How to make an origami chair
Origami Chair: try all 29 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.
A lantern-base paper chair with a rectangular backrest, a level square seat and three broad panel legs.
- You need
- One square of paper. No glue or scissors.
- Start
- Start white side up with an edge at the top. Use thin paper for the three rounds of corner folds.
- Tips
- Match all four points to the middle in each round.
- Turn over between rounds so the pockets alternate sides.
Your model is ready
Your chair has a level seat, an upright backrest and three broad supports.
Step-by-step diagrams
Steps 1–6
- 1
Find the middle across
Fold the bottom edge to the top edge, press, and open.
- 2
Find the middle lengthwise
Fold the left edge to the right edge, press, and open.
- 3
Fold the top left corner in
Bring the top left corner to the center, where the two creases cross.
- 4
Fold the top right corner in
Bring the top right corner to the center.
- 5
Fold the bottom right corner in
Bring the bottom right corner to the center.
- 6
Fold the bottom left corner in
Bring the bottom left corner to the center.
Steps 7–12
- 7
Turn over
Turn the diamond over, keeping its top point up.
- 8
Fold the top point in again
Bring the top point to the center, taking all its layers with it.
- 9
Fold the right point in again
Bring the right point to the center, taking all its layers with it.
- 10
Fold the bottom point in again
Bring the bottom point to the center, taking all its layers with it.
- 11
Fold the left point in again
Bring the left point to the center, taking all its layers with it.
- 12
Turn over again
Turn the small square over, with an edge at the top.
Steps 13–18
- 13
Fold the top left corner in once more
Bring the top left corner to the center. This is the third set of corner folds.
- 14
Fold the top right corner in once more
Bring the top right corner to the center. This is the third set of corner folds.
- 15
Fold the bottom right corner in once more
Bring the bottom right corner to the center. This is the third set of corner folds.
- 16
Fold the bottom left corner in once more
Bring the bottom left corner to the center. This is the third set of corner folds.
- 17
Show the pockets
Turn the diamond over. Four small pockets meet around the center.
- 18
Open the left leg
Part the left square pocket at its middle and draw its inner point to the left. Flatten it into a rectangle for the first leg.
Steps 19–24
- 19
Open the right leg
Open the right square pocket the same way to make the second leg.
- 20
Open the front leg
Open the lower square pocket and draw its inner point down. Flatten it into a rectangle for the front leg.
- 21
Open the back panel
Open the last square pocket into a rectangle for the backrest.
- 22
Fold the left leg under
Fold the left rectangular pocket behind the seat along its root.
- 23
Fold the right leg under
Fold the right rectangular pocket behind the seat along its matching root.
- 24
Fold the front leg under
Fold the lower rectangular pocket behind the seat.
Steps 25–29
- 25
Fold the back upright
Fold the remaining top panel forward at the back edge of the seat, keeping the seat flat.
- 26
Raise the backrest
Open the backrest to a right angle above the seat.
- 27
Lower the front support
Open the front support to a right angle below the seat.
- 28
Lower the right support
Open the right support below the seat, leaving the front support in place.
- 29
Lower the left support
Open the remaining support to match. Keep the seat level between the three supports.
- ✓
Finish
Your chair has a level seat, an upright backrest and three broad supports.
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