A box is one of those origami folds that feels like magic the first time you do it. You start with a flat square, and a few minutes later you're holding something that actually holds things. This version builds on the square base — the same foundation used in countless models — so while you're making a simple box, you're quietly learning one of the most useful bases in origami along the way.

It's the perfect first box: quick, forgiving, and genuinely useful. Use it to keep paper clips off your desk, wrap a tiny gift, or fold a matching set in different colours to organise drawers. Once you've got the basic box under your fingers, you'll probably want to learn a lid next — and after that, every small thing in your house needs a paper home.

These instructions will show you how to fold a simple origami box from a square base. The square base is one of the most useful foundations in origami, so this is a great project if you’ve never folded anything before.

STEP 1. Fold the paper in half.

STEP 2. Fold the paper in half again.

STEP 3. Open the top flap of paper over to the right.

STEP 4. Squash-fold this flap flat.

STEP 5. Turn the paper over.

STEP 6. Open the top flap of paper over to the left and squash-fold it flat.

STEP 7. Rotate the paper 180 degrees.

STEP 8. Fold the flaps on the sides to the centre and the top layer of paper at the top to the centre. Repeat on the other side.

STEP 9. Fold the right flap of paper over to the left and repeat on the other side so the model is symmetrical.

STEP 10. Fold the top layer of paper down and repeat on the other side.

STEP 11. Fold the flap on the right over to the left and repeat on the other side. Make sure both sides are symmetrical and the front of the model looks like the next step.

STEP 12. Open up the flaps on each side and squash-fold them down. Repeat on the other side.

STEP 13. Fold the sides of the top flaps inside the model on each side. Then repeat on the back side of the model.

STEP 14. Fold the top layer of paper down along the dotted line and repeat on the other side.

STEP 15. Fold the flap of paper on the right over to the left and repeat on the back. Make sure the model is symmetrical before going to the next step.

STEP 16. Fold the top layer of paper down along the dotted line and repeat on the back side.

STEP 17. Push the bottom of the model up and open up the top to form a box shape.

The complete origami box