Skip to content
Scott Dillingham Miniatures

Miniature Furniture,
Extraordinary Craft

Museum-exhibited 1/12 scale miniature furniture, handcrafted from fine hardwoods using traditional woodworking techniques. Available for purchase and custom commission. Every joint, every detail, every piece — built entirely by hand.

Scott Dillingham's miniature furniture workshop with handcrafted 1/12 scale pieces

Why ChooseHandcrafted

Raw hardwood being shaped for miniature furniture

No Kits, No Shortcuts

Every piece built entirely from scratch using fine hardwoods — mahogany, cherry, walnut, and maple.

Close-up of hand-cut dovetail joints on a miniature drawer

Traditional Joinery

Precision dovetail joints mortise and tenon joints, and hand-carved details crafted with time-tested techniques I've learned.

French polish being applied to a miniature furniture piece

Museum-Quality Finish

Each piece is finished with hand-applied shellac or rich oil for exceptional depth, natural warmth, and enduring protection that highlights the wood's timeless beauty.

The Collection

Gallery Highlights

Museum-exhibited handcrafted 1/12 scale pieces available for purchase — each one built entirely by hand from fine hardwoods.

The Maker

A Lifetime of Craft

With decades of woodworking experience and a passion for period furniture, Scott Dillingham creates miniature masterpieces that honor the traditions of master cabinetmakers.

200+ Hours

The time invested in each complex piece — from raw wood to finished miniature masterpiece.

1:12 Scale

Precision at one-inch scale. One inch in the miniature equals one foot in real life.

30+ Years

Decades of woodworking experience brought to every cut, joint, and carved detail.

Behind the Scenes

From the Workshop

A glimpse into the making process — where raw hardwood becomes a miniature masterpiece through patience, skill, and traditional techniques.

Hand-carving intricate details on a 1/12 scale miniature furniture piece using micro chisels

Hand-carving intricate shell details with custom-ground micro chisels.

Hand-cutting dovetail joints on miniature drawers for handcrafted dollhouse furniture

Cutting precise dovetail joints on drawers smaller than a matchbox.

Applying museum-quality French polish finish to a handcrafted miniature furniture piece

Building a mirror-like French polish finish, one thin layer at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Handcrafted Miniature Furniture

What scale are your miniature furniture pieces?
All pieces are built in 1:12 scale (also known as one-inch scale), which is the most popular scale for dollhouse collectors. This means one inch in the miniature equals one foot in real life. A six-foot tall highboy becomes a six-inch masterpiece. For a deeper dive, see our understanding dollhouse scales guide.
Are these made from kits?
Absolutely not. Every piece is built entirely from scratch using fine hardwoods like mahogany, cherry, walnut, and maple. I use the same traditional woodworking techniques as full-size furniture makers: hand-cut dovetails, mortise and tenon joints, and hand-carved details. No kits, no laser cuts, no shortcuts. Learn more about the difference in our article on handcrafted vs kit-built miniatures.
What types of wood do you use?
I work primarily with mahogany, cherry, walnut, maple, and oak. Each wood is selected for its grain pattern, workability at small scale, and historical accuracy to the period of furniture being reproduced. I also use exotic woods when a piece calls for it. Read our complete guide to choosing wood for miniatures.
How long does it take to build a single piece?
Depending on complexity, a single piece can take anywhere from 40 to over 200 hours. A simple rocking chair might take 40-60 hours, while a complex piece like the John Goddard block-front secretary desk can take 200+ hours due to the intricate shell carvings and dozens of tiny drawers.
Do you take custom commissions?
Yes, I welcome commission requests. Whether you want a specific period piece, a replica of a family heirloom, or a custom design, I am happy to discuss your vision. Please use the contact form to describe what you have in mind and I will get back to you with details. You can also browse our gallery for inspiration.
How should I care for and display my miniature furniture?
Miniature furniture should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. Display cases with UV-protective glass are ideal. Handle pieces by their base or sturdiest parts, and keep them in a climate-controlled environment. Each piece is finished with museum-quality lacquer or French polish for lasting protection. For detailed display and care tips, read our complete display guide.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Each piece is carefully packed in custom-fitted foam and shipped in a rigid box to ensure safe arrival anywhere in the world. Full insurance is included with every shipment.
What makes your miniatures different from mass-produced dollhouse furniture?
The difference is night and day. Mass-produced miniatures are typically made from resin, plastic, or laser-cut MDF. My pieces are hand-built from solid hardwoods using the same joinery techniques as full-size period furniture. Every drawer opens, every door swings on hand-made hinges, and every detail is historically accurate. Learn more in our handcrafted vs kit-built miniatures comparison. See the difference for yourself in our gallery.
Blog

From the Workshop Journal

Tips, techniques, and stories from the world of miniature woodworking.

Buy Handcrafted Miniature Furniture or Commission a Custom Piece

Museum-exhibited craftsmanship, available to collectors worldwide. Whether you're starting a new collection or adding to an existing one, each piece is built to become a treasured heirloom. Let's discuss your vision.