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Whether you like to create lists, journal, doodle or sketch, a leather-bound journal is a perfect and most authentic way to keep your notes in order. Journals are great because they are not only convenient but when you get one that you like, your inspiration will flow.
Below are some unique leather-bound journals that include both genuine and vegan leather options. These journals are all made of the highest quality materials and can work for both business and personal purposes.
In addition to their beautifully packaged, vintage and antiqued-looks, these journals come with thick-lined or unlined pages that won’t bleed, smudge or smear and work with any type of writing instrument. They are ideal for any writer, traveler, musician, or artist, or just anyone who wants to jot down a quick note or two when the need arises.
Compare the Top Leather Bound Journals of 2024
Moonster Leather Journal Writing Notebook — Best Overall
Made from authentic hand-cut leather, this premium notebook contains 240 pages of recycled cotton paper that is tree and acid-free. The paper is also creamy, thick, and unlined and works with any pen or writing instrument with no bleed through. Use this notebook for drawing, writing, or sketching and it is ideal to help with creative flow and keeping up with endless to-do lists.
Pros
- This notebook has a hand-stitched leather binding to keep the pages firmly in place
Cons
- The paper is unlined
MALEDEN Leather Writing Journal Notebook — Runner Up
This charming faux leather journal has a vintage feel with a compass pattern engraved on the front. The addition of two retro-looking pendants hanging off of a strong leather string serves to help keep the book closed and can function as a bookmark as well. This six-ring journal is also sturdy and can be refilled at any time easily with a push ring that can be opened and closed.
Pros
- This journal is refillable
Cons
- This journal is not made from real leather
Rustic Town Leather Journal — Honorable Mention
This premium quality journal is made from the finest aged leather and is designed to stand out in the crowd. A hand-cut front flap with a semi-precious stone and buckle closure gives this journal a unique look from our other options and its sewn wide leather strands are made from an attractive weave. This journal also comes with 200 environmentally friendly pages of unlined cotton paper that can be used with any kind of pen and pencil without fear of bleeding.
Pros
- This journal comes with a stitched binding to ensure the pages stay firmly in place
Cons
- This journal is not refillable
C.R. Gibson Brown Bonded Leather Journal — Contender
This perfectly sized journal easily travels where you do, is crafted with genuine leather, and comes with a coordinating elastic band closure to help keep it safe and secure when not in use. This journal consists of 240 ivory-colored, lined pages, has a specially sewn binding that helps it lay flat when writing, and has a specially sewn pocket on the inside for storage.
Pros
- An attached satin ribbon marker helps you keep track of where you left off
Cons
- It may be slightly difficult to lay the pages flat
ThoughtSpace Journals Leather Journal — Also Consider
Another great genuine leather option is this one that has been artfully hand-stitched from premium split leather. This journal is medium in size making it easy to carry around on a daily basis or as far as your next vacation will take you. Included are 240 pages of thick, lined paper that prevents marker or pen bleed and is held closed with two leather lanyards for a vintage feel.
Pros
- This journal comes with two bookmarks to help keep track of notes
Cons
- There is no pen slot
Sacred Lotus Love Leather Journal — Editor's Pick
With a choice of lined or unlined paper, this genuine leather handmade journal makes a great option no matter your writing preference. Embossed with a special love symbol on the cover and strap, this journal is made up of a hand-stitched, secure binding with five booklets, and page dividers for easy organization. It also has two satin ribbons to help save your place and its thick, smooth, non-smudging pages are a dream to write on.
Pros
- A bonus leather pen holder is included
Cons
- This journal is not refillable
Beechmore Books Premium Journal — Another Option
With 160 pages, each of these uniquely sourced vegan leather notebooks contains crisp, ruled ivory cream pages that are thick and resistant to bleeding. Each book has a secure, elastic closure, subtle bookmark ribbon, and lay-flat binding that allows for easy one-handed note-taking. Additionally, a deep back pocket provides space to store important business cards and receipts.
Pros
- This journal has a rigorous book-binding process to ensure they last a lifetime
Cons
- This book is not refillable
Buyer's Guide: Leather Bound Journals
How to Choose the Right Leather Bound Journal?
