How to choose the right paper for your Photobook

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When creating a photobook, most people spend time choosing their favourite photos, designing the layout and picking the perfect cover. But one detail can completely change the way your photobook feels: the paper.

The paper you choose affects the tone, texture and overall finish of your book. Some papers make colours feel brighter and more modern, while others create a softer, more timeless look. If you’re creating a photobook for a special occasion, a gift, a travel story or a family keepsake, choosing the right paper can help bring your photos to life in the best way.

Here’s a simple guide to the different paper types available and where each one works best.


170gsm Premium Coated Matt

Our 170gsm Premium Coated Matt paper is a familiar photobook finish with a soft, off-white tone. It offers a simple, classic look that works well for everyday albums, family memories and traditional keepsakes.

Because of its warmer tone, this paper is a good choice if you prefer a softer finish rather than a bright white page. It gives your photobook an understated feel and works especially well for albums that include a mix of portraits, family moments and everyday memories.

Best for:

• Family photobooks
• Everyday memories
• Classic keepsakes
• Portraits
• Yearly photo albums

Choose this paper if you want a reliable, familiar finish that keeps the focus on the photos.


160gsm Smooth Art Paper

If you want your photobook to feel clean, crisp and modern, 160gsm Smooth Art Paper is a beautiful choice, and our favourite.

This paper has a bright white tone and a smooth finish, which helps colours, contrast and detail stand out. It’s especially effective for photos with bright skies, colourful landscapes, city scenes, celebrations, décor, food photography or bold design layouts.

The bright white base gives your images a fresher, more contemporary feel. If your photobook includes colourful travel photos, beach holidays, parties, events or modern layouts with lots of white space, this paper helps create a polished and vibrant result.

Best for:

• Travel photobooks
• Holiday albums
• Colourful celebrations
• Modern layouts
• Landscapes and city scenes
• Bright, high-contrast images

Choose this paper if you want your photos to feel sharp, fresh and full of colour.


148gsm Textured Art Paper

For something with a more tactile and creative feel, 148gsm Textured Art Paper is a standout option.

This paper has an off-white tone with a subtle texture, giving each page a more artistic, story-led finish. It’s ideal for photobooks where you want to focus on mood, detail and atmosphere, with a softer feel.

The texture adds character to the page, making it a lovely choice for black-and-white photography, heritage albums, travel journals, creative portfolios, documentary-style photos and thoughtful gift books. It gives your photobook a more considered, editorial feel.

Best for:

• Black-and-white photography
• Travel journals
• Heritage or memory books
• Creative photobooks
• Story-led albums
• Minimal or editorial layouts
• Thoughtful gifts

Choose this paper if you want your photobook to feel artistic and a little more unique.


Which Paper Should You Choose?

If you’re not sure where to start, think about the feeling you want your photobook to have.

For a simple, classic finish, choose 170gsm Premium Coated Matt.
For bright colour, crisp detail and a modern look, choose 160gsm Smooth Art Paper.
For texture, character and an artistic feel, choose 148gsm Textured Art Paper.

Your photos already tell the story. The right paper helps set the tone.

Make Every Page Feel Considered

Whether you’re creating a wedding album, a family keepsake, a travel book or a special gift, your paper choice can make a big difference to the final result. It’s one of the easiest ways to personalise your photobook and create something that feels true to your memories.

So before you complete your order, take a moment to choose the paper that best suits your story.