A DIY Dollhouse Makeover Using Wallpaper Samples
A few years ago, our friend C.J. Scott decided to tackle a renovation project.
Not a full-sized home renovation.
A dollhouse renovation.
Using wallpaper samples and leftover pieces from previous decorating projects, C.J. transformed her daughter's dollhouse into a custom-designed miniature home filled with colour, pattern, and personality.
What makes this project so special is that it didn't require purchasing additional materials. Instead, she repurposed samples she already had, giving them a second life while creating a thoughtful Christmas surprise for her children.
The result was a beautifully customized dollhouse that felt completely unique.
Why Wallpaper Samples Work So Well in Dollhouses
Wallpaper samples are often the perfect size for miniature decorating projects.
Because dollhouse rooms are small, a single wallpaper sample can frequently cover an entire wall or room.
Wallpaper samples can be used for:
- Dollhouse bedrooms
- Miniature living rooms
- Play kitchens
- Doll furniture accents
- Dollhouse feature walls
- Toy house renovations
It's a simple way to create a custom look while making use of materials that might otherwise go unused.
The Wallpaper Designs Used
For this dollhouse makeover, C.J. combined several Urbanwalls designs to create different looks throughout the home.
Featured designs included:
- Irregular Dot Decals in Warm Grey
- Speckled Desert Wallpaper
- Desert Rose Wallpaper
- Brighton Stripes Wallpaper in Vanilla
By mixing patterns and textures, each room developed its own personality while still feeling cohesive as a whole.
Much like decorating a real home, layering complementary designs helped create a space that felt thoughtful and complete.
What To Do With Wallpaper Samples After You've Chosen a Design
This dollhouse renovation got us thinking about all the creative ways wallpaper samples can be reused.
If you've recently ordered wallpaper samples, consider saving them for one of these projects.
Create a Dollhouse Makeover
One of the most creative ways to reuse wallpaper samples is by transforming a dollhouse or playhouse.
Add Interest to Bookshelves
Wallpaper samples can be used to line the backs of bookshelves, creating colour and pattern in unexpected places.
Line Drawers and Storage Boxes
Small pieces of wallpaper are perfect for adding personality to drawers, bins, and storage containers.
Frame Them as Artwork
Many wallpaper designs are beautiful enough to become framed art for nurseries, bedrooms, and home offices.
Upgrade a Play Kitchen
Wallpaper scraps can be used as backsplashes, feature walls, and decorative details in children's play kitchens.
Create DIY Crafts
Wallpaper samples work well for gift tags, greeting cards, seasonal décor, and other craft projects.
Why We Always Recommend Ordering Samples
Wallpaper samples help eliminate uncertainty when choosing a design.
They allow you to:
- View colours in natural daylight
- Compare multiple patterns
- Test materials before ordering
- See how a design works with your furniture and décor
- Make more confident decorating decisions
And as this project proves, they're often useful long after the selection process is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with leftover wallpaper samples?
Wallpaper samples can be reused for dollhouse renovations, framed artwork, drawer liners, storage projects, crafts, and playroom décor.
Can wallpaper samples be used in dollhouses?
Yes. Wallpaper samples are often the perfect size for dollhouse rooms and miniature decorating projects.
Should I keep wallpaper samples after making a decision?
Absolutely. Many homeowners reuse wallpaper samples for creative DIY projects and home organization ideas.
How should I store wallpaper samples?
Store them flat in a folder or envelope so they're easy to access for future decorating and craft projects.
A Creative Second Life for Wallpaper Samples
One of the things we love most about this dollhouse makeover is its creativity.
Rather than throwing away leftover materials, C.J. found a way to turn wallpaper samples into something meaningful, memorable, and completely unique.
It's a great reminder that decorating materials don't always need to be used exactly as intended.
Sometimes a simple wallpaper sample can become the starting point for an entirely new project.
So before you recycle those samples, consider saving them.
You might be surprised by what they become.
