Toys & Play

Love American Girl Dolls? Here’s How to Channel Your Favorite in Your Kid’s Room Decor

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Credit: Photos: Pottery Barn Kids, SandraEideStudio, American Girl; Design: Cubby

The first three American Girl dolls (Kirsten Larson, Molly McIntire, and Samantha Parkington) made their debut back in 1986 — yes, they’re turning 40 this year — and in the decades since, they and their ever-expanding sorority have helped personalize so many eras of American history. In fact, Mattel announced this month that the brand is reintroducing eight of the original Historical Dolls — Kirsten, Molly, and Samantha, plus Addy Walker, Felicity Merriman, Josefina Montoya, Kaya, and Kit Kittredge — and they’re available for preorder now

If you shopped for your own doll out of the original catalog, devoured the accompanying books, made wish lists of accessories, and spent hours dressing your doll and combing her hair, well, you may have passed along your American Girl obsession to your own kid — and you may want to channel the spirit of your favorite doll into your kid’s room decor, too.

Honestly? I get it! Here’s how to use modern decor items to give subtle nods to six of the original Pleasant Company American Girl dolls in your child’s room, and share your nostalgia with your kid along the way. Think of it as bedroom style with a side of historical girl power. 

Samantha Parkington

American Girl’s Victorian-era orphan, Samantha Parkington lives with her grandmother in a luxurious home in New York in 1904. Plucky and adventurous, Samantha isn’t afraid to challenge the unspoken expectations of “proper” young ladies like herself. She loves The Wizard of Oz, her blue bicycle, and spending time with her friend Nellie.

Stripe Bow Comforter, Twin
$189

This bow-bedecked comforter is reminiscent of Samantha’s original bedding, with its delicate pink ribbons and tufted design. The comforter and shams reverse to a solid pattern. Elegant brass bed not included!

$189 at Pottery Barn Kids
Round Velvet Tufted Ruched Throw Pillow
$25

Samantha is an avid reader, and a sumptuous throw pillow like this one is perfect for cozying up with while flipping through a favorite book. Add texture and layers to your child’s bed with this round pleated puff with a button center. (Also available in a chic, soft robin’s egg blue or olive green, the slightly deeper shades will add dimension to a pastel bedroom scheme.)

$25 at World Market
There's No Place Like Home Art Print
$20

The Wizard of Oz was published in 1900 and became a classic among kids and adults alike, including Samantha, who counts it among her favorite books. This Wizard-inspired art print brings the long-beloved story’s magic to bedroom walls.

$20 at Rifle Paper Co.
Daisy Magnetic Art Hanger
$79

Fans know that Samantha is an artist (some of the doll’s early accessories included a sketchbook, palette, and functional watercolor set) and would want to display her own art. If you have budding artists at home too, this scalloped magnetic art hanger is a thoughtfully designed choice for showcasing their masterpieces.

$79 at West Elm

Kirsten Larson

After an arduous journey emigrating from Sweden to America, pioneer girl Kirsten is making a new life on the Minnesota frontier with her family in 1854. Although acclimating to a new country and culture is hard, Kirsten soon finds her place: She learns English, goes to school, helps on her family’s farm, and becomes fast friends with her cousins Lisbeth and Anna.

Saga Blonde Chest
$171

While Kirsten’s family traveled with their belongings in a trunk, your kids can store their own treasures — or offseason bedding or clothing — in this modern beech wood version. Built-in handles make it easy to move, and it doubles as a convenient seat. (Again, practical!)

$171 at Nordic Nest
Scandinavian Flower Poster
$48$29

Add color and style to a bedroom wall with this beautiful Scandinavian print, designed in Sweden. The still-life of a vase of daisies, in a warm terracotta red on an ivory background, is the perfect mix of modern and folksy.

$29 at Etsy
Babyletto Swell 6-Drawer Dresser
$999

Reminiscent of the iconic cornflower blue in Kirsten’s original bedroom set, this spacious six-drawer dresser boasts clean lines and a charming scalloped edge.

$999 at Maisonette
Black Forest Decor Small Snowshoes Decor
$50

For Kirsten, snowshoes were a must for traversing Minnesota’s winter terrain; for your kid they can simply be a fun accessory. Consider adding this vintage-inspired set, made of wood and wicker, to a bedroom or bathroom wall for an outdoorsy touch.

$50 at Amazon

Molly McIntire

Molly McIntire grew up in 1940s Illinois while her father was away serving as a doctor during WWII. She helped at home by collecting scrap metal and tending the family’s victory garden, and wearing rationed clothes. She worried about her father and her friends’ families and joined air raid drills at school, but still found moments of play and laughter with her friends.

Red Striped Waffle Weave 100% Organic Cotton Kids Twin Quilt
$190

This hand-quilted, organic cotton coverlet would be perfectly at home on Midwesterner Molly’s bed, recalling the red-and-white striped throw pillow that topped her own bed. The stripes channel an Americana vibe without being over-the-top, but if you need a change, just flip it over: The quilt reverses to a soothing solid ivory.

$190 at Crate & Barrel
Victrola Willow Retro Wood Bluetooth Radio
$70$3944% off

Molly had her own radio, and your child can have one too, courtesy of this cool, vintage-style model. With its wood-cabinet look and old-school rotary dials, it evokes a 1940s feel while still giving kids the ability to stream their favorite K-Pop playlists, thanks to Bluetooth capability.

