The Best Lined Journals

Papercode Luxury Notebook, 2 Pack

Journaling perfection

This duo of lined notebooks has perforated, high-quality paper for a serious, professional look.

Best Overall

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This set includes two luxury notebooks, both made with thick, high-quality paper to ensure your ink doesn’t bleed through. The college-ruled pages are perfect for a personal diary, school and work notebook, or a to-do list. The soft leatherette cover is also sleek and professional, so it’s appropriate for everything from client meetings to doodles to daydreams. It even has an elastic closure and perforated pages so you can easily tear out pages when the need arises.

Pros:

• Set of 2 leatherette notebooks, so you always have a back-up
• Tough front and back covers are very durable
• The notebook is designed to lay flat so it’s easier to write on any surface

Cons:

• The notebook is only 21 x 14.25 cm, so it’s on the smaller side
• Though it does have an inner pocket, the pocket can’t hold much

Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover

Can't beat the classics

This handsome journal from Moleskine has a classic look and a modern sensibility.

Best Classic

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Moleskine is one of the most renowned names in the journal game and for good reason. Their timeless design and high-quality construction make them some of the most discrete and durable notebooks that money can buy. We also love the elastic closure, which offers the perfect amount of elasticity to keep your thoughts contained in their bindings. The paper pages themselves are also high-quality, with an ivory color and a texture that really helps the pen glide across the page.

Pros:

• The classic style is available in a wide variety of colors
• The hard cover is durable and travel-ready
• Makes for a beautiful gift for creative types and list-makers

Cons:

• Relatively expensive

Lemome Ruled Spiral Notebook

Your thoughts in a spiral

This gorgeous selection of spiral journals from Lemome help you journal in style.

Best Spiral

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Spiral notebooks have their advantages, especially for those that like to lay their notebook out flat. The spiral rings also allow for nearly effortless page-turning, and these are exceptionally well-designed. We also admire the designs that are offered here, from the blue flowers to the watercolor cactus fields. You can also rest assured that your scribblings won’t go flying about with the cover safely secured shut by the elastic band.

Pros:

• Inexpensive price
• Available in six cool designs
• The spirals are twin-wire, so pages turn smoothly and can be ripped out without damaging the bindings

Cons:

• Only 72 pages, though it’s more than enough for most journalers

Lemome Thick Classic Notebook with Pen Loop

No more wild pen chases

Keep your pen handy with this hardcover writing notebook with a pen pocket.

Best With Pen Holder

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After you use this awesome notebook from Lemome, you’ll wonder why every notebook doesn’t sport a nifty pen loop. Indeed, we’ve spent more time scrounging about for a spare pen than we’d care to admit. And besides functionality, this option is simply pleasant to look at. The five different color options each boast a handsome stitched cover that protects the pages well. Inside, there’s even an expandable pocket for loose notes and cards. Another

Pros:

• Modest price, so super high value
• Packed with an ample 180 pages
• The cover is hard and durable, but it’s lined with a slightly soft, leather-like material that’s comfortable to hold

Cons:

• Unless they have a clip, thin pens may not stay inside the loop

Dingbats Wildlife Medium Hardcover Notebook

A journal that won't forget

This series of hardcover notebooks from Dingbats offers a wide selection of adorable animal designs on their covers.

Cutest Design

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Another fantastic overall option, this pick from Dingbats lets you add a little flair to your purchase. Available in a variety of color options, each one has a different animal. The notebook’s design is minimalistic, so it’s not screaming at the top of its lungs that its owner is an elephant lover. Instead, it’s a cute engraving of whichever animal you choose. That being said, looks aren’t everything. This is another high-quality notebook at a great price. It has an elastic band to keep it closed, a pen holder, and 192 pages of cream-colored pages.

Pros:

• You can choose the ruling type, such as squared, plain, dotted, or lined
• Includes a pocket for notes
• Great gift for animal lovers
• Exceptional paper quality at 100gsm

Cons:

• We prefer when the pen loop is attached to the outer binding side

Frequently Asked Questions

What are journals used for? 

There is no right or wrong way to use a journal.  They can be used for a variety of purposes depending on your needs. Common uses included taking down daily thoughts and memories, jotting down notes in a professional setting, and using them for personal lists and reminders. Whether it’s a springboard for creativity or a pragmatic tool to help you stay organized, a journal is personal to the owner.

What are journals made from?

With journals, it’s sort of a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of a thing. There are only two main components to a journal: the cover and the paper. The cover material varies between journal designs but is often made from faux or genuine leather. The interior paper can also vary in quality, but a higher-quality paper is often preferred as it prevents ghosting or transfer between pages.

What features should you look for in a journal?

Journals are very personal, so everyone has different preferences. Some people prefer ruled paper, while others like blank pages. Some people like hardcover styles, while others prefer soft and flexible leather. Choose whichever elements you like best to ensure it’s a design that will work for your needs.

About the Author

Hannah has always had an eye for fashion and beauty and is often inspired by the styles she sees on the streets of her beloved New York City. She closely follows the top fashion blogs and icons, and her goal is to help everyone look and feel their best through their clothing choices. Hannah’s work can be found in Boston Magazine, Hamptons Magazine, and more.

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