When working on miniature books for dollhouses, one important detail often gets overlooked: the thickness of the paper. Choosing the right type of paper can make a big difference in how realistic and manageable your tiny books feel.
What Paper Thickness Works Best for Miniature Books?
For 1:12 scale or similarly small miniatures books, most miniaturists recommend using regular printer paper for the inside pages.
Paper between 70gsm and 90gsm tends to look the most natural once folded and bound. It’s thin enough to lie flat and gives the tiny books a realistic “scale thickness” without looking bulky.
If you prefer a slightly sturdier feel for the pages, you can go up to 100 gsm, but anything thicker risks making the book look too stiff at such a small scale.
Mini book covers, however, are a different story. They need to be stronger to hold the shape of the book, so cardstock — usually 200 gsm or more — works much better.
What About Parchment-Like Miniature Books?
Sometimes, you might see miniature books that have a vintage or parchment-style appearance.
In these cases, artists often use specialty papers that are slightly heavier than regular printer paper, typically around 90gsm to 120gsm.
These papers are designed to have a textured, aged look while still being flexible enough to work on a miniature scale.
Or, you could order printing paper that already has this vintage look.
True parchment paper, however, can sometimes be too stiff, so many miniaturists opt for faux-parchment or lightly textured papers that balance realism with ease of handling.
One of the best videos I found where the creator uses parchment paper for the interior pages is by this lady from Junk Journal Ideas. Check it out, it’s fantastic!
What About The Printing Resolution?
Even if you use the perfect paper, it’s important to print your mini pages at the highest possible resolution.
If you’re using a regular home printer, always select the highest DPI (dots per inch) setting available.
This keeps the tiny text and illustrations crisp and prevents blurry prints, which can really impact the final look of your miniature books.
What I Personally Use
When making my own miniature books, I honestly use simply cardstock paper for both the covers and the internal pages, simply because mine are actual tiny books that you or your kid can color!
Cardstock gives my mini books a nice, sturdy feel without being too bulky and makes it possible to color the prints with a fine pen, without punching through the paper.
You can see the printable miniature books I offer in my Etsy store, which are made with this type of paper.
Related Reading: If you want to learn more about choosing paper for dollhouse miniatures in general, have a look at this article.
My Final Conclusion
Choosing the right paper can make a real difference in how professional and charming your miniature books look and feel.
Have you experimented with different types of paper for your miniature books? I’d love to hear your experiences! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
5 thoughts on “Creating Miniature Books: What Paper Thickness Works Best?”
Hi Lizzy,
I was wondering what kind of printer do you use?
Not necessarily the brand, just the (ink?) type.
I’m old, & I bought my last printer in ’07; I don’t know what’s good anymore 😄
Hi Laurinda!
I use my Laserjet HP collor printer, but I don’t think you need an as expensive printer for your own needs. I print a lot these days,to show customers from my Etsy store how my prints turn out, but for your own use, you can probably get a more affordable one 🙂
It uses its own specific toner cartridge numbers, like HP 206A (Standard Yield)
Beware that a lot of printers have their own ink or cartridges and don’t accept ink from other brands (I know, it’s horrible)
all the best,
Lizzy
Hi Lizzy,
I want to thank you for your posts and freebies. I look forward to reading and watching what you attach. I bought some of the aged paper from your link. What kind of books do you think that is most appropriate for? Letters and journals, perhaps? Thanks Again!
Your mini friend from Los Angeles,
Lola
IG: Lolas_world_of_miniatures
Thank you so much — your message truly made my day! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the posts and freebies, and I really appreciate you picking up the aged paper.
It’s perfect for letters and journals, just like you said! You could also use it for vintage spell books, travel logs, or old recipe books in miniature kitchens or libraries. You can even ink the edges, roll it into scrolls, or add tiny wax seals (hot glue works great for that!).
Can’t wait to see what you make — your IG is such a joy to follow!
Hi Lizzy,
I was wondering what kind of printer do you use?
Not necessarily the brand, just the (ink?) type.
I’m old, & I bought my last printer in ’07; I don’t know what’s good anymore 😄
Hi Laurinda!
I use my Laserjet HP collor printer, but I don’t think you need an as expensive printer for your own needs. I print a lot these days,to show customers from my Etsy store how my prints turn out, but for your own use, you can probably get a more affordable one 🙂
It uses its own specific toner cartridge numbers, like HP 206A (Standard Yield)
Beware that a lot of printers have their own ink or cartridges and don’t accept ink from other brands (I know, it’s horrible)
all the best,
Lizzy
If you have the brand of that old printer, I could look it up for you!
Hi Lizzy,
I want to thank you for your posts and freebies. I look forward to reading and watching what you attach. I bought some of the aged paper from your link. What kind of books do you think that is most appropriate for? Letters and journals, perhaps? Thanks Again!
Your mini friend from Los Angeles,
Lola
IG: Lolas_world_of_miniatures
Hi Lola,
Thank you so much — your message truly made my day! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the posts and freebies, and I really appreciate you picking up the aged paper.
It’s perfect for letters and journals, just like you said! You could also use it for vintage spell books, travel logs, or old recipe books in miniature kitchens or libraries. You can even ink the edges, roll it into scrolls, or add tiny wax seals (hot glue works great for that!).
Can’t wait to see what you make — your IG is such a joy to follow!
Lizzy