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DIY Cardboard Dollhouse Made from a Cereal Box

A cereal box transforms into an adorable cardboard dollhouse and toy shelf with just a few simple changes.

yellow dollhouse made with cardboard, with cute minimal modern toys inside

Turn an empty cereal box into a charming DIY dollhouse that also works as toy storage using a handful of basic materials.

I built this small dollhouse/storage shelf for my son a couple of years ago and never posted the tutorial — but he still plays with it two years later, so it’s definitely worth sharing.

It’s a fun weekend project for parents and children to make together.

kids room with cool artwork and unique decor on a wood dresser

You can hang this dollhouse on the wall, place it on a dresser, or stack several to create a tiny neighborhood of storage. It encourages imaginative play while helping keep toys organized. Here’s how to build your own cardboard dollhouse.

Supplies

  • One cardboard cereal box
  • Thicker cardboard (shipping box cardboard works well)
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun
  • Paint and paintbrush

How to make a cardboard dollhouse

1. Cut the cereal box

Begin with a cereal box and a piece of sturdier cardboard from a shipping box. Carefully cut away the front panel of the cereal box so the remaining sides, bottom, and back stay intact.

2. Reinforce with extra cardboard

Strengthen the back, sides, and bottom by gluing thicker cardboard to the inside. Use a hot glue gun to secure these reinforcement pieces so the box can support shelves and play.

making a dollhouse with a cardboard cereal box

3. Build and attach the shelves

Measure the interior width and depth of the box and cut cardboard shelf pieces to fit. Double up each shelf by gluing two pieces together for extra strength. Add small support flaps beneath each shelf—glue those to the sides for stability. Place and glue the shelves at different heights to create several “rooms.”

4. Add decorative trim

Cut and glue decorative edges—scallops or other simple shapes—to the front of each shelf if you like. These add charm and hide raw cardboard edges.

5. Make a roof

To form a pitched roof, glue small cardboard flaps to the front top edge and triangle-shaped pieces to each side to set the roof angle. Attach a larger sheet of cardboard over those flaps and side triangles, then add a back plate to finish the roof structure.

painting cardboard to make a dollhouse with shelves for a kids room

6. Paint

Paint the dollhouse base (everything except the roof if you prefer a contrasting finish) in your chosen color. You may need two or three coats for even coverage.

7. Make and attach roof shingles

Cut small rectangular shingles from cardboard. It’s faster to paint a sheet of cardboard first and then cut the shingles. Glue the shingles to the roof starting at the bottom and overlapping rows as you work upward for a classic shingled look.

glueing cardboard shingles to a cereal box to make a roof for a dollhouse

Take it further

  • Cut out windows and doors for more realistic rooms. Decorate each shelf or level with different colors, patterned paper, or fabric to create distinct spaces.
  • Make tiny furniture from household scraps — blocks of wood, popsicle sticks, and small boxes make excellent miniature chairs, tables, and beds. These are quick to make and add play value, though you can also use the finished house as simple storage.
  • If you want to furnish the rooms, use catalog pictures or printables to create tiny artworks and rugs. These small details personalize the dollhouse without much effort.

yellow dollhouse diy with homemade tiny furniture

yellow minimal modern dollhouse diy in a kid's room

cute kids room with unique unisex decor for kids

closeup of yellow diy cardboard dollhouse

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Cardboard Dollhouse from a Cereal Box

Brittni

A simple cardboard dollhouse DIY — perfect to build with kids. Use it as a playhouse or for organizing small toys.

Equipment

  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun
  • Paint and paintbrush

Ingredients

  • Cardboard cereal box
  • Thicker cardboard (shipping box)

Instructions

Cut the cereal box

  • Use a cereal box and thicker cardboard. Carefully remove the front panel of the cereal box, keeping the rest intact.

Reinforce with cardboard

  • Glue thicker cardboard to the inside back, sides, and bottom for added strength.

Build and attach shelves

  • Measure and cut shelf pieces to fit. Double them up for sturdiness and add support flaps underneath.
  • Glue the shelves inside the box at different heights.

Add decoration

  • Attach decorative edges, like scallops, to the front of each shelf using cardboard and glue.

Make a roof

  • Glue flaps and side triangles to form the roof angle, then cover with a larger sheet and add a back plate.

Paint

  • Paint the house base in your chosen color. Multiple coats may be needed.

Make and attach roof shingles

  • Cut and paint small rectangular shingles, then glue them to the roof from bottom to top in overlapping rows.




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