To acquire a high-quality product, consider the following factors while making the purchase.
Binding
The first thing that you should determine while buying a leather-bound journal is its binding. Some journals are poorly glued together that come off after a few days of usage. The binding should be durable, the stitching should be tight, and the spine should be sewn with a lockstitch rather than a running stitch for optimum durability.
Leather quality
Before selecting a journal, look at the leather quality offered by the manufacturer. There are three main types: full-grain, top-grain, and split grain. Full-grain leathers come from the top layer of the hide and have the most character and durability; they are generally tanned using aniline dyes and therefore develop an even patina over time without discoloring or fading. Top grain leathers come from the middle layer of hide and are often used for less expensive products. On the other hand, split-grain leather is the cheapest form of leather, but it is equally durable. The material you choose depends on your budget and your personal preference. Additionally, some people may have an allergy to certain types of leather, so you'll need to check the label beforehand.
Size
The size of the journal also varies from brand to brand so pick the one according to your writing preferences. Traditional journals have a standard A4 or A5 size. However, there are other sizes available that can work better for people who need more pages to write on or who prefer thicker books when they write.
Pages
The pages should be thick enough to stand up to years of use without showing any signs of wear, and they need to be acid-free or archival quality to preserve your writing from fading over time. The leather-bound journals come in blank sheets or preprinted with lines for writing, giving you the option to choose between lined or unlined pages. You can also choose whether you want blank pages or ones that are perforated for easy removal for filing. Whatever page design you choose, make sure they are made of alcohol-free, environmentally friendly material.
Design
Leather bound journals are available in a range of styles and designs. Some are simple in appearance with a classic black or brown leather cover and gold gilt edges, while others feature elaborate designs around the book's spine and corners. Some come with unique detailing like rhinestones or studs, while others are more subtle.
If you want your journal to be stylish and stand out from the crowd, look for special features such as gold-embossed lettering or unique designs that set it apart from the ordinary journals sold in most stores. On the other hand, if you plan on traveling with your journal, choose one with sturdy corner protectors and a strap to keep it closed while in your bag.
Type of Leather for Leather Bound Journals
Leather is one of the most popular materials that has been used for bookbinding for centuries. There are different types of leather used for leather-bound journals, and some of them are mentioned below.
Cowhide leather
Cowhide is among the most popular types of leather used for creating leather-bound journals. It often has a fine grain pattern and smooth texture. It is available in various colors, ranging from light beige to dark brown. The finish usually applied to this material makes it look glossy and shiny.
Horsehide leather
Horsehide is another popular source of leather for bookbinding because of its sturdiness and durability. It has a grainy texture just like cowhide but tends to be much thicker and smooth, making it ideal for larger books or even small trunks or cases.
Vachetta
Vachetta is another type of leather used in making leather-bound books. It is known for its softness, smoothness and wonderful patina, enhancing its aesthetic qualities. This type of leather is often durable and expensive.
How to Take Good Care of Leather Bound Journals?
Maintaining a leather-bound journal can be challenging when you're using it on a daily basis. Follow these tips to keep your journal in pristine condition.
- Keep it away from liquids as they can damage the binding.
- To protect it from cracks, store it away from direct sunlight and keep it out of areas that are prone to high humidity (like the bathroom).
- Clean it with some saddle soap and a lint-free cloth every few days.
- Use a book cover to shield the pages from excessive exposure to light.
- Apply a light coat of mink oil once in a while to maintain the shine of the leather.
- Use a protective sleeve to avoid stains and scratches.
How Much Does a Leather Bound Journal Cost?
Whether you want a fancy journal with gilt pages or a classic brown journal with minimalist style, you should keep in mind that a leather-bound journal comes with a hefty price tag. You can expect to pay upwards of $200 for a high-quality one. The good news is that they're built to last forever and never need to be replaced. You can pass it down through generations and use it as an heirloom for decades to come, so you'll be getting your money's worth. If you have a tight budget and want an economical journal just to write down the grocery list, you can opt for one that costs around $20-$30. These journals do not come with many bells and whistles but can get the job done.
