Tiny Tin Dollhouses: A Retro Nursery Accessory

Back in the 1950s, the average home size was under 1000 square feet. Since then, homes have more than doubled in size with the average new American family home being above 2,300 square feet. Is bigger always better?

This illustration from the National Plan Service, courtesy of Indiana Coal and Lumber company, portrays an idyllic version of what was considered the American dream home in the 1950s. This depiction is charming and lovely!

While visiting a vintage store, I happened upon an item that I have become obsessed with looking at and admiring. This is what I share with you in this post—a piece of that perfect American dream: the tin dollhouse.

Above we see the original packaging for a mid-century metal dollhouse; they came complete with wall treatments and unbreakable plastic furniture! First made popular in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, these dollhouses are currently easy to find on eBay and range in price from $25-$450. Most I’ve seen are in the $30-$70 range. Wouldn’t they make the perfect addition to a nursery?

This white, center entrance dollhouse features cherry red shutters and flowering shrubs—so charming!

This dollhouse’s emerald green accents are so pretty and crisp. I would love to see one of these as a nursery accessory on top of an armoire or dresser!

This quaint ranch-style dollhouse with its “moss-weathered” green roof comes complete with a sharp blue carport! Now, that is deluxe! Imagine pulling your wood-paneled, chrome-trimmed station wagon into that.

Looking at these tiny interiors is akin to looking into a magical little world, sort of like a snow globe. The detail is rich and layered. This bedroom looks cute and cozy with its mantle, wall art, floral drapes and oval area rug.

This child’s room is so cute! I love the animal wall murals and the accent wall of pink stripes. I also spy toys in the shelves. Details! Details! Details! I can get DOWN with a good detail.

I am definitely a modern man. Heck, my movies stream instantly to my flat-screen TV. I have an iPhone, an iPad, and my ice cream is usually soy-based. However, there is a part of me that loves and longs for some of the presumed innocence of the nostalgic ’50s and ’60s. This perfection is alive and attainable in these little tin houses. Would you add one to your nursery design? Snatch one up before this retro real estate is sold to the highest bidder!