The popularity of modern miniatures is booming thanks to social media, easier access to supplies, and a love for contemporary design trends. Instagram and Pinterest make it so easy to share tiny creations, inspiring others to create or collect their own minis. It’s all about expressing creativity and enjoying design on a tiny scale! But if you're new to the miniature world, whether you’re creating a modern mini scene for yourself - or a child's dollhouse meant for play, understanding the different miniatures scales is the first place to start.
What is a Miniature Scale?
A miniature scale refers to the ratio between the size of an object in mini form compared to the real-life object. It determines how much smaller the miniature version is compared to the original object and is shown as a fraction or ratio. For example, 1:12 scale means that 1 inch in the miniature world equals 12 inches in the real world.
Dolls and dollhouse brands based on the most common scales
*Brands that roughly follow scale
Common Miniature Scales
1:6 scale, also known as Playscale or Fashion Doll scale, is sized to fit with common fashion dolls like Barbie. In this scale, 1 inch equals 6 inches in actual size. This bigger scale is perfect for tiny hands and gentle play. Some miniatures are produced in this scale by modern miniatures artists which are amazingly accurate to their full size counterparts - just shrunk down to mini size!
1:12 scale or one inch scale is the most popular scale in the world of dollhouse miniatures. Furniture and accessories in this scale are the most readily available and easy to find online and in some craft stores and specialty shops. It's also the most popular scale for collectors of high end miniatures and artisan miniature makers.
To calculate the size of a 1:12 scale mini, divide the actual size of the real life item by twelve.
Most dollhouse kits, like those manufactured by Real Good Toys and Greenleaf, are designed in 1:12 scale. Even kid-friendly already assembled houses from Pottery Barn Kids, Target's Hearth & Hand by Magnolia, Melissa & Doug and PlanToys are roughly based on this scale and can often be paired with 1:12 scale accessories.
Some items created and sold in this scale can be delicate, so when choosing accessories for children's play, make sure the pieces are solidly built and contain no small pieces.
1:16 Scale Lundby play dollhouses, made in Sweden, are often furnished with 1:16 scale furniture and accessories. Sylvanian Families and their American counterparts Calico Critters are loosely based on 1:16 scale too. However many people also use 1:12 scale houses and accessories with these brands because of the proportion of the dolls.
1:24 Scale Also known as half-inch scale, is favored by miniature artisans who excel at precision and enjoy working on smaller objects with amazing detail. Playmobil houses and accessories are roughly based on 1:24 scale.
1:48 Scale Also known as quarter-inch scale, is also a favorite scale of miniature artists who like to work with minute detail. It's most commonly used in diecast and plastic model kits. It's also popular with manufacturers of model trains where it's referred to as O scale. On the child's play side, Legos are closest to 1:48 scale.
No matter which scale you’re using, it’s important to measure each item carefully and to pay close attention to measurements whenever ordering online. Whether its a mini bistro chair, a tiny book shelf or a delicate plate of macarons, you’ll want to be sure everything looks perfect in your mini world!
Quick Takes
- Miniature scale is the ratio of the size of an object in mini form compared to the real-life object
- 1:12 scale is the most popular and readily available
- Always measure carefully when ordering miniature items online
