upholstered with rich fabric and often feature material like velvet, plush and velour.
Victorian doll house furniture are made with wood, either as genuine materials or imitations of maple, oak, ash, black walnut and rosewood. The wood features a shiny but dark oil finish. The pulls and knobs are also carved. Unlike modern doll house furniture, Victorian-style furniture look heavy.
To save on price and availability, look for sets. Victorian doll house furniture sometimes come in a two- or three-piece set. Two arm chairs, for example, come with a coffee table or a foot rest. Some furniture, especially bulky ones like china cabinets, chiffonier or divan, usually come as single pieces.
Scale matters
When you’re buying Victorian doll house furniture, look for items that are scaled appropriately. The most commonly-used scale for dollhouses is the 1/12 scale. Also known as the 1″ scale, this is where every 1″ of the doll house furniture is equal to 12″ or one foot of the original. For example, if an actual Victorian-style chair is 3.5 feet high, its miniature should be 3.5 inches high.
You might also find other scales such as the 1/2″ scale (where 1 foot is equal to 1/2″), 1/4″ (where 1 foot is equal to 1/4″) and 3/4″ (where 1 foot is equal to 3/4″). The latter is not used commonly and you might find it difficult to find Victorian doll house furniture created to this scale. There are also furniture produced using 1/144″ (where 1 foot is equal to 1/12″). This is the smallest scale used by most doll house furniture makers.
Price consideration
Choosing Victorian doll house furniture doesn’t have to be an expensive decision, although if you have the cash, it certainly can’t hurt to buy the best and highly prized miniatures that will lend an air of majesty to your very own Victorian mansion or castle.
Victorian doll house furniture are often too beautiful and stylish to be left alone as children’s playthings. In fact, many grown men and women collect doll house furniture as part of their hobby. Know how to distinguish doll house furniture inspired by this era and build a Victorian-style doll house that will be prized by generations to come.