A Beginner's Guide to Paper Types, Weights & Finishes for Stationery Lovers

Written By TBU Design Group
note card with a cottage and a personalized name at the bottom, Rebecca Welton designed by Viola and Beatrice Stationers

Not all paper is created equal — and once you know the difference, you'll never look at a flat white card the same way again.

Weight is measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the number, the thicker and more substantial the paper feels. Standard printer paper is around 20 lb / 75 gsm. A quality notecard? Closer to 80 lb / 216 gsm. You feel the difference immediately.
Texture tells a story before a single word is written. Smooth paper feels sleek and modern. Laid paper has subtle ridges that feel classic and literary. Cotton paper is soft, slightly toothy, and absolutely luxurious.
Finishes add the final layer. Matte is understated and elegant. Soft-touch adds a velvety quality. Letterpress creates an impression you can actually feel with your fingertip.

Start by noticing how paper feels in your hands. The right stationery shouldn't just look beautiful — it should feel like it means something.

TBU Design Group

Not just a collection of brands, but a collection of people, ideas, and passions.

TBU Design and TBU Design Group founder Kelsey McDonald has had an artistic flair for most of her life. Believing in the power of design, problem solving, the ability for simplicity and organization to alleviate stress and experience to drive creativity, she founded Blue Umbrella in 2009 after graduating with a degree in Design and English from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

McDonald has helped designed and produced numerous projects ranging from intimate and stylized events and wedding, to business brands, logos and strategies, to simple stylized greeting cards. Having guided many clients through this exciting, yet sometimes confusing process, it has shown her what it takes to both customize and personalize any goal that is brought before her. McDonald has had over 15 years of professional client-based design experience. She has help small business hit the ground running as well as work will with some of the industries heavy hitters. What started out as a small wedding invitation adventure, has now grown into four businesses and a passion to help and support others on their own business journey.

 

 

 

 

https://www.tbudesigngroup.com/
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