Office Supplies

Upgrade Your Workspace: Best Office Supplies Stores in the UK for Stylish Planners, Pinboards, and Desk Essentials

Why the right office supplies matter more than you think

Think about your desk for a second. Is it inspiring or just... there? The right planner, the perfect notebook, or a clean pinboard can turn your workspace from chaos into a calm command centre. Whether you’re juggling a freelance schedule, running a small business, or organising family life, the tools you buy shape how productively you work. In this guide I’ll walk through the best UK stores and product picks for planners, notepads, pinboards, and other office essentials that make a real, everyday difference.

Good Tuesday — playful, practical planners and stationery

Good Tuesday is great if you love stationery with personality. Their planners and pads combine bright design with useful structure so you actually use them. From cheerful weekly planners to textured notebooks, this shop makes organisation feel less like a chore and more like a treat.

Planners and pads that nudge you into action

Products such as the “You Got This” weekly and daily planners or the “Large Monthly Undated A3 Wall Planner” give you flexible formats. The A3-sized wall planner measures roughly 11.7 by 16.5 inches, big enough to capture monthly overview and family schedules without swallowing your wall. Undated planners are perfect for fork-in-the-road months — you only use what you need.

Notebooks and pens that actually invite note-taking

Good Tuesday A5 notebooks — roughly 5.8 by 8.3 inches — are compact enough to slip into a bag but roomy enough for thoughtful notes. Their “To Do List Pad” and “Blue Wavy A5 Notepad” are ideal for daily checklists, while a “Pack Of Three Muted Time For Paper Gel Ballpoint Pens” gives you refillable, smooth-writing options that feel luxe without breaking the bank.

Nordic Nest — Scandi style meets functional organisation

If you prefer minimal, Nordic design, Nordic Nest is the shop to watch. They blend clean aesthetics with durable materials — think oak notice-boards and elegant pinboards that double as wall art. It’s the kind of stuff that makes your workspace look calm and considered.

Notice-boards and pinboards in natural finishes

Nordic Nest stocks brands like Ferm Living and Gejst, offering notice-boards such as the Ferm Living Scenery Notice-board which measures around 17.7 by 39.4 inches, and the Andersen Furniture Collect Pinboard Medium at roughly 25.2 by 29.1 inches. If you prefer a round option, the Gejst Retell Pinboard has a diameter near 31.5 inches — big enough for mood boards, project timelines, or family photos.

Desk organisers and small storage pieces

Small touches like a 2x2 document organiser in cashmere tones or a personal notebook from Design Letters help keep essentials tidy. A well-chosen organiser reduces friction: you spend less time hunting for papers and more time doing the work that matters.

Paperchase — colour, creativity, and seasonal ranges

Paperchase is almost synonymous with fun stationery in the UK. If you want creative colours, themed planners, or seasonal stationery drops, it’s a top destination. Their planners and pads often emphasize bright patterns and quirky illustrations, which can be just the spark you need on a grey morning.

Why Paperchase is great for gifts and creative workspaces

Beyond basics, Paperchase excels with themed journals, novelty pens, and decorative notepads that brighten up desks. Their A5 and A4 ranges make it easy to mix-and-match sizes, whether you’re creating a bullet journal or a family command centre.

Ryman and Staples — practical supplies for every desk

When you need staples — printer paper, staplers, filing systems, or bulk packs of pens — Ryman and Staples UK are the reliable go-tos. These retailers focus on utility: value packs, ergonomic office chairs, and everything you need to run a small office efficiently.

Bulk buys without the fuss

If you’re stocking for a team or just hate running out mid-week, pop a bulk order in. Ryman and Staples typically offer multi-packs and branded refills, meaning fewer trips to the shop and more time focused on your projects.

Muji UK — minimalist essentials and calm design

Muji’s clean aesthetic is perfect for anyone who wants a clutter-free desk. Their notebooks, simple gel pens, and storage boxes focus on function and quality. A Muji setup can help you eliminate visual noise and support a calmer workflow.

Minimal tools for maximum focus

From unadorned A5 notebooks to slim ballpoint pens, Muji is about removing distractions. If you’re into the “less, but better” ethos, their products let your ideas take centre stage rather than flashy packaging.

Viking and WHSmith — affordable, accessible office basics

Viking is popular for business supplies with consistent pricing and frequent deals, while WHSmith blends travel-friendly items and everyday stationery. Together they cover the spectrum: affordable basics that still feel sturdy enough for day-to-day use.

