The back-to-school season, with its endless supply lists, is a real headache for parents. Faced with a multitude of options, it's hard to know where to start. Yet, one name consistently comes up for middle and high school students: the large-format notebook. And in this category, the Clairefontaine Koverbook 24x32 notebook stands out as the benchmark, praised for its durability and clever design. Here's a breakdown of a classic and a selection of products for a perfectly equipped desk.
Before you rush to the store, a few points deserve your attention to make a smart purchase that will last the entire year.
The 24?x?32?cm size isn't just an option; it's the standard required in middle and high school. Its key advantage? It allows you to paste in A4 handouts without them sticking out, which is the secret to keeping notes pristine. Paper quality is the other crucial point. The famous Clairefontaine 90?g paper, with its iconic whiteness and velvety feel, offers unparalleled writing smoothness. Its opacity is a real bonus: ink, even from a fountain pen, doesn't bleed through, ensuring clean pages on both sides and better durability.
The Koverbook's true stroke of genius is its built-in protective cover. No more hassle of buying and fitting a separate cover! Its polypropylene material is both strong and waterproof, effortlessly withstanding the bumps and scrapes inside an overstuffed backpack. It's a significant time and money saver. Better yet, this notebook with flaps includes well-designed pockets to slip in loose sheets, a timetable, or revision cards.
In France, there's no debate: the Séyès ruling (large squares) is the norm. It's essential for guiding handwriting and structuring note-taking. As for binding, the choice is between staple-bound and spiral-bound. While the 24x32 spiral notebook is appealing for its ability to open a full 360° and lie completely flat, the classic Koverbook's staple binding remains a guarantee of foolproof durability, designed to last the whole year.
To help you prepare for the new school year with peace of mind, we've identified products that combine functionality and durability.
Why it stands out: This is the ultimate 2-in-1 product. It combines the quality of a Clairefontaine notebook with the protection of a sturdy plastic cover. No more searching the aisles for the right-sized cover. Its two large flaps double as bookmarks and pockets for important documents.
Advantages:
Who is it for? Perfect for middle and high school students who are rough on their gear. It will also find its place on the desks of university students or professionals looking for a simple and effective note-taking solution.
A good notebook is great. But to tackle hours of homework or revision, a comfortable workspace is just as essential. A good ergonomic chair is not a luxury; it's crucial for maintaining a healthy posture and staying focused.
Why it stands out: This chair is all about customised support. With its S-shaped backrest, height-and-depth-adjustable lumbar support, and multiple adjustments (armrests, seat, tilt), it adapts to any body type for lasting comfort.
Advantages:
Who is it for? For students and remote workers who spend long hours sitting and require complete, customisable ergonomic support.
Why it stands out: This chair is the ideal compromise between ergonomics and practicality, especially if space is limited. Its clever feature: flip-up armrests that allow it to slide under the desk for an instant space-saver.
Advantages:
Who is it for? The perfect option for student dorms or small home offices where every square centimetre counts, but comfort can't be sacrificed.
To create a focused workspace, don't underestimate the importance of light. Thoughtful lighting and good visual insulation can make all the difference in comfort and productivity.
Discover our selection of professional blinds and curtains to complete your setup.
The 24 x 32 cm size is slightly larger than an A4 sheet (21 x 29.7 cm). It is specially designed to allow A4 documents distributed in class to be pasted in without sticking out, which prevents them from getting creased or damaged. It is the most requested format in middle and high schools in France.
Séyès ruling, or "grands carreaux" (large squares), is the standard ruling for school notebooks in France. It consists of an 8 x 8 mm grid, with finer horizontal lines spaced 2 mm apart to guide the height of letters. It helps students structure their handwriting and organise their notes.
Absolutely. Clairefontaine's 90 g/m? Velvety Vellum paper is even a favourite among fountain pen enthusiasts. Its smooth surface allows the nib to glide effortlessly, and its thickness prevents ink from bleeding through the page ("bleed-through") or spreading ("feathering"), ensuring crisp writing on both the front and back.
By the Joybuy editorial team