How I Designed & Installed Coach Lights for My Mini Dollhouse
Adding coach lights was one of my favorite finishing touches on the exterior. It’s a small detail, but it makes such a big impact that brings warmth, depth, and a more realistic feel to the front of the house. Even better, this was my first time creating and using my own 3D design in the build, which made the process feel even more personal.
Interested in hardwiring your dollhouse? I’ve put together a free e-book, Dollhouse Wiring 101, that walks through the basics.
Materials Needed
- Coach lights (you can purchase my digital file for this design here)
- Glass vial (I used a recycled perfume sample bottle)
- Warm LED light
- Super glue
- Wire stripper
- Electrical tape
- Mini hand drill
- Drill
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Coach Light Installation
- Create an Opening for the Wires
Make a small incision between the wire tape and carefully feed the light wires through the opening. - Mark Placement
Use the wall sconce measuring tool included in the RGT wiring kit to determine and mark the correct height for your coach lights. - Test the Light
Before installing anything permanently, test the light to ensure it’s working properly. - Insert the LED
Place the LED light into the “bulb” portion of the fixture. I used a recycled perfume sample bottle for this step. - Assemble the Fixture
Connect the front and back pieces of the coach light to fully enclose the LED. - Attach the Coach Light to the House
Glue the assembled coach light onto the exterior. If needed, use tape to hold it in place while it dries. - Connect the Wiring
Inside the house, connect the coach light wires to their corresponding wire types in your wiring system. - Test Again
Test the light once more to confirm everything is properly connected and functioning. - Repeat on Opposite Side
Follow the same steps to install the second coach light. - Allow to Dry
Let both fixtures dry in place for a full 24 hours before handling.
DIY Coach Light Design
This project also marked my first custom lighting design. Ayee!
I used Tinkercad to create the coach light model, then uploaded the file into Bambu Studio and printed it at home using my Bambu X1 Carbon printer. For the “bulb,” I repurposed small perfume sample bottles. I originally planned to remove the text from the glass, but ended up keeping it. I thought it added a subtle, unexpected touch of luxury that I loved lol
If you’re interested in recreating this look, the 3D file is available as a direct download.
Miniature Coach Light | 3D Printable STL File | Dollhouse Exterior Lighting
A refined miniature coach light with a streamlined modern silhouette, with a built-in wiring channel (0.2″ × 0.1″) so you can actually illuminate it. Includes an optional stabilizer for added support. A polished finishing detail for any exterior miniature scene.
Dimensions: 0.75″ W × 0.75″ D × 2″ H
Final Thoughts
This step is a perfect example of how small details can completely transform your build. The coach lights not only add function, but also bring a sense of warmth and realism that makes the home feel complete.
It’s also a great opportunity to get creative. Whether that’s through custom designs, material choices, or how you style your lighting.
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