Hardcover vs softcover photo books: the ultimate guide

Crafting your dream photo book means making lots of little decisions. What theme to go for, whether to start from scratch, which size is best, and, of course, which type of cover to opt for!

So, hardcover vs softcover photo books…which one slots into your life better? 

Let’s do a quick comparison of style, cost, durability and more, until your preference is clear as day. No more decision paralysis for you!

Hardcover photo books come with a strong, durable cover. They’re made to be noticed, whether they’re drawing attention on your bookshelf or taking pride of place on your coffee table. Higher maintenance, but every bit worth it.

Softcover photo books feature a flexible cover. Think of them as the easy-breezy one. Lighter in your hands, easier to flick through, and simpler to store. 

Choose a softcover photo book if you’re looking for affordability and casual convenience. Flicking through the pages with ease, popping it in your bag to take to your friend’s house, slotting it on your bookshelf…it’s all smooth-sailing with a softcover photo book. 

It can still be a place for life’s biggest moments, but the overall feel will stay casual. Perfect for reminiscing with friends on cosy coffee dates.

Opt for a hardcover photo book if quality is your priority. It’ll add an air of elegance to your bookshelf, and stay in excellent condition for decades.

If you’re making a photo book for a special occasion, hardback is a no-brainer. A sentimental occasion deserves a premium hardback cover that’ll stand the test of time.

Because of their durability and professional look, hardcover photo books are the most popular choice for gifts.

For a slightly higher price than softcover, you get a robust personalised photo book that works perfectly as a special keepsake.

That said, softcover photo books are still a great choice! Especially if you’re on the hunt for more affordable photo books, or you’re shopping for a more casual (but still sentimental) photo book gift.

Both types of photo book will look great on your coffee table or bookshelf. 

For softcover photo books, you can also opt for a more casual display. How about placing it in a seagrass storage basket, or on a wooden magazine rack?

Hardcover photo books are often displayed for special occasions, doubling up as a decoration and a gift for weddings, birthdays, graduations, and more.

It might sound a tad intense, but washing your hands before flicking through your photo book will make a huge difference to its condition.

Avoid displaying your photo book in direct sunlight, or in environments with lots of humidity or moisture. 

If you’re carrying your photo book around with you (more likely with softcovers), pop it in a protective sleeve for safekeeping.

As you’re cleaning your house, give your photo book a quick dust to keep it looking good for longer.

Nope, you can start designing your photo book right away, and select “hardcover” or “softcover” later. Just make sure you create an account with us so you can keep saving your progress as you go.

Hardcover photo books are our bestsellers!

It costs just £13 for a small square softcover photo book, or £18 for a landscape version of the same size.

As you’d expect, if you opt for a medium or large softcover photo book, you’ll pay more. The same goes if you choose a hardcover photo book.

Our small square hardcover photo books start at £19, while our large, landscape hardcover books start at £42.

All our themes come as a softcover or hardcover photo book, you make the choice! 
This includes our:

• Wedding photo album book
• Design your own photo book 
• Travel photo book
• Memory photo book
• Baby photo book