Learn how to make a DIY Dollhouse Refrigerator that opens and closes. Save money on dollhouse furniture by making your own wood dollhouse fridge.
Just like my tutorial for dollhouse kitchen cabinets, creativity is key to this DIY project. This is a a cost-effective way to create the perfect DIY dollhouse refrigerator, but you’ll have to think outside of the “box” at the craft store.
With a few items from your local craft store, you can create a simple refrigerator for you child’s dollhouse kitchen. Dollhouse furniture is a great gift idea for your child. Or, you can make doll furniture with your child’s help – they’ll love helping create their own toys!
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My daughter’s handmade wood dollhouse sits in the corner of her pink bedroom. The white paint and light blue trim ties in well with the decor in her sweet, little girl’s bedroom. But, the inside hasn’t received any love and it’s time to build some handmade dollhouse furniture.
Let’s start with the kitchen. It is the heart of the home, after all!
How to Make a DIY Dollhouse Refrigerator
Before you begin this project, be sure to measure your dollhouse space and doll height to figure out the dimensions you’ll need for the fridge. Then, head to your local craft store and look for suitable boxes and wood supplies!
Keep in mind that each craft store carries different unfinished wood supplies and the selection online can be spotty, at best. However, most craft stores do carry some variety of wood boxes, dowel rods, etc. Like I said… you’ll just have to think outside of the “box.” *wink*
Trinket Boxes for a DIY Doll Fridge
For the fridge, you’ll want to shop for unfinished wood trinket boxes. I’ve found that most local craft stores will have at least 2-3 options in various sizes.
Trinket boxes will have a hinged lid, which is how we’ll make the refrigerator open and close. In my case, I purchased two boxes to represent a bottom freezer and top fridge. Plus, the dimension of the two – stacked atop one another – met the height need for my daughter’s Barbie dolls.
Note: Some trinket boxes come with closure or locking hardware. If your boxes have the hardware, make sure to remove it.
Dollhouse Refrigerator Style and Logo
To make the dollhouse refrigerator realistic, I added a GE style logo. I selected GE because I work at GE Appliances, but also because my daughter’s initials are EG. So, I swapped the order and made her a GE-style logo with her own initials! So cute, right?
A lover of vintage, retro, and antique decor, I also chose to paint it an aqua blue. It’s reminiscent of the colorful refrigerators of the 1940s and so fun for a dollhouse.
How to Make a Dollhouse Refrigerator
Learn how to make a DIY Dollhouse Refrigerator that opens and closes. Save money on dollhouse furniture by making your own wood dollhouse fridge.
Materials
Tools
- Hot Glue and Glue Gun
- Miter Box
- Foam Paint Brushes
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Utility Knife
Instructions
- Stack the boxes so that the hinges are on the left or right (depending on which direction you'll need the fridge to open) and hot glue them together.
- Use the miter box to cut the round wood dowels into handles for the refrigerator.
- Hot glue the handles to the left or right side of the fridge - whichever is the opposite side from the hinges.
- Use the miter box to cut the square wood dowels into "feet" for the refrigerator. You don't want the bottom door to open directly on the floor of the dollhouse, so the refrigerator needs to be lifted with wood feet.
- Hot glue the feet to the base of the refrigerator.
- Paint the refrigerator with a foam brush and craft paint.
- Optional: If you'd like to add shelves inside the refrigerator, cut balsa wood planks to size. Use cut wood dowels glue to each side of the fridge as the support rail and attach the balsa wood piece on top with hot glue to adhere.
Notes
If your trinket boxes include a closure or locking hardware for the lid to the box, remove it.
If you liked this craft for kids, you might also like:
- How to Make a Simple DIY Flower Press for Kids
- 10 Easy Decor Ideas for a Girl’s Room
- How to Display Lego Minifigures in Minutes!
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