A vintage doll house is a term which generally refers to any dolls house that is somewhere between 30 and 100 years of age. They may come in a variety of styles and may be constructed using a wide range of materials popular during their original construction. Many vintage doll houses are considered collector's items and may be worth money, although this depends on the age, style, and condition of the house.
There are a variety of places where one may find a vintage doll house. Antique stores or collectible stores may carry them, as well as pawn or consignment shops. Yard sales and flea markets are also a good place to look, as well as online retailers and auction sites. Not all items will be in good condition, and sometimes it is hard to tell how much wear and tear an item has when viewing photos online. For this reason, those who are looking to purchase a vintage doll house for collection or profit may wish to stick with items they can view in person.
Vintage doll houses may be constructed of metal, wood, or plastic. Although originally made for children's play, it may not be a good idea to allow young children to play with a vintage doll house. Not only might they destroy or damage a house which is worth money, but houses built prior to the 1970s may contain materials which are harmful for children to ingest. Additionally, very old houses may be likely to break apart, and small pieces pose a choking hazard for very young infants and children.
There are several things to remember when restoring a vintage doll's house, whether for show or to sell. The first is that it's a good idea to maintain the original appeal of the home as closely as possible. Colors, materials, and finishes should be kept close to the original. Small scratches and minor imperfections may be left alone if they do not take much away from the overall value of the home and will add to its charm. Larger scale damage should be repaired, but it is still important to alter the house as little as possible from its original state.