This modern dollhouse chair is a variation of the mid-century-inspired rocking chair that I made a while back. I just love its simple, unfussy lines. It’s a classic style that fits in any modern dollhouse decor. At least, in my opinion.
I left mine in natural, light basswood color to fit the rest of my neutral-color living room scene, but I think it will look better stained!
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MATERIALS AND TOOLS
- Cricut Maker (recommended if using basswood)
- Or a good, sharp craft knife and a great deal of patience and accuracy
- 1/16″ basswood sheet
- Or choose a different material that is suitable for your die-cut machine
- Wood stain or paint for finishing
- Glue, such as Elmer’s craft bond glue stick or Aleene’s tacky glue
- Foam core (3/16″ standard thickness) for cushions
- I use only one layer of foam core for each cushion. As an option, you can add one layer of batting to add a little bit more thickness to each cushion.
- Fabric for cushions
- Thin, lightweight fabric is recommended, so as to avoid bulk around the corners
- Fabric tape
- I found fabric tape easier to work with than fabric glue. I cut up the tape into little strips or pieces as needed. Fabric tape is very sticky, and it can gunk up your scissors. I use Goo-gone to get rid of the residue off the scissors.
TEMPLATES FOR MODERN DOLLHOUSE CHAIR
The PDF template for this miniature chair can be downloaded here: 1:12 scale or 1:16 scale.
The SVG file can be found in the resource library. If you’ve already subscribed to my email list, you can refer to my latest email for the library password ☺
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In addition to the chair pieces, you will need to cut the following pieces of foam core and fabric for the cushions.
If you are using fabric that’s thicker than lightweight cotton, you will want to reduce the overall dimension of the foam core. Reduce by 1/16″ at a time and dry fit each time, so you don’t accidentally cut too small a piece.
| 1:12 scale (in inches) | 1:16 Lundby scale (in inches) | |
|---|---|---|
| Foam core for seat cushion | 1-13/16 wide x 1-13/16 deep (reduce overall dimension, if using thicker fabric) | 1-7/16 wide x 1-7/16 deep (reduce overall dimension, if using thicker fabric) |
| Foam core for seat back cushion | 1-13/16 wide x 1-5/8 tall (reduce the height to 1-9/16 if adding optional batting) (reduce overall dimension, if using thicker fabric) | 1-7/16 wide x 1-1/4 tall (reduce the height to 1-3/16 if adding optional batting) (reduce overall dimension, if using thicker fabric) |
| Fabric for seat cushion | 1 piece of 4 x 4 | 1 piece of 3-1/4 x 3-1/4 |
| Fabric for seat back cushion | 1 piece of 4 x 3-5/8 | 1 piece of 3-1/4 x 2-7/8 |
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CHAIR FRAME
Step 1: Cut the pieces
If you are using basswood, I recommend using two layers of each side. Each layer should be cut at perpendicular grain direction, just like what the template shows. This will strengthen the basswood pieces.
If you are using a different material that don’t have any specific grain direction, then the orientation of the pieces don’t really matter. You can rotate the pieces to save material, if you wish, or leave the orientation as-is.
Step 2: Stain the chair
Stain the chair pieces first. Glue spots prevent stain from being absorbed, and it would result in a splotchy finish.
Step 3: Assemble the chair sides
I like to have the outer layers of both chair sides to be of the grain direction. In this case, I chose the vertical grains to show as the outer layers.
Simply glue the two layers of each side together.
Step 4: Attach the chair back
Put a bit of glue along the edge of the square seat back, as indicated by the red lines in the picture. The red lines are where the edge will attach to the chair sides.
Align the seat back square along the chair side piece.
Step 5: Attach the chair seat
Apply glue as indicated by the red lines in the picture.
Align the seat back and bottom squares.
Step 6: Attach the other side
Use the red-line guide as Step 4 above. Then align as best as you can so the chair doesn’t wobble too much.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CHAIR CUSHIONS
Apply a strip of fabric tape on two opposite sides of the fabric as pictured.
Then tape the fabric onto the cushion. It’s okay if your fabric doesn’t completely cover the cushion. This side will be face down and not visible.
Cut off excess fabric in the corners. Be careful NOT to clip off the fabric along the thickness of the foam core. If you clip that part, the foam core will show and it will not look so neat. Apply small pieces of fabric tape on the corners of the fabric.
Fold in the fabric corners like pictures.
Add two strips of fabric tape on top of the folded corners.
Then tape the fabric onto the cushion. (I didn’t cut my fabric big enough, so it doesn’t cover all the cushion.)
Repeat for the other cushion. The back cushion rests on top of the bottom cushion.
COMPLETE!
My modern dollhouse chair resides in the living room, with the Kallax bookcase, wood-case sofa, slat bench, and the printable rug.
