ADVERTISEMENT

“When creating my miniature pieces, the process can take from one month to almost two years to create a single piece,” this is what professional miniature artist Chris Toledo of Toledo Miniatures told Bored Panda about his finely-detailed, expertly-crafted 1:12 scale historic building interiors.

Chris has the patience of a saint and the focus of a Jedi. His childhood love for art and architecture eventually grew into what it is now: a resounding success that fascinates tens of thousands of people.

“Each model I create starts with extensive research of the era and time period I'm trying to recreate,” Chris said. “Over the years I've collected home plans and building guides from the early 20th century to make sure my pieces are 100% accurate representations of the past.”

Scroll down for the rest of our in-depth interview with the artist and upvote your favorite miniatures. Let us know in the comments what you think of Chris’ art and whether you’ve tried making miniatures yourselves.

More info: ToledoMiniatures.com | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

#1

Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

ibuildsmallthings Report

Peter Beach
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shame the only person who gets to live in all these is the handyman

Night Owl
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And maybe some mice . It looks like it's made for them ;D

Load More Replies...
Ani
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg the picture of the mouse makes it even more perfect!

2WheelTravlr
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The mouse paintings and sculpture are such beautifully whimsical touches, I love it!

Shelby P
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where/what houses are these

Shelby P
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never mind I thought they meant famous...

Load More Replies...
Karen Clawson
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would have been much better without his hand or something else in every f*ing picture! We get the idea.

View more comments
RELATED:
    #2

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Ananas
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    LOVE THIS... can i live there?

    Izzlebug Smith
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do drawers and cupboards open and close, etc.?

    Bobby's Girl
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The grout is far too clean - unless that's just my house.

    Laugh Fan
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Grout pens that just paint over the top of the grout to refresh the colour are very good!

    Load More Replies...
    Patricia Schmit
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Always wanted to create the one-bedroom apt. where I was born. Yours are splendid!!!

    Patricia Schmit
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Always wanted to create the one-bedroom apt. where I was born. Have a collection of "miniatures" but still no time. Yours are splendid!!!!

    Brandi VanSteenwyk
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Although I absolutely LOVE the skill and detail put into each piece, I can't help but think many of them would look even more realistic with a bit of "wear and tear", bathtub rings, soap scum, smokey/greasy backdrops, dirt in the corners etc.

    Shauna Hicken
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please no! There is enough grunge in the world without adding it to this beautiful artistry. If you really want to see it go visit a public restroom.

    Load More Replies...
    View more comments

    “The process for building my pieces is much like building an actual house or room. I start with simple layout drawings to make sure everything flows cohesively and harmoniously,” Chris explained how involved his creative process is.

    “From there, I create a more detailed blueprint which I eventually construct on a 3D computer modeling program. This helps me visualize each project and allows me to make any changes before I begin construction of the actual piece.”

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #4

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Why?
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's going to leave a nasty bathtub ring!

    Seabeast
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Should have a tiny towel and a miniature toilet paper roll.

    Spikey Bunny
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And plumbing connecting the toilet with the tank..., but it's still really well done

    Load More Replies...
    Molly Block
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's Trump's bathroom? The Sharpie? Sorry to the artist== I don't mean to be disrespectful by associating that idiot with your splendid and amazing work.

    Jill Tibbetts Tuley
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who is the IDIOT here? You see artwork and feel compelled to bring politics into the forum? Hope the rest of your life isn't controlled by your politics. You need to see a shrink about your problem as YOU ARE ONE SICK PUPPY!!! Politics inserted into every corner of your life...Could be Sanders, Warren, or whomever, the name doesn't matter....GET A LIFE!!!

    Load More Replies...
    Tracy Moorhead
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sharpie stains are so hard to remove!!!

    #5

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Night Owl
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can you light up the candles?

    Cynthia strawson
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is as close to perfection that a mere mortal can achieve! Most of us only dream of being able to be 1/2 as good.

    KT Trondsen
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks just like a golf/resort I went to in Cuba years ago <3

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Michael Zoutendijk
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's JOHNNY!!! (Oh.. wait......)

    Miranda Panda
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    heerrre'ssss johnny!! lol! this is so amazing!!

    According to the artist, building his miniatures is a lot like building an actual house: “After I have a solidified design, the construction process begins. When building my pieces, I use many tools similar to those of building something full-sized, except they have been scaled down to accommodate the pieces I make such as a table saw the size of a show box or a hand saw made specifically to cut tiny hair sized details into wood.”

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #7

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    JeffC
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THING!!!!! Gomez would be proud of you right now:-D

    Jenna Melton
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love that one of the bulbs is out on the chandelier.

    #9

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    pei meow
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish i could live in here

    Jus
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He makes beautiful things plus he's handsome himself!

    Doctor who?!
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wwow why does that kook wrong...

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Chris fell in love with constructing miniatures just over 20 years ago. He revealed that he's “always” been fascinated by them.

    “I remember going to Disneyland as a child and being totally fascinated with the miniature buildings along the Storybook Canal Ride. About that same time, I discovered the world of dollhouse miniatures and I loved the idea of being able to build these tiny creations myself.”

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “I began with kits that I would find at local hobby stores and eventually moved onto creating my own designs,” he said.

    #10

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Hermione Granger
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If only school bathrooms were this good.

