Ever wished your bullet journal had just a little more space without making everything feel cluttered? That’s where Dutch doors come in.
By cutting sections of your pages in a creative way, you can add extra planning space, keep key info visible, and make your journal more functional without flipping back and forth a hundred times.
They’re great for weekly spreads, habit trackers, goal setting, and even creative journaling. Plus, they add a fun, interactive element that makes planning feel fresh.
This post has plenty of Dutch door ideas to spark inspiration, along with simple tips to help you make them work for your style. Let’s get into it!
What is a dutch door journal Page?
A Dutch door is a simple but game-changing bullet journal technique where part of a page is cut away to create a layered effect. Instead of flipping between pages, you get a peek at multiple sections at once, making planning way more efficient.
There are a few ways to create a Dutch door:
- Horizontal flip: Cut across the middle of a page to create a flap that lifts up.
- Vertical cut: Trim part of the edge so sections stay visible as you turn pages.
- Tabbed sections: Keep small strips attached for easy navigation.
- Organic cut: Shape the cutout to match a specific design, doodle, or theme—think waves, clouds, or a moon phase tracker.
Dutch doors are perfect for adding extra space without bulking up your journal. Whether you need room for notes, trackers, or weekly plans, this trick keeps everything organized and easy to use.
dutch door journal ideas for Your Bullet Journal
Dutch doors can be as practical or creative as you want, and that’s the fun of it!
It’s perfect for anyone looking for extra planning space or a way to make your pages stand out. Here are some ideas to try:
Strawberry bujo dutch door cover page
This Dutch door has a curved, organic cut along the edge, following the flow of the hand-painted strawberries.
The design blends seamlessly into the bullet journal, creating a playful, interactive effect.
Why it’s useful: This style adds a fun, artistic touch while keeping important sections—like the mini monthly calendar—visible. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a decorative yet functional approach to planning.
Water-Themed Organic BuJo Dutch Door
This stunning blue watercolor spread mimics the look of water ripples, with a canoe illustration adding a peaceful vibe. The cut follows the natural flow of the water, making the page interactive and artistic.
Why it’s useful: Perfect for a monthly theme or mood board, this design keeps your month’s color scheme and inspirations visible while letting you layer planning pages underneath.
Secret Garden Gate Dutch Door Journal
This whimsical two-door design opens like an actual garden gate, revealing the bullet journal spread beneath.
Why it’s useful: Great for weekly or habit tracking pages, this Dutch door makes flipping through your journal feel like stepping into another world while keeping your plans neatly tucked away.
Daisy Wreath Cutout Dutch Door
This delicate floral design features daisies forming a circular cutout, with the monthly calendar peeking through at the bottom of your cover page.
Why it’s useful: A perfect mix of beauty and function, this Dutch door keeps your calendar accessible while adding a soft, elegant feel to your journal.
Journal dutch door ideas
Hand-Lettered Tab Dutch Door
This design features bold, cursive lettering spelling out the month in a cutout tab, making it a stylish way to separate sections. Soft neutral tones, butterflies, and delicate details complete the aesthetic.
Why it’s useful: A great way to divide months or sections in your bullet journal while keeping the page looking clean and artistic.
Lotus bujo dutch door weekly
A soft pastel lotus illustration flows over the cutout edge, blending beautifully with the weekly spread underneath. The design feels calm and balanced, with nature-inspired details.
Why it’s useful: This vertical Dutch door keeps your weekly layout structured while adding a peaceful, botanical element to your pages.
Ghost Balloon dutch door bujo spreads
A playful ghost holding balloons makes this Dutch door mood tracker extra fun. The curved cut follows the balloon shapes, creating a dynamic page that changes as you track your moods.
Why it’s useful: A creative way to track emotions, this design makes keeping up with your mood journal both easy and visually interesting.
Moon & Clouds Layered Dutch Door
This multi-layered Dutch door creates depth with an oval cutout revealing a dreamy moon and clouds illustration. The overlapping layers give the page a 3D effect.
Why it’s useful: Perfect for journaling, affirmations, or monthly reflections, this design makes your bullet journal feel almost like an art piece.
Minimalist Lotus dutch door bullet journal layout
This light and airy Dutch door features a soft lotus illustration, with the petals extending into the cutout. The simple design keeps the focus on the weekly spread while adding a touch of nature.
Why it’s useful: Great for minimalists who still want an artistic element, this layout keeps your plans structured while maintaining a soft, calming aesthetic.
Bujo dutch door ideas
Tulip Bouquet Dutch Door
This soft and romantic floral design features a bouquet of pink tulips wrapped in paper, with the month’s name written in flowing script. The edge follows the natural shape of the flowers, making the spread feel elegant and organic.
Why it’s useful: This Dutch door works beautifully for monthly covers or goal-setting pages, keeping your plans tucked behind a pretty and inspiring design.
