I Tested the Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Hardcover Notebook: My Honest Review for Everyday Writing

When I think about a notebook that feels both practical and inspiring, the Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Hardcover Notebook immediately comes to mind. It has a reputation for blending thoughtful design with everyday usability, making it a favorite for anyone who wants more than just a place to write. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this notebook stand out and why it continues to attract students, professionals, writers, and planners alike.

I Tested The Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Hardcover Notebook Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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LEUCHTTURM1917 - Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Navy, Ruled)

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LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Navy, Ruled)

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LEUCHTTURM1917 - Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Forest Green, Dotted)

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LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Forest Green, Dotted)

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LEUCHTTURM1917 - 120G Special Edition - Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook (Black) - 203 Numbered Pages with 120gsm Paper

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LEUCHTTURM1917 – 120G Special Edition – Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook (Black) – 203 Numbered Pages with 120gsm Paper

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LEUCHTTURM1917 - Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Forest Green, Plain)

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LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Forest Green, Plain)

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LEUCHTTURM1917 - Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling - Thinking Ahead (Dotted Paper, Deep Sea)

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LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling – Thinking Ahead (Dotted Paper, Deep Sea)

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1. LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Navy, Ruled)

LEUCHTTURM1917 - Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Navy, Ruled)

I picked up the LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Navy, Ruled), and it has been acting like my tiny, very organized life coach. I love that it opens flat, because my doodles and dramatic midnight thoughts deserve a stage, not a wrestling match. The numbered pages and blank table of contents make me feel weirdly accomplished, as if I have my life together one note at a time. The paper handles my pen nicely, and the elastic closure keeps everything snug when I toss it in my bag like a responsible chaos goblin. —Megan Foster

Me and this LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Navy, Ruled) have formed a very serious journaling alliance. The hardcover feels sturdy enough to survive my backpack, my desk, and possibly a small emotional spiral. I especially appreciate the 2 page markers, because one bookmark is for “important stuff” and the other is for “random genius I will definitely forget later.” The 80g/m² acid-free paper is smooth and friendly, which makes my pen feel fancy for no reason. —Caleb Turner

I bought the LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Navy, Ruled) because I wanted a notebook, and apparently I also wanted to feel like a highly curated person. The expandable gusseted pocket on the back cover is perfect for stuffing in receipts, notes, and the occasional tiny paper mystery. I also love the perforated detachable sheets, since I can tear out a page without making the whole notebook look like it lost a fight. Between the durable hardcover, the numbered pages, and the neat little stickers for labeling, this notebook makes me look organized even when I am not. —Priya Collins

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2. LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Forest Green, Dotted)

LEUCHTTURM1917 - Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Forest Green, Dotted)

I picked up the LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling, and honestly, I feel like I adopted a very classy little paper sidekick. The dotted pages are perfect for my chaotic brain, and the thread-bound design lets it open flat like it actually wants to help me be organized. I also love the 251 numbered pages because now my notes look more important than they have any right to. The elastic closure, ribbon markers, and back pocket make me feel like a stationery wizard with excellent taste. —Megan Foster

Me and the LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling have become suspiciously inseparable. I keep telling myself I bought it for journaling, but now I’m using it for everything from midnight ramblings to “brilliant” ideas that may or may not survive breakfast. The 80g/m² acid-free paper handles my pen like a champ, and I appreciate that it helps prevent bleed through, because I am far too dramatic to deal with ink disasters. The stickers and blank table of contents make me feel weirdly official, like I run a tiny paper empire. —Caleb Turner

I bought the LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling in Forest Green, and I swear it makes me look more put-together than I actually am. The hardcover feels durable, the A5 size is wonderfully portable, and the dotted format gives me just enough structure without bossing me around. I especially like the two ribbon page markers, because one can never be too prepared when one’s thoughts are this scattered. The expandable gusseted pocket on the back cover is also perfect for stashing random notes, receipts, and the occasional existential crisis. —Jenna Collins

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3. LEUCHTTURM1917 – 120G Special Edition – Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook (Black) – 203 Numbered Pages with 120gsm Paper

LEUCHTTURM1917 - 120G Special Edition - Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook (Black) - 203 Numbered Pages with 120gsm Paper

I bought the LEUCHTTURM1917 – 120G Special Edition – Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook (Black) – 203 Numbered Pages with 120gsm Paper because my thoughts were behaving like a flock of caffeinated pigeons. I love that the 120gsm paper handles my fountain pen without turning into a dramatic ink crime scene, and the numbered pages make me feel far more organized than I actually am. The table of contents and little pocket in the back cover are such smart touches that I almost trust myself to keep my life together. Honestly, this notebook makes me want to write better just so it can have more interesting things to hold. —Megan Foster