$39 at Amazon
Longshore Tides Novelty Canoe Oar Wall Decor
$51$33

You might not be able to go to Molly’s beloved Camp Gowonagin, but you can channel that adventurous spirit in the form of a decorative canoe paddle. This solid wood oar can be hung vertically or horizontally, and is decorated with totally on-brand red, white, and blue stripes.

$33 at Wayfair
Nancy Drew Watercolor Map Art Print
$24

Molly is a Nancy Drew fan, so we did some detective work and found this gorgeous watercolor map that details memorable landmarks from the first seven books in the series. Decor problem solved!

$24 at Etsy

Felicity Merriman

Superfans no doubt remember that horse-loving Felicity, the fourth doll released, grew up in colonial Virginia on the brink of the American Revolution. She witnessed tensions and experienced major upheaval, including her family’s struggles to stay safe. Her diary, horseback riding, and embroidery offered personal expression in a world defined by lots of uncertainty.

Gemini Sunwashed Ash Wood Kids Twin Tent Bed
$1,749

Felicity had a four-poster bed complete with red-and-white checked curtains. This modern tent bed, made of solid ash and poplar wood, embodies that spirit. A matching canopy cover is sold separately.

$1,749 at Crate & Barrel
Signature Toile Floral Flannel Duvet Cover, Twin
$149

Red toile print was the style of choice for Felicity’s bedroom — and it can be for your child’s, too, thanks to this elegant and cozy flannel duvet cover. The Chili red toile mimics Felicity’s color scheme, but it’s available in three other shades, as well.

$149 at Garnet Hill
Ann Wood 1817 Antiqued Embroidery Needlepoint Sampler Framed Print
$50

Like many girls of her era, Felicity spent time working on a needlepoint sampler. Even if you’re not crafty with a needle and thread, you can bring the look into your child’s room with this vintage-inspired framed sampler print.

$50 at Etsy
Horse Shaped Table Lamp
$199

Felicity owns and rides a super-spirited, strong-willed horse named Penny. Pay homage to Felicity’s love of all things equine with this hand-stained, antiqued-brass-finish table lamp that features a trotting horse.

$199 at PB Teen

Addy Walker

The fifth American Girl doll and the first Black American Girl doll, Addy Walker’s story is set in the Civil War era. With her mother, Addy bravely escapes the brutality of enslavement in 1864, risking everything on a dangerous journey north to freedom. Arriving in Philadelphia, she faces new challenges, among them prejudice and separation from her loved ones. Yet she also finds joy in school, friendship, and the dream of reuniting her family.

Floating Hearts Latch Hook Pillow Kit
$35

Crafty kids can enjoy their own version of Addy’s hooked rug kit, which was sold as part of the American Girl Pastimes collection, with this set from Latch Hook Crafts. The beginner-friendly kit includes everything needed to create a cute, colorful, heart-adorned throw-pillow cover. And while Addy’s kit made a doll-sized rug, this one makes a pillowcase that’s just right for a big-kid bed.

$35 at Latch Hook Crafts
Scalloped Lantern Chandelier
$249

This gorgeous lantern chandelier channels the vibe of the brass lamp that Addy did her needlework by, but in a much more modern way. Four faux candles are housed in an open-sided white steel frame with a playful scalloped edge.

$249 at Pottery Barn Kids
Chris Loves Julia Bird Cage Nightlight
$99

Addy enjoys spending time with her elderly boarding house neighbor, M’dear, and M’dear’s yellow canary, Sunny — but you can give a nod to the sweet songbird without adding a real live pet to your family. This elegant, brass-stained nightlight, which houses a tiny bird, will delight your kid almost as much as the real thing.

$99 at Pottery Barn Kids
Custom Embroidered Floral Initial
$32

Addy’s mom was a talented seamstress, and Addy herself worked on embroidery projects like her parents’ wedding quilt. This charming embroidered floral initial can be customized with any initial and color combination and is perfect for framing.

$32 at Etsy

Josefina Montoya

The final doll in the original historical six, Josefina Montoya’s story is set in 1824. Josefina grows up on a family rancho near Santa Fe in what is now New Mexico, coping with the loss of her Mamá while helping her family manage daily life on the ranch. She learns skills like weaving and piano, unearths her own inner strength and hope, and draws comfort from family, traditions, and friendship even as her world is changing rapidly.

Modern Terracotta Grow Kits
$26

Josefina enjoys gardening on her family’s rancho, and you can encourage your own child’s green thumb with these chic plant kits from Modern Sprout. They let you easily grow prickly pear cactus, bonsai, and aloe plants indoors — and bring a touch of traditional terracotta into your kid’s room.

$26 at Modern Sprout
Watercolor Primrose Art Print
$15

If you love the yellow primroses that Josefina wears in her hair, channel the look with this delicate, hand-painted watercolor illustration. It’s available, unframed, in three sizes.

$15 at Etsy
Woolly Sheep White Wool Rug
$189

Josefina’s bedding set included a cozy sheepskin. This sheepskin-inspired rug from Lorena Canals is plush and soft — perfect as a bedside rug or draped over a chair for extra-snug reading.

$189 at Lorena Canals
Goat Plush Nursery Rocker
$229$137

Pay homage to Josefina’s baby goat, Sombrita, with this sweet plush nursery rocker. Recommended for kids ages 1-5, the faux fur and sturdy wooden handles make it a comfy ride, and the goat sounds will delight your little one.

$137 at Pottery Barn Kids

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