If you’ve ever looked into notebook covers online, two names come up again and again: Louise Carmen and Paper Republic. Both have strong followings, both look beautiful on Instagram, and both come with a bit of complexity around what actually fits inside them.
My Starting Point – What Didn’t Work
When I first got into cover systems I made two mistakes:
Choosing what looked popular on Instagram
I ended up with a small Paper Republic because it was cheaper and it seemed that pretty much everyone was using one. But that size and style wasn’t what I actually wanted.
Not choosing the right notebook size and type for the cover
Both Louise Carmen and Paper Republic use non standard notebook dimensions. Assuming I could just slot in regular notebooks was wrong!
These choices meant I ended up wasting time and money. I sold the small Paper Republic and eventually bought the Louise Carmen Ernest, which is what I actually wanted all along – a wrap around style cover.
Notebook Systems I Recommend and Use
Midori / MD Paper
Midori notebooks are a solid option if you care about paper quality and simplicity. The paper handles most pens well and the design is minimal without feeling boring. That said, Midori isn’t designed specifically for either Louise Carmen or Paper Republic, so fit depends entirely on size. I have two LC roadbooks, and the roadbook (designed to fit three Louise Carmen paper notebooks) will fit two A5 Midori notebooks in, but not much else. Some passport and standard MD sizes work, but it’s not universal and does require checking measurements before buying.
Stalogy
Stalogy notebooks are practical and lightweight, with layouts that work well for everyday notes rather than decorative journaling. They’re thinner than many notebooks, which can be useful if you don’t want bulk, but the paper isn’t as distinctive as Midori. As with most systems, Stalogy sizes aren’t made for Louise Carmen or Paper Republic, so only certain sizes fit, and only if you’re careful. Side note though – Stalogy do have the most gorgeous, aesthetically pleasing covers! (Although given we are purchasing actual leather notebook covers here, it kind of makes that point irrelevant, but still…)
Paper Republic Notebooks
Paper Republic notebooks work best within their own system. They’re designed to fit the covers properly, which removes the guesswork, but that also means you’re largely locked into their sizing. The paper is fine and functional, though not exceptional, and the range is more limited. Some Paper Republic notebooks can fit Louise Carmen covers, but only in specific sizes. Their drawing paper is also to die for, and Louise Carmen don’t offer as many different types of paper.
Louise Carmen Notebooks
Louise Carmen notebooks are designed to work with their covers, particularly the trifold and wrap-around styles, and that’s where they shine. The sizes are intentional rather than standard, which means you won’t be swapping in random notebooks, but the system feels cohesive. They’re more expensive, but if you like a unified setup where the cover and notebook are meant to work together, they make sense.
What I Prefer and Why
Between the two, I gravitate toward Louise Carmen, primarily because:
– I prefer the wrap around style
– Their notebooks do feel that bit more elegant
– The notebook sizes feel better suited to how I actually write and carry
Paper Republic is still wonderful though, and there are three points specifically, that put them over Louise Carmen for me:
– The leather feels a lot less delicate, it feels really sturdy and exceptionally made
– Their customer service is absolutely brilliant – problems with Louise Carmen products aren’t so easy to get resolved (not good when you’re spending that much money)
– The paper notebook options are much bigger and better, they do paper, and do it well!
But for me, as I say, the aesthetic and physical feel of the Louise Carmen wrap style fits better with how I use a notebook as part of daily life.
Practical Takeaways Before You Buy Anything Else
Start with what you actually want to use – not what looks good online.
Measure before you buy notebooks – both height and spine width.
Expect non-standard sizes – neither system is really designed to work with regular notebooks.
Buy the notebook that fits the cover – not the other way around.
If budget matters, be realistic – cheaper notebooks may not solve the fit issue.
Both Louise Carmen and Paper Republic are great. Which is “better” depends less on brand and more on whether you choose the right style and size for your actual use.