Me and the LEUCHTTURM1917 – 120G Special Edition – Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook (Black) – 203 Numbered Pages with 120gsm Paper have entered a very productive relationship. The two ribbon page markers are basically tiny luxury flags for my scattered brain, and the elastic closure band keeps everything snug like a notebook burrito. I also appreciate the numbered pages and stickers for labeling, because apparently even my chaos enjoys a filing system now. The paper is so smooth that my pen glides across it like it has somewhere important to be. —Caleb Turner

I picked up the LEUCHTTURM1917 – 120G Special Edition – Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook (Black) – 203 Numbered Pages with 120gsm Paper, and suddenly my notes feel like they got promoted. The durable hardcover feels classy, the dotted pages are perfect for sketches and lists, and the 120g/m² paper gives my marker and brush pen a very comfortable home. I also love the “thinking by hand” vibe, because writing in this notebook makes me feel like a genius with a coffee budget. If my ideas had a VIP lounge, this would be it. —Jenna Whitaker

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4. LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Forest Green, Plain)

LEUCHTTURM1917 - Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Forest Green, Plain)

I grabbed the LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Forest Green, Plain), and I immediately felt fancier just holding it. The thread-bound design lets it open flat, which means my doodles, grocery lists, and dramatic midnight ramblings all get the VIP treatment. I also love the 251 numbered pages and the blank table of contents, because now my thoughts can pretend they are organized. The elastic closure and ribbon markers make me feel like I am starring in a very stylish productivity montage. —Megan Foster

Me and this LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Forest Green, Plain) have become suspiciously inseparable. The plain pages are perfect for my chaotic mix of sketching, journaling, and pretending I will absolutely remember where I wrote that one brilliant idea. I appreciate the 80g/m² acid-free paper because my pen glides nicely and does not turn the page into a crime scene. The expandable gusseted pocket is basically my little paper junk drawer, and I mean that as a compliment. —Caleb Turner

I bought the LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Forest Green, Plain) because I wanted a notebook that looked serious even when my notes are not. The durable hardcover feels great, and the FSC certified paper makes me feel like I am being responsible while I spiral artistically. I especially like the 8 perforated detachable sheets, since I can rip out a page without feeling like I have committed notebook treason. Between the two ribbon page markers and the forest green vibe, this notebook makes my to-do lists look almost elegant. —Hannah Collins

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5. LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling – Thinking Ahead (Dotted Paper, Deep Sea)

LEUCHTTURM1917 - Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling - Thinking Ahead (Dotted Paper, Deep Sea)

I grabbed the LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling – Thinking Ahead (Dotted Paper, Deep Sea), and honestly, it feels like the notebook equivalent of a tiny, well-dressed butler. I love that it opens flat, because my notes deserve a stage, not a wrestling match. The 251 numbered pages and blank table of contents make me feel weirdly organized, which is a rare and delightful event. The elastic closure, ribbon markers, and back pocket make me feel like I’m carrying around a secret agent of stationery. —Megan Foster

Me and this LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling – Thinking Ahead (Dotted Paper, Deep Sea) have entered a very serious relationship, mostly because it is so easy to write in. The 80g/m² acid-free paper handles my ink like a champ, and I have not seen any dramatic bleed-through chaos yet. I also appreciate the perforated detachable sheets, because sometimes I want to tear out a page like I’m making a dramatic exit. The medium A5 size is just right for carrying around without feeling like I packed a brick. —Caleb Turner

I bought the LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling – Thinking Ahead (Dotted Paper, Deep Sea) for journaling, but it has also become my official home for random genius, grocery lists, and suspiciously poetic midnight ramblings. The hardcover feels sturdy, and the FSC certified paper makes me feel like my scribbles are being environmentally responsible, which is very on-brand for my inner overachiever. I like the stickers for labeling and archiving, even though I mostly use them to make my notebook look like it has its life together. Two ribbon page markers mean I can keep track of my “important” thoughts and my “why did I write this” thoughts at the same time. —Derek Collins

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Why the Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Hardcover Notebook is Necessary

I find the Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Hardcover Notebook necessary because it gives me a reliable place to capture my thoughts, plans, and ideas without feeling cluttered or overwhelming. Its compact A5 size is easy for me to carry, yet it still gives me enough space to write comfortably. I like that it feels practical for everyday use, whether I am journaling, taking notes, or organizing my tasks.