    J Bea Young
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What about metals and porcelains? You can fabricate those.

    Night Owl
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Careful, that could clog up the sink

    #11

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Tiffany Hargrove
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do love the napkin rings. That is extremely detailed!

    2WheelTravlr
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One sneeze, one twitch, and it's all messed up. I can't imagine having that steady of a hand!

    However, he kept his miniature work a secret for a long, long time, telling only his closest friends and family members about it.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    “Although I had always pursued the arts as a career option, I never imagined it would be my miniatures that would take me there. Over time, miniatures became my favorite art form because it encompassed every medium I loved to work with. From woodworking, painting, interior design to art history...making miniatures had it all.”

    #13

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    Chris Toledo Report

    Audrey Wegman
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    is that a pc or no?

    Freya Lee
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think so, there's a wire sticking out

    Load More Replies...
    ADVERTISEMENT

    But what about the people who’d like to follow in his footsteps? What friendly tips does Chris have for prospective miniature enthusiasts?

    “I think anyone can find something they love within the world of miniature making. It’s a form of art that allows you to have something in your hands that maybe you wouldn't be able to have in real life,” he stated.

    “For me, it was my love of historic architecture. Creating miniature replicas of historic rooms gave me a chance to hold a piece of history in my hands and see it with my own eyes. “

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #16

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Tiny Dynamine
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It reminds me of Rene Magritte when something is way out of proportion.

    Izzlebug Smith
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonderful job on the sink fixtures!

    Sandra Thalberg
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You even included some grunge. Very realistic!

    Theresa Wilson
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, even mould in the grout towards the bottom of the tiles.

    Miranda Panda
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this is just incredible!! even the chipped tile on the tub. i keep going WOWOWOW!!!

    Podunkus
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing realistic detail, right down to some mold on the grout.

    Thomas Ewing
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hi, your toothbrush would like some privacy. Would you raise the lid, please?

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #18

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Seabeast
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love the tiny gravity furnace duct!

    “When people ask me how they can get into this hobby, I always tell them to follow the path that I did. Beginning with hobby store kits. This allowed me to first experiment with working on a small scale and to become familiar with building small and develop that ‘Miniature Eye’ that allows you to visualize in your mind how you would transform a full-sized object or room into miniature.”

    Chris said that the biggest piece of advice he can give anyone is “to just have fun.”

    “With miniatures, the possibilities are truly endless and you're only limited by your own imagination.”

    #19

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    SirPatTheCat
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually stayed in a castle in Italy that kinda looked like this and had that exact same chair!!

    Pat Corbett
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These scenes have been giving me a Ca' d'Zan vibe, the Ringling's terra cotta manse in Sarasota that has strong Venetian Gothic roots. So your recollection is probably on the mark, too. Even the kitchen and bath appear to come from the 1920s when Ca' d'Zan was built.

    Load More Replies...
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #20

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Hańka
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every work presented here is so beautiful, so precise, full of astonishing beauty!

    Sandra Thalberg
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wish I could see the process for making this splendid wingback chair!

    Sinisa Beric
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everything in the galery is awesome. This one is incredible. How, on earth...

    #21

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    #22

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Jus
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder where do you activate this shower.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Canada crazy
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    as the BFG (big friendly giant) takes you from your window

    Lynda Momalo
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My daughter had to read the BFG in school the same year that people were commonly using BFD (Big F***ing Deal) and I always had to stop myself from accidentally saying the title wrong.

    Load More Replies...
    #26

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    #27

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #29

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Andrea Slack
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guess my husband was in this kitchen, with the cabinet door open, never can shut a f...🆖 door, drawer, etc...must of used the bathroom too since he didn’t replace the toilet paper roll either, geezopete!!!

    Sinisa Beric
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fascinating. Just put some miniature dirty dishes, some stains and garbage - indisinguishable from reality.

    #30

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Jill Tibbetts Tuley
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ABSOLUTELY ASTOUNDING/MAGNIFICENT!!! Such perfection, every detail complete! I saw something similar in 1967 or perhaps 1968 when we took a school trip to the museums on the lakefront in Chicago. This is the only other work of this kind that I have had the pleasure of seeing. THANK YOU, and the child in me thanks you as well.

    #31

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Dorothy Parker
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Each room is stunning, but the floor, ceiling and wall sconces here are divine. The bed too. I imagine the most comfortable linens and pillows.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #32

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Becca Gizmo the Squirrel
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If like to curl up next to this fireplace on a cold winter night with a book.

    #33

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    #35

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Yagi-chan
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    An extraordinary miniaturist. Truly, what a beautiful piece of art.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #36

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    #37

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    #38

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    Marianne Evensen
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love all of these! They remind me of the Thorne Rooms Miniatures in the Phoenix, AZ Art Museum. They were my favorite things when I was little. I loved going there to see the miniature rooms. But the contents of those rooms were collected throughout Europe, not handmade in the way these are. I recognize these styles and they are so perfectly rendered. I would buy a coffee table book with photos of these rooms. The house, these rooms, belong in a museum!

    #39

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #40

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    #41

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    #42

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    #43

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #45

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    #46

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    #47

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #48

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    #49

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    #50

    Miniature-Interiors-Art-Chris-Toledo

    ibuildsmallthings Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda