What Journal to Use for Junk Journaling (Best Options Compared in 2026)
May 11th, 2026
estimated reading time 5 MINUTES
written by CARA ELI
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If you’ve decided you want to try junk journaling and you’re trying to figure out what to actually buy first, the journal itself is the most important decision. Not every notebook handles glue, paint, and layers of paper well, and the right one depends on what you want to do with it. If you’re planning to paint over pages, you need something heavier. If you mainly want to stick things in and write, a lighter journal works fine.
This guide breaks down my personal picks for the best junk journal supplies. By the end, you’ll know what each one does well, and how to figure out which journal suits your working style.
The Best Journal Types for Junk Journaling
- Spiral-bound journals: best for heavy layering and gluing
- Hardcover blank notebooks: versatile and sturdy, good for mixed techniques
- Ring binders: maximum flexibility, fully customisable
- Refillable traveller’s notebooks: compact and portable with swappable inserts
- Handmade junk journals: the most characterful option, built for the purpose
- Softcover stitched journals: lightweight, suits lighter techniques
- Mixed media art journals: heavyweight paper designed for wet media and layering
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Best Journals for Junk Journaling Compared
1. Spiral-Bound Journal
Best for: Heavy layering, gluing, collage work, adding bulk inserts.
A spiral-bound journal is one of the most practical formats for junk journaling. The binding lies completely flat when open, which makes sticking, painting, and layering significantly easier. It also accommodates a good amount of extra bulk before the spine becomes an issue.
Pros: Lies flat, handles bulk well, easy to work in. Cons: Less visually polished, spiral can snag. Paper weight to look for: 120gsm minimum, 160gsm preferred.
2. Hardcover Blank Notebook
Best for: Mixed techniques, everyday junk journaling, a cleaner finished look.
A hardcover blank notebook is probably the most versatile option for junk journaling. The rigid cover protects the pages and the binding holds up reasonably well to added layers. Look for 120gsm or above. Leuchtturm1917 and similar quality notebooks use heavier stock.
Pros: Durable, versatile, looks good finished. Cons: Standard paper weight is often too light. Paper weight to look for: 120gsm minimum.
3. Ring Binder Journal
Best for: Maximum flexibility, adding and removing pages, thematic organisation.
A ring binder format gives you complete control over your journal’s contents. Pages can be added, removed, and reordered without damaging anything. Many junk journalists use a disc-bound system for a more polished result.
Paper weight to look for: 160gsm or heavier for layered spreads.
4. Refillable Traveller's Notebook
Best for: Portable junk journaling, smaller-scale projects, multiple insert formats.
A traveller’s notebook uses an elastic band system to hold slim inserts, which can be swapped out as they fill up. Inserts come in a range of paper types, blank, dotted, kraft, watercolour. The limitation is that each insert is relatively slim.
5. Handmade Junk Journal
Best for: Maximum character, working with found and vintage materials, the full junk journaling aesthetic.
A handmade junk journal is built specifically for the purpose, usually from recycled materials, book covers, fabric, or found papers. You can make your own or buy them from independent sellers on Etsy. A well-made handmade journal is the most characterful option on this list.
6. Softcover Stitched Journal
Best for: Lighter junk journaling, sketching, washi tape and sticker work.
A softcover stitched journal is a lighter, more flexible option. It’s not the best choice for heavy gluing or wet media, but for washi tape, lighter collage, and mixed ephemera work, it does the job comfortably. Paper weight to look for: 100gsm minimum.
7. Mixed Media Art Journal
Best for: Painting, gesso, wet media, heavy collage, maximum durability.
A mixed media art journal is specifically designed for wet media techniques. The paper is typically 200gsm or above, meaning it handles paint, gesso, heavy glue, and multiple layers without warping. If your junk journaling involves a lot of painting or wet adhesives, this is the most practical format.
Paper Weight Guide for Junk Journaling
- 80gsm: standard printer paper. Not suitable for junk journaling with adhesives or paint.
- 120gsm: minimum workable weight for light layering and collage.
- 160gsm: solid all-round weight for most junk journaling techniques.
- 200gsm and above: mixed media territory. Best choice if your work involves wet techniques.
What Journal to Use for Junk Journaling FAQ
Can you use any notebook for junk journaling?
Technically yes, but paper weight matters significantly. 120gsm is the minimum for comfortable work. 160gsm and above is better for anything involving paint or heavy layering.
What paper weight is best for junk journaling?
For general junk journaling, 160gsm is a solid all-round choice. If you work with paint or gesso regularly, go for a mixed media journal at 200gsm or above.
Do you need a special journal for junk journaling?
Not a specific branded product, but paper weight and binding type do matter. Look for journals that specify paper weight, and choose a binding format that suits how you work.
Is spiral better than hardcover for junk journaling?
For heavy layering and bulk, spiral is more practical because it opens completely flat. For a more polished finished journal or lighter techniques, hardcover is more versatile.
The journal itself is the most important decision, and the right one depends on what you want to do with it.
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