Every paper dollhouse needs somewhere to sit, and this little origami chair is one of the easiest ways to make one. It looks like a proper piece of furniture, with a firm backrest and a flat seat, yet the whole thing comes from a single square of paper and a familiar base you have probably folded before.

The secret is the Yakko-san base. If you have ever folded that traditional figure, the first half of this chair will feel like an old friend, which makes it a lovely project to fold alongside kids. Once you open the flaps back up and glue the matching colors into a square, the chair pops into shape with a satisfying little click. Pair it with the origami table from the same family and you have a complete set for your dolls, stuffed animals, or a tiny paper room.

How to fold the chair

STEP 1. Start with the white side facing up, then fold the paper in half diagonally to make a triangle crease and unfold.

STEP 2. Fold the four corners toward the center.

STEP 3. Once folded, turn the paper over.

STEP 4. Fold the four corners toward the center.

STEP 5. Once folded, turn the paper over and change its direction.

STEP 6. Fold the four corners toward the center.

STEP 7. Once folded, turn the paper over.

STEP 8. Open all four corners out into a square.

STEP 9. You are unfolding it. Up to this point, the folding method is the same as Yakko-san, a traditional origami figure.

STEP 10. After unfolding, fold the top section toward the front, fold the remaining part toward the back, then turn the paper over.

STEP 11. While opening up the top section, glue the parts of the same color together and arrange it into a square. If it is hard for children to follow, widen the top section first and then secure the inside with tape.

STEP 12. It is now arranged into a square.

STEP 13. Turn it over and the chair is ready.

STEP 14. You can also use it together with the table introduced earlier.

Tips for folding

Up to the middle, the folding method is the same as Yakko-san, so even small children can probably fold it on their own. Shaping the chair from the back is the tricky part, so you can lend a hand, or tape it in place to keep it from opening.

Now let a stuffed animal or a doll take a seat.