DIY Dollhouse Porter's Chair – Make a Canopy Chair from Cardboard!

If you've ever admired the elegance of antique hood chairs or French-style bergère seating, now you can create your own miniature version for your dollhouse! This tutorial walks you through making a Porter’s Chair—also known as a Hood Chair or Canopy Chair—using basic supplies like cardboard, wire, and fabric. The result? A stunning, high-back piece that adds drama and vintage charm to any 1:12 scale room.

Whether you're creating a Victorian parlor or a cozy reading nook, this project brings historical flair and incredible detail into your miniature world. And yes—it’s all built from cardboard and creativity!

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🧵 Materials You’ll Need:

* Thick cardboard or heavy card stock

* Brown Zweigart Tapestry Canvas (10 count)

* Paper for pattern templates

* Hard foam board, PVC foam board, or Sintra board

* Jewelry wire or craft wire

* Tacky glue, superglue, watered-down PVA glue

* Primer and acrylic paint

* Fabric scraps and wadding

* Sewing pins

* Sandpaper

* Quilling tools

* Scissors and craft knife

* Wire cutters

* Shape templates and rulers

* Paint brushes

* Spring clamps

* Pencil

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 Construction Tips:

1. Cut your base frame from thick cardboard and foam board, using templates to shape the high back and curved sides.

2. Weave or glue on the canvas for a realistic caned effect—this is the signature texture that makes these chairs so iconic.

3. Form the curves and structure using wire, cardboard supports, and clamps. Secure it with glue and allow to fully dry before shaping further.

4. Add details like trim, floral carvings (try quilling strips!), and tiny pins for tufting.

5. Paint and upholster with wadding and plush fabric, giving your chair a worn velvet or antique brocade finish.

6. Sand, prime, and touch up with acrylic paint and dry brushing for a distressed antique look.

This chair is a masterpiece in miniature form, and once finished, it's perfect for dollhouse parlors, royal rooms, or fantasy settings. It’s a showstopper whether you leave it neutral and elegant or decorate with dramatic upholstery and gold accents.

📌 TIP: Don’t rush the drying time between construction steps. Use spring clamps generously, especially on curved areas!

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🧷 Share your masterpiece!

Tag your creations with #PortersChair, #Miniatures, or #CardboardMiniatures—we’d love to see your finished results!

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