Where to go for office equipment and school supplies

Viking’s catalog often includes office tech and ergonomic products, and WHSmith is great for quick pick-ups like notebooks, pens, and planners while you're out and about. Both are staples when you want dependable items without hunting around specialty shops.

Choosing the right planner, notebook, or pinboard for your work style

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to organisation. The trick is matching format and size to how you use your space. Do you prefer mapping out months at a glance, or thrive with daily time-blocks? Do you need a wall-sized visual for family schedules, or a pocket notebook for ideas on the move?

Planners — size and layout matter

If you like big-picture planning, choose a wall planner (an A3 wall planner runs about 11.7 by 16.5 inches) so you can see the month at once. For daily to-dos, a compact A5 planner (around 5.8 by 8.3 inches) is ideal for bag-ready portability. Undated layouts give flexibility, while dated weekly planners keep you accountable.

Notebooks — paper weight and binding

Paper weight matters if you use fountain pens or heavy ink: thicker pages reduce bleed-through. Spiral bindings let notebooks lay flat for easy writing, whereas stitched bindings tend to last longer. Think of paper type as the stage: a smooth surface is like a blank stage that makes your ideas shine.

Pinboards and notice-boards — placement and size

For a home office or kitchen command centre, choose a pinboard that’s big enough for your visual needs. A medium board like the Andersen Collect at roughly 25 by 29 inches works well above a desk, while a large circular board near 31.5 inches diameter can serve as a central inspiration hub. Always measure your wall space in inches and visualise how much of it you want to dedicate to planning.

Mixing style and function: how to curate your desk

Your desk should be both a toolbox and a mood-lifter. Combine functional pieces — like a document organiser or refillable pens — with one or two decorative items like a small plant or a beautiful notebook cover. This blend keeps your workspace efficient and welcoming, encouraging consistent use.

Colour, texture, and ergonomics

Colour can be surprisingly motivating. If you’re drawn to calm, choose muted tones and natural materials; for energy, pick bright accents and patterned planners. Don’t forget ergonomics: a comfortable chair and a proper desk height matter as much as stationery when it comes to long-term productivity.

Where to compare prices and spot the best deals

Comparing prices across stores helps you stretch your budget without sacrificing quality. Many UK shoppers check multiple retailers for the same product — boutique shops for design-led items and big chains for bulk essentials. Look for seasonal sales and clearance lines; planners and pads often go on discount after the new-year rush.

Smart shopping tips

Sign up for newsletters from your favourite stores for early access to sales, and consider buying refillable or long-lasting items to reduce waste and save money over time. When possible, measure your space in inches before buying to avoid returns and ensure each piece fits its intended spot.

Brands and small makers to watch

Besides the mainstream retailers, keep an eye on design-forward brands like Ferm Living, Gejst, Design Letters, and Andersen Furniture. These labels appear in curated stores and offer quality materials and distinctive looks. Small makers often produce limited-run notebooks, handmade pinboards, or bespoke planners that add personality to a functional setup.

Supporting local and independent shops

Buying from independent UK shops or small brands can score you unique designs and better materials. It’s also a way to support creative businesses and reduce the mass-produced feel of office supplies. Look out for local markets or online indie marketplaces for exclusive finds.

Putting it all together — a simple starter kit

Not sure where to begin? Start small and build: pick a daily planner (A5 size for portability), a lined notebook for longer notes, a set of smooth pens, and a medium pinboard to visualise projects. Add a document organiser and a couple of decorative but useful items like a nice pen cup or a storage tray. Over time you’ll refine the kit to exactly what you reach for every day.

A practical starting list

- A5 planner (about 5.8 by 8.3 inches) for daily planning; an A3 wall planner (about 11.7 by 16.5 inches) for monthly overviews.
- A durable notebook with good paperweight for your go-to ideas.
- A set of refillable gel pens for comfortable writing.
- A pinboard sized to your wall — medium boards around 25 by 29 inches or large circular boards near 31.5 inches for mood boards.
- A document organiser for invoices and important paperwork.

Final thoughts — make your workspace work for you

Choosing the right stores and products is more than buying pretty paper and stylish boards — it’s about shaping a workspace that supports how you think and act. Whether you prefer the playful stationery of Good Tuesday, the Nordic calm of Nordic Nest, or the practical reliability of larger UK retailers, there’s a combination that will make your days clearer and your to-do list shorter. Start with one change — a new planner or a fresh pinboard — and notice how small shifts create big momentum.

Conclusion: Great office supplies are an investment in your focus, mood, and efficiency. Mix functionality with the styles you love, buy what fits your space (inches matter!), and let your workspace reflect the way you work rather than the way the market wants you to.