Dollhouse DIY Lighting Ideas and Materials
I have been experimenting with non-working dollhouse lights in 1:12 scale for the last couple of weeks. It is immense fun to look for inspiration online and then figure out the craft as I go. I have not done full tutorials for these lights, because, to be honest, I did not know if I’d be happy with them. Let’s just say that I am happier with some more than others, but there is definitely inspiration regardless below, and perhaps you can take my experiments and improve them.
The first step is to source bits and bobs that you can turn into dollhouse fixtures. Jewelry findings work wonderfully as well, and I’ve compiled some links and ideas below.
Lighting Material Ideas
Brass Rods in various sizes (K&S brand, can be found at Hobby Lobby too)
Pendant Bails (for a ceiling canopy)
Wooden Discs (another canopy option)
Magnetic Clasps (to attach to ceiling)
Thin Magnets (to attach to ceiling)
Jewelry Chain, this style is very modern!
Leather Cord (for pendant ropes)
Fabric covered floral wire (another pendant rope option that’s paint-able)
Mini Glass Globes (LOVE these, so versatile)
Bead Caps (perfect for sconces and globes)
Liquid Leaf gold paint (the best gold paint in the biz)
Helpful Tools
Small Desk Clamp or Vice (handy for gluing and cutting)
LED Lights
If you wish to experiment with actually lighting your dollhouse, some of these LEDs may come in handy without having to wire the whole house. These are battery powered.
LED Balloon Lights (can be hard to hide in smaller fixtures)
LED Can Lights (hard to turn on and off)
Battery Light Base (a good base to start with for a flush mount light)
Dollhouse Light Fixture Ideas
This first light is a dual pendant with thread wrapped shades. Materials include brass rod, jewelry chain, wood bead, paper shades and twine. I followed this tutorial to create the twine wrapped shades.
This little lamp is made from stacked wood beads, a wood disc base, and twine wrapped shade. I was able to hide a balloon light in the middle of the shade, so it does light up! I followed this tutorial to create the twine wrapped shades.
This woven pendant is made from natural twine, floral wire, plastic tubing, and brass spacers painted black. The canopy is a pendant bail. I used this tutorial for basic dollhouse-sized basket weaving and adjusted the shape to my liking.
This multi-globe pendant light is made from glass globes, floral wire, brass spacers, and a paper disc for the top.
This simple dollhouse pendant is made from a plastic funnel, leather cord, brass spacers, and a spare battery powered light base I disassembled.
I had fun creating these lights along the way and also learned a good bit in the process! Hopefully this gives you some inspiration for creating your own, too!
