Review: Bookbinders Design

  Image from Bookbindersdesign.com.

I’m hoping to begin a new trend here at the Corner of addressing all aspects of the writerly life, including a closer look at those myriad tools of the trade that make writing a pleasure. In the future I’ll have more reviews of writing tools such as software, notebooks, even special pens if they catch my eye. And if you have an idea for a review, don’t hesitate to check out the Write for Us page to learn about how to submit. So without further ado, I’d like to begin with a review of a personal favorite store of mine, Bookbinders Design.

Bookbinders Design is a Swedish book-making company that has stores all over the world. I first discovered their shop while in Paris, and ever since then, whenever I’m in Paris I make a point of stopping by. I’ve even stumbled across another Bookbinders shop in Melbourne, Australia when I was there. Bookbinders specializes in stylish and lasting notebooks and planners of all shapes and sizes, but don’t expect this to be your typical stodgy leather-bound series. The company specializes in color. When you first walk into the store, you’ll be delighted by the spectrum of vibrant notebook colors that greet you. The colors of the clothbound notebooks range from vivid magenta to somber greys, with some adorable designs as well.

The notebooks themselves are high-quality, with sturdy lined (or blank) paper. The lines are satisfyingly close together (I hate those big child-spaced lines in many notebooks). The notebooks come in a variety of sizes and are all lovingly stitched. I’ve had a whole series of these notebooks over the years, and they look beautiful when lined up on a shelf together. They open wide and are excellent for hand-writing in.

Clearly I’m smitten with these books. While they’re a little pricey, I find it a real treat to buy a notebook once a year and write rough drafts of my stories in them. They’re a pleasure to have on the shelf, and if you want a notebook that will last, I highly recommend them.

Bookbinders’ notebooks can be purchased at their website, which also has detailed information about the craftsmanship and color theory that goes into their beautiful designs.