NEW YORK — Nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side, there’s a store that invites you into a world where everything is delightfully small. At Tiny Doll House, you’ll encounter an array of miniatures, from diminutive tuna cans to delicate napkin holders, making it one of the city’s most enchanting specialty shops.
Leslie Edelman, the owner and proprietor for more than three decades, describes Tiny Doll House as a unique brick-and-mortar establishment dedicated to the art of dollhouses. “We offer everything you might need for a dollhouse, including food items, accessories, and even miniature people,” he explains.
Edelman’s journey into the world of miniatures began with a personal project: crafting a dollhouse for his niece. This initial hobby quickly transformed into a full-fledged business.
“I’ve always had a passion for interior design and creating things,” Edelman shares. “The intricacies involved in dollhouse elements truly captivated me.”
This passion is evident in the store’s vast and meticulously curated selection. The inventory boasts items from more than five hundred artisans worldwide, each specializing in their own niche, such as intricately carved miniature furniture or tiny charcuterie boards.
“Visitors are often amazed by the sheer variety and the extensive range of items we offer,” Edelman notes, reflecting on the surprising reactions from first-time customers.
The shop’s clientele consists of, in Edelman’s words, “anybody from 2 to 92. We have young children, adults, collectors, set designers, movie makers… all kinds of people that utilize our items.”
“Everybody smiles here. There’s never anybody that’s unhappy or grumpy,” Edelman says. Aside from the shop’s clear fun-sized charm, he believes the miniature worlds his customers can discover through the shop offer a sense of escapism.
“We’re offering a little relief from the world to create the world that you want.”
Click here to learn more about Tiny Doll House.
