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Scott Dillingham Miniatures
1/12 scale miniature Windsor dining set in front of a bonsai, handcrafted by Scott Dillingham

Miniature Furniture, Extraordinary Craft

Museum-exhibited 1/12 scale furniture, built by hand. On view at the KSB Miniatures Collection, Maysville, Kentucky. 3 pieces available. Commissions are open.

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Why ChooseHandcrafted

Illustrative rack of woodworking chisels — not a photograph of this workshop

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 are crafted with time-tested techniques I've learned.

Illustrative image of a finish being rubbed — not a photograph of this workshop

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 1/12 scale work, built entirely by hand from fine hardwoods. Museum-held pieces are not for sale; others are available or offered by commission.

1/12 scale Simon Willard style tall-case clock in Honduras mahogany with arched hood, pierced fretwork, brass finials, and Roman-numeral dial by Scott Dillingham

Simon Willard Tall Case Clock Style

Honduras Mahogany

Museum collection

1/12 scale Queen Anne highboy in black walnut with bonnet top, carved fan, brass pulls, and cabriole legs by Scott Dillingham

Queen Anne Style Highboy

Black Walnut

Available

1/12 scale Shaker pencil-post bed in cherry with tapered posts, canopy frame, and circular-cutout headboard by Scott Dillingham

Shaker Style Pencil Post Bed

Cherry

Available

1/12 scale Sam Maloof style rocking chair in Brazilian rosewood with sculpted arms, spindle back, and long rockers by Scott Dillingham

Sam Maloof Style Rocking Chair

Brazilian Rosewood

Museum collection

View Full Gallery
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.

About Scott
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.

Illustrative photo of a craftsman carving a swirling rosette into a small round of wood with a micro chisel — not a photograph of this workshop

Illustrative image of carving, not a photograph of this workshop. Finished pieces in the gallery show the actual carved work.

Close-up of a miniature hardwood box corner with contrasting dark spline keys

Hand-cut miniature spline joinery, shown as an example of 1/12 scale work.

Illustrative interior with a writing desk — not Scott Dillingham's workshop

Illustrative image — not this workshop. Finished pieces in the gallery show the actual surfaces.

Explore the Workshop

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. Use the commissions page to describe the piece, your timing, and your budget, and I will reply from the studio. You can also browse the gallery for pieces already finished.
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.

Illustration — not a photograph of this workshop. Sunlit woodworking shop with a large bench covered in hand tools and wood parts

Illustration — not a photograph of this workshop.

The Renaissance of Handcrafted Miniatures in the Digital Age

Illustration — not a photograph of this workshop. White gallery room with a pedestal table, lamp, and two side tables beneath an arched window

Illustration — not a photograph of this workshop.

Miniature Furniture as Fine Art: The Case for Collecting

Illustration — not a photograph of this workshop. Furnished dollhouse dining room with a table, yellow-seat chairs, hutch, and floral wallpaper

Illustration — not a photograph of this workshop.

Dollhouse Decorating with Handcrafted Furniture

Buy Handcrafted Miniature Furniture or Commission a Custom Piece

Start a Commission

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.