DIY Phoebe’s Dollhouse (Built from Shoeboxes!)

DIY Phoebe’s Dollhouse (Built from Shoeboxes!)

If you’ve ever loved Phoebe Buffay’s chaotic, colorful dollhouse from Friends, you are going to LOVE this project.

I recreated her whimsical dollhouse using simple shoeboxes, fairy lights, and miniature accessories — and yes… it lights up ✨

This tutorial includes:

✔ How many shoeboxes you need

✔ Exactly how to cut them

✔ Room-by-room layout plans

✔ Miniature shopping suggestions

✔ Lighting tips

✔ Printable cutting guide (free download below!)

🧱 How Many Shoeboxes Do You Need?

You’ll need:

4 large shoeboxes

2 for the first floor (Kitchen + Living Room)

2 for the second floor (Bedroom + Bathroom)

2 shoebox lids

Used to create the pitched roof

✂️ How to Cut the Shoeboxes
Step 1: Remove Front Panels

Cut the entire front panel off each shoebox to create open rooms.

Step 2: Build the First Floor

Glue two shoeboxes side-by-side:

Left = Kitchen

Right = Living Room

Step 3: Build the Second Floor

Glue the remaining two boxes side-by-side:

Left = Bedroom

Right = Bathroom

Stack and glue the second layer on top of the first layer.

Step 4: Create the Roof

Take two shoebox lids.
Cut each diagonally.
Glue together to form a peak roof shape.

🏡 Room-by-Room Layout Guide
🍳 Kitchen (Bottom Left)

Mini stove + oven

Sink cabinet

Hanging utensils

Tiny clay food

Rubber duck or quirky figurine

Warm fairy lights

🛋 Living Room (Bottom Right)

Colorful couch

Small coffee table

Tiny lamp

Fringe details

Mini wall art

Potted plants

🛏 Bedroom (Top Left)

Mini bed with colorful quilt

Tiny side table

Stuffed animals

Warm fairy lights

Framed mini art

🛁 Bathroom (Top Right)

Clawfoot tub

Sink + mirror

Mini rug

Decorative wall art

Beaded fringe or curtain detail

✨ Lighting Tips

Use warm battery-powered fairy lights.

Run the wire along the back corners of each box and hide the battery pack behind the dollhouse.

This gives it that magical Phoebe glow.

🛍 Where to Buy Miniature Items

Search for:

“1:12 dollhouse furniture”

“miniature stove 1:12 scale”

“miniature clawfoot tub”

“miniature fringe trim”

“dollhouse fairy lights”

Etsy is great for quirky handmade pieces.
Amazon is good for starter furniture sets.

📥 Download the Printable Cutting Guide

Click to download your free printable guide