7 Mistakes I Made Starting My First Dollhouse (So You Don’t Have To)

Starting my first dollhouse was equal parts exciting… and humbling.

I went in thinking, “How hard could it be?”
Spoiler: there was a learning curve 😅

If you’re just getting started, here are four mistakes I made (so you can skip the frustration and get straight to the fun part).

1. Buying Way Too Much Paint

Let’s start with the most obvious one and honestly, the most embarrassing. Why did I think I needed a full gallon of paint for a dollhouse?! A quart is more than enough for the body of the house, and even that can stretch pretty far depending on your design. This might seem like a small mistake, but it adds up quickly. Especially when you’re buying multiple colors. The real issue? I didn’t plan. And here’s the truth: crafting = math. We didn’t suffer through algebra for nothing. Measuring your surfaces and estimating properly will save you money and a lot of leftover paint sitting in your garage.

2. Not Using the Right Type of Glue

Not all glue is created equal and I learned that the hard way. Using the wrong glue can mean pieces not sticking properly, longer drying times, or worse… things falling apart after you thought you were done. Different materials require different adhesives, and once I figured that out, everything became so much easier. I even break this down step-by-step in my FREE starter guide if you want a shortcut here.

3. Using the Wrong Drill Bit on MDF

One mistake I made early on was using the wrong type of drill bit on MDF. MDF is a softer material, but it can chip, splinter, or create rough edges if you’re not using the right bit or technique. In my case, this led to less precise openings and extra cleanup work that could have easily been avoided. If I could do it again, I would take more time selecting the proper drill bit and testing on a scrap piece first. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final finish.

4. Shingling Without a Clear Order

When it came to shingling, I learned the importance of working in a consistent, intentional order. Instead of completing one section at a time, I worked back and forth between the main roof and the gable in a bit of a zig-zag pattern. This made it harder to keep my cuts precise and my lines aligned, especially where the roof meets the gable. In hindsight, I would have fully completed either the main roof or the gable first before moving on to the other. Because of the inconsistency, I ended up with visible gaps along the transition line and had to rely on wood putty to fill them in. While it worked, it was definitely a fix rather than part of the original plan and redoing the shingles would have been far too time-consuming at that point.

5. Purchasing Incompatible LED Lights

Another lesson learned was around lighting. I initially purchased LED lights that weren’t compatible with my lighting kit, which created unnecessary setbacks during installation. It’s easy to assume all LED components will work together, but that’s not always the case. If you’re planning to add lighting, I highly recommend double-checking compatibility between your lights, wiring system, and power source before purchasing. It will save you time, frustration, and the hassle of having to replace materials mid-project.

6. Opening My 3D Printer Filament the Wrong Way

This one still hurts. If you’re using a 3D printer for dollhouse accessories, learn from my mistake: do not unravel the filament before placing it on the spool. Once that filament is loose . . . it’s chaos. There is no going back. And yes, I made the mistake of asking Reddit for help. Let’s just say they were not gentle 😂. So here’s your warning: keep the tape on, follow the instructions exactly, and save yourself from a tangled nightmare.

7. Not Being Patient (My #1 Mistake)

This one is the real lesson. Miniatures require a lot of patience. Way more than I expected. About 80% of the time, I’m fumbling with tiny pieces just trying to hold them correctly and maybe 20% of the time, it all comes together perfectly. But that’s part of the process. If you’re starting out, give yourself grace, take your time, and don’t rush the fun. At the end of the day, this is supposed to be something you enjoy, not something that stresses you out.

Want to Skip the Beginner Mistakes?

I put together a FREE Dollhouse Starter Guide with everything I wish I knew before I started: tools, materials, and step-by-step tips to make the process easier.

👉 Grab it here: FREE Dollhouse Starter Guide