The Evolution of Barbie Dreamhouse from 1962 to 2021 (Photos)

See the First Official Barbie Dreamhouse for $4 - and How Her Luxe Digs Have Evolved Over the Years

From a single-story cardboard house to a life-size, 3-story mansion, Barbie's home has come a long way

Published on May 21, 2024 02:37PM EDT

barbie dreamhouse - 1962 and 2021 — Barbie Dreamhouse in 1962 and 2021. Photo:
Mattel inc.

Barbie's life isn't complete without her Dreamhouse.

Three years after the doll was created by Mattel, the company introduced Barbie's first house. Since then, it has undergone multiple renovations, keeping up with the latest styles and trends — while growing bigger at the same time. And of course, it's always kept a touch of pink.

The Dreamhouse has played a pivotal role in pop culture, too, most recently in the 2023 Barbie movie, which brought the iconic space to life.

Keep reading to see how Barbie's house has evolved over the years.

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1962 Barbie Dreamhouse

Barbie's first house was released in 1962 and sold for $4.44. It featured a studio with bright yellow walls and furniture made of cardboard. The house also included a small pink closet for all of Barbie's clothes.

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1981 Barbie Dreamhouse

In its second rendition, Barbie's Dreamhouse underwent major upgrades. The humble plastic yellow interior was gone, in its place multiple rooms that could be transformed into whatever one desired.

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1984 Barbie Dream Cottage

1984 barbie dreamhouse - dream cottage — 1984 Barbie Dreamhouse.
Mattel inc.

In 1984, Barbie's Dreamhouse received yet another makeover, this time featuring the addition of a functional rooftop patio.

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1986 Barbie Dreamhouse

Then, in 1986, Barbie's Dreamhouse adopted a new, all-pink color scheme!

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1998 Barbie Deluxe Dreamhouse

barbie deluxe 1998 dreamhouse — 1998 Barbie Dreamhouse.
Mattel inc.

By the end of the '90s, Barbie's house entered its Victorian era, boasting a grand front entryway, elevator and a charming balcony fit for a queen.

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2006 Barbie 3-Story Dreamhouse

Barbie dream house 2006 — 2006 Barbie Dreamhouse.
Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty

In 2006, Barbie expanded her Dreamhouse to include a third story, complete with a captivating spiral staircase.

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2008 Barbie 3-Story Dreamhouse

barbie dreamhouse 2008 — 2008 Barbie Dreamhouse.
Mattel inc.

A few years later, the same style house got a major update with a brighter pink color.

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2013 Barbie Dreamhouse

barbie 2013 dreamhouse — 2013 Barbie Dreamhouse.
Mattel inc.

In 2013, Barbie's Dreamhouse underwent yet another update, emerging as a three-story townhouse equipped with a sleek elevator running down its center.

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2015 Barbie Dreamhouse

barbie 2015 dreamhouse — 2015 Barbie Dreamhouse.
Mattel inc.

Two years later, Barbie's Dreamhouse evolved again as the elevator was relocated to the side of the house, while a garage was seamlessly integrated into the design.

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2016 Barbie Dreamhouse

In 2016, Barbie opted for a return to a cozy two-story house layout with a grand staircase.

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2019 Barbie Dreamhouse

barbie 2019 dreamhouse — 2019 Barbie Dreamhouse.
Mattel inc.

By 2019, Barbie decided to shake things up and swapped out the traditional staircase for an exhilarating purple slide.

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2021 Barbie Dreamhouse

In Barbie's most recent Dreamhouse, which stands 43 inches tall and 41 inches wide, she spared no expense, introducing luxurious amenities such as a rooftop pool, where she can soak up the sun in style while sipping on pink lemonade.

Inside, Barbie installed a disco dance room, complete with glittering lights and a booming sound system, where she and her friends can groove the night away to their favorite tunes.

A "Pool Party" edition of the house takes the design a step further, with a two-story waterslide leading from the roof to an adjacent pool.