Treat yourself to a high-quality notepad
Have you ever treated yourself to a high-quality notepad, or do you (like I used to) reach for the cheapest one for jotting down your notes? Recently, I was preparing to write a letter to a dear friend in The Netherlands and wanted something a little more special. I initially tried writing on unlined paper, but my words ended up all over the place, so I knew I needed something with a guide. That’s when I stumbled upon an intriguing orange notepad in the store, the Rhodia notepads. The moment I touched the paper, I noticed how smooth it felt, and the lines were so subtly printed, exactly what I needed for a neat, thoughtful letter.
I decided to give it a try, and now there’s no going back to cheap notepads! As a self-proclaimed stationery nerd, I should’ve known about this brand sooner really. While my love for stationery has always prioritised pens and a good, long-lasting organiser, Rhodia notepads in all their different sizes have now earned their place in my list.
A notebook for the design-obsessed
The first thing that caught my attention was the simple yet brilliant design of what might seem like an insignificant feature, the front cover flip. It may sound trivial to most, but for a stationery-nerd like me, it’s a true goosebump moment. Three precise creases, just three. But fold the cover back, and it lies perfectly flat, no weird bulging, no awkward bending. It’s the kind of functional design that feels like it’s thinking alongside you.
And here’s a detail I adore: flip the cover behind, and the Rhodia logo is still right-side up. It’s subtle, sure, but it’s tidy, intentional, and strangely satisfying. Why don’t more brands do this? This level of thoughtfulness feels rare, especially in a mass-produced world.
Two brothers, two trees, one orange legacy
Naturally, I had to dig into the backstory. I assumed it was some design studio’s pet project from the 2000s, but no, Rhodia was founded in 1934. Yep. Ninety years ago, in the Rhône region of France, by brothers Henri and Robert Vérilhac. And here’s the charming bit: those two fir trees in the logo? That’s them, Henri and Robert. Still standing proud on every pad, almost a century later.
The paper is chef’s kiss (thank you, Clairefontaine)
If Rhodia is the stylish jacket, then Clairefontaine is the beautifully tailored lining inside. Rhodia’s notepads are made with Clairefontaine paper, which is basically the paper equivalent of silk pyjamas, elegant, smooth, and just a bit indulgent.
What’s even better is their commitment to sustainability. Clairefontaine uses primarily fibers from sawmill waste or thinning cuts, ensuring that they don’t contribute to deforestation. Only the outer edges of the wood are used for paper production, while the core goes to furniture and construction industries. They even manage their own forests in the Vosges region and operate a water treatment plant, further underscoring their environmental responsibility.
They’ve managed to blend luxury with sustainability in a way that feels sincere, not performative. And as someone who tries to be mindful about what I buy, that matters.
What makes Clairefontaine paper such a joy to write on:
Smooth Finish
The paper’s satin surface offers a consistently smooth texture, allowing your pen to glide effortlessly, while still giving you control over your writing.
No smudge
The paper prevents ink and felt-tip pens from smudging, yet maintains just the right amount of absorbency for an optimal writing experience.
Thickness
Rhodia notepads use 80g paper, which, despite its lighter weight, is thick enough to prevent show-through, ensuring your writing won’t bleed onto the other side.
Versatile
Whether you’re using a fountain pen, brush pen, or even watercolors, this paper handles it all beautifully.
Customisation
You can choose from various layouts: ruled, squared, dotted, or blank, to suit your needs.
A couple of Rhodia notepads and notebooks you can grab today
Rhodia Pad No. 8
Slim and brilliant for scribbling lists. Micro-perforated sheets tear out like a dream. Perfect for daily chaos.
Rhodia Classic Notebook – A6
Tiny but mighty. Great for idea-doodling or sketching out small plans when I’m out and about. Fits in any bag, waterproof cover and all.
Rhodia dotPad No. 18 – A4
This one’s my desk staple. I use it for design sketches, messy mind maps, or structured journaling. Dotted pages give just enough freedom while keeping me grounded.
Rhodia dotPad No. 16 – A5
For bigger ideas. Layout planning, sketching logos, or pretending I’m an architect (I’m not, but hey, good paper inspires delusion and ambition alike).
Conclusion
Honestly? I thought a quality notepad would cost a fortune. But Rhodia is surprisingly affordable for what it offers. The paper, the thoughtful details, the design, it all feels bespoke without the “luxury” price tag. I still use digital tools for most of my work, but Rhodia has made me want to write things down again.
So if you’re even mildly fond of stationery, or just want to experience what good paper feels like, I highly recommend treating yourself to Rhodia notepads. Consider it the grown-up version of a new box of crayons. Except… better.
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