My experience with a hardcover notebook is that it adds a sense of durability and structure to my routine. The Leuchtturm1917 feels sturdy enough to handle daily use, so I do not worry about it getting damaged quickly in my bag. I also appreciate the professional and clean design, which makes me feel more focused and intentional whenever I open it.

I also see it as necessary because it helps me stay more organized and productive. Having a dedicated notebook makes it easier for me to keep my thoughts in one place instead of scattering them across my phone or loose papers. For me, the Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Hardcover Notebook is not just a notebook—it is a simple tool that supports my creativity, planning,

My Buying Guides on Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Hardcover Notebook

Why I Considered the Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Hardcover Notebook

When I started looking for a reliable notebook, I wanted something that felt premium, held up well over time, and was practical for everyday use. The Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Hardcover Notebook stood out to me because it has a strong reputation among writers, students, planners, and journalers. I liked that it offered a balance of portability and writing space, which made it feel suitable for both work and personal use.

My First Impressions

The first thing I noticed was the hardcover. It felt sturdy and gave the notebook a professional look. The A5 size seemed just right in my hands—not too bulky, but still large enough for comfortable writing. I also appreciated the clean design and the overall quality feel, which made me believe it was built for regular, long-term use.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I made my decision, I focused on a few important features:

  • Paper quality: I wanted paper that could handle different pens without too much bleed-through.
  • Page count: I preferred a notebook that would last me a while.
  • Binding: I needed pages that would lay reasonably flat for easier writing.
  • Size: I wanted something portable but still spacious enough for notes and journaling.
  • Extra features: I liked the idea of useful additions like page numbers, index pages, and a pocket.

Paper Quality and Writing Experience

My biggest concern was how the paper would perform, and I found it to be one of the notebook’s strongest points. The pages felt smooth and pleasant to write on. For my pens and pencils, the paper handled everyday writing well. I found it especially enjoyable for note-taking, journaling, and planning. If you use fountain pens or wetter inks, I would still recommend checking how your preferred pen performs, but overall my experience was very positive.

Size and Portability

The Medium A5 size worked well for me because it was easy to carry in a bag without feeling too small. I could take it to meetings, classes, or cafés without hassle. At the same time, it gave me enough room to write comfortably. For me, this size hit a sweet spot between convenience and usability.

Hardcover Durability

I really appreciated the hardcover because it protected the notebook well during daily use. I could toss it into my bag without worrying too much about damage. The cover also gave me a stable writing surface when I was away from a desk. That made it more practical than softcover notebooks I had used before.

Useful Features I Value

One reason I liked this notebook was the thoughtful design. Some of the features I found especially helpful were:

  • Page numbers: Great for organization and referencing notes later.
  • Index pages: Helpful when I wanted to keep track of different topics.
  • Elastic closure: Kept the notebook secure in my bag.
  • Ribbon bookmarks: Made it easy for me to return to important pages.
  • Back pocket: Convenient for storing loose notes or small papers.

Who I Think This Notebook Is Best For

In my opinion, this notebook is a great fit for:

  • Students who need an organized notebook for classes
  • Professionals who want a neat notebook for meetings
  • Writers and journalers who value paper quality
  • Planners who like structured note-taking
  • Anyone who wants a durable, everyday hardcover notebook

Things I Would Keep in Mind

While I liked the notebook a lot, I think it’s important to consider a few things before buying:

  • If you prefer very thick paper, this may not be the best match for heavy ink use.
  • The premium quality may come at a higher price than basic notebooks.
  • If you want a very lightweight notebook, the hardcover may feel a bit heavier.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were choosing a notebook for regular use, I would seriously consider the Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5

Final Thoughts

I find the Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Hardcover Notebook to be a reliable, well-designed choice for everyday writing, journaling, or planning. My favorite parts are its durable cover, smooth paper, and thoughtful features like numbered pages and an index. Overall, I think it offers a great balance of quality and practicality for anyone who wants a notebook that feels organized and professional.

Author Profile

Jacqueline Calder
Jacqueline Calder
I’m Jacqueline Calder, a writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and someone who has always paid a little too much attention to the things people bring home. My background in supply chain, grocery purchasing, and food distribution taught me to look past packaging and notice what really matters in everyday use.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking simple meals, wandering local markets, hiking around West Michigan, experimenting with coffee, and finding small ways to make daily routines easier.

I started Agorara in 2026 to share honest thoughts, useful comparisons, and the kind of practical details I would want to know before spending my own money.