Handmade leather planner covers in different sizes and pocket styles

How to choose the right leather cover for your planner

Choosing the right leather cover for your planner is not only about size. It is also about how thick your planner is, how many inserts you use and how you like to carry your writing tools every day.

At Elysian Paper, each leather cover is handmade in Greece from Italian vegetable-tanned leather and adjusted to your planner or notebook setup. This guide will help you understand which type of cover may be the best fit for the way you plan, journal and write.

1. Start with your exact planner model

The first thing to know is the exact planner or notebook you use.

Two planners may both be called A6, but they can have very different thicknesses. For example, a Hobonichi A6 Original, Hobonichi 5-Year A6 and Midori Hibino are not the same when it comes to spine and fit.

This is why we always ask you to write the exact planner or notebook model before checkout. It helps us adjust the cover so it fits your setup correctly.

 2. Think about how simple or detailed you want your cover to be

If you want something minimal and easy to use every day, choose a simple cover.

If you want more storage, pocket details or leather combinations, choose a more custom design.

If you want a trifold, reverse layout, zip pocket, card slots or a very personal setup, a bespoke cover may be the better choice.

3. Choose the right Elysian Paper collection

At Elysian Paper, our covers are organized into three main levels.

The Everyday Cover


Choose The Everyday Cover if you want something simple, clean and practical.

It is ideal for everyday writing, journaling and planning without too many extra details. This is the best choice if you want a beautiful handmade leather cover that feels easy and timeless.

 The Elysian Cover


Choose The Elysian Cover if you want a more personal setup with signature pocket designs and custom leather choices.

This collection is ideal if you want to choose between designs such as Aris, Petras or Areti, or if you want a cover with a pen case or a simple trifold structure.

The Atelier Cover


Choose The Atelier Cover if you want a more detailed, premium or fully bespoke piece.

This is the best choice for Areti Trifolds, reverse layouts, zip pockets, card slots, special pocket arrangements or a cover designed around a very specific planner setup.

 4. Consider how much storage you need

A plain cover is ideal if you want to keep your setup light.

A cover with one inside pocket and pen loop is useful if you carry small notes, stickers or a favorite pen.

A pocket design such as Aris, Petras or Areti is better if you want more personality and visual detail.

A trifold cover gives a more protective wrap-around feeling.

A bespoke cover is best if you need card slots, a zip pocket, an integrated pen case, extra storage or a special layout.

5. Think about your writing tools

If you only carry your planner or notebook, a simple cover may be enough.

If you always carry a pen, choose a cover with a pen loop or a pen case.

If you use fountain pens, stickers, washi tape, loose papers or charms, you may prefer a more organized cover with pockets or a bespoke layout.

Your cover should support the way you actually use your planner every day.

6. Choose leather with patina in mind

Vegetable-tanned leather changes with use. It softens, deepens in color and develops a natural patina over time.

If you love a clean and classic look, darker leathers may be a good choice.

If you love visible ageing and character, lighter or natural tones can develop a beautiful patina.

Every mark, color variation and texture difference becomes part of the story of your cover.

7. Shop by planner if you already know your setup

Many customers choose their cover based on the planner they already use.

You can shop by planner brand if you use Hobonichi, Sterling Ink, Traveler’s Notebook, Midori / MD Notebook or Stalogy.

This is especially helpful if your planner has a special thickness, such as Hobonichi 5-Year, Midori Hibino or Sterling Ink Compact and Full versions.

8. When in doubt, choose custom fit

The best leather cover is not only beautiful. It should fit your planner well, feel comfortable in use and support your daily writing ritual.

If you are not sure which cover to choose, write your exact planner model and tell us how you use your setup. We can guide you toward the best option.

Explore handmade leather covers

Shop The Everyday Cover for simple everyday setups.

Shop The Elysian Cover for signature pocket designs and custom leather choices.

Shop The Atelier Cover for trifold, reverse and bespoke leather planner covers.

Or browse by planner brand to find covers for Hobonichi, Sterling Ink, Traveler’s Notebook, Midori / MD Notebook and Stalogy.

Your planner cover should feel like part of your daily ritual — made for the way you write, plan and carry your thoughts.

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