Purple Tulip Weekly Spread Dutch Door
This delicate purple tulip design is cut along the shape of the flowers, seamlessly blending into the weekly spread. The soft color palette and subtle vintage details give it a calm, refined feel.
Why it’s useful: A beautiful way to separate notes or to-do lists while keeping your weekly plan neat and stylish.
Neutral Tulip Dutch Door
Set on warm-toned kraft paper, this Dutch door uses a minimalist tulip illustration for a soft, natural aesthetic. The cut follows the flower stem, blending into the next page for a smooth transition.
Why it’s useful: A subtle and sophisticated way to add a Dutch door to a minimalist bullet journal, keeping the page functional without overwhelming the design.
Butterfly Cutout Dutch Door
This graceful butterfly sketch extends beyond the page with delicate linework and fine details. The cutout follows the wings, creating a layered, airy effect over the journal entry underneath.
Why it’s useful: A simple but elegant way to frame important notes or quotes, making journaling feel more artistic and personal.
Moon & Stars Dutch Door
This celestial-inspired Dutch door features a gold-foiled crescent moon, stars, and botanical elements on a softly curved edge. The mix of delicate linework and metallic details gives it a dreamy, magical feel.
Why it’s useful: Perfect for tracking dreams, manifesting goals, or journaling affirmations, bringing a peaceful energy to your journal.
Bold Floral Contrast Dutch Door
This stunning black and red floral spread uses a dramatic background with vibrant flowers, leading to a crisp, minimalist weekly layout underneath. The cutout tabs add a functional yet decorative touch.
Why it’s useful: A great way to combine bold artistic expression with structured planning, keeping your journal both visually striking and practical.
Lavender dutch door bullet journal monthly
A soft watercolor lavender illustration flows along a gentle curved edge, framing a simple monthly calendar at the top. The natural shape makes the transition between pages feel fluid and organic.
Why it’s useful: A perfect Dutch door for calm and focused planning, adding a botanical element without cluttering the layout.
Vintage-Inspired Botanical Dutch Door
This elegant vintage-style spread features detailed floral sketches, gold accents, and a structured weekly layout. The cutout follows the shape of the flowers, blending seamlessly into the design.
Why it’s useful: A sophisticated way to bring classic artistry into your bullet journal, making it feel both nostalgic and refined.
Cozy Autumn Dragon Dutch Door
This whimsical dragon design is wrapped in warm autumn tones, surrounded by falling leaves and mushrooms. The curved cut follows the shape of the dragon, making it feel playful and dynamic.
Why it’s useful: A great way to bring seasonal themes into your journal while keeping your calendar or notes easily accessible.
Butterfly Wings Calendar Dutch Door
This stunning butterfly design spreads across two pages, with each wing containing a mini monthly calendar. The flap opens in the center, revealing extra planning space underneath.
Why it’s useful: A creative way to combine functional planning with an artistic touch, making your monthly overview visually engaging.
Floral Edge Weekly Spread Dutch Door
This floral border Dutch door features blue and purple flowers cascading along a wavy cut. The spread is structured for daily tasks, weather tracking, and personal notes.
Why it’s useful: Perfect for breaking up different sections in your weekly planning while keeping everything neat and stylish.
Sun & Moon Goals Dutch Door
This gold-ink celestial design blends the sun, moon, and phases into a bold side-tab cutout, making it a striking divider for a goals page.
Why it’s useful: A beautiful way to separate long-term goals from daily planning, adding an inspiring element to your bullet journal.
How to Make a Dutch Door in Your Bullet Journal
Dutch doors look fancy, but they’re actually super easy to create. You just need a few basic tools and a little creativity.
Materials You’ll Need
- A bullet journal (any dot grid, lined, or blank notebook works)
- Scissors or a craft knife for clean cuts
- A ruler to keep edges straight (unless you’re doing an organic shape)
- Washi tape or stickers for decoration
- Markers or pens to add details and highlights
Step-by-Step Guide
- Decide on the type of Dutch door – Do you want a horizontal flip-up, vertical cut, tabbed section, or an organic shape? Sketch out your idea first.
- Mark your cutting lines lightly – Use a pencil to outline where you’ll cut, making sure it won’t interfere with important parts of your layout.
- Cut carefully – Use scissors for straight edges and a craft knife for detailed shapes like florals or waves.
- Reinforce weak edges – If you’re cutting a thin section, adding washi tape or a border can help prevent tearing.
- Decorate – Add doodles, stickers, or lettering to make the Dutch door pop!
Once you get the hang of it, you can mix and match styles to create unique, functional pages that fit your journaling needs.
Tips for Using Dutch Doors Effectively
Dutch doors are not just for decoration—they can make planning easier and more efficient. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of them.
Keep It Sturdy
If you’re cutting a thin or narrow section, reinforce it with washi tape or extra layers of paper to prevent tearing over time.
Use Tabs for Easy Navigation
Small tabbed Dutch doors make it easier to flip to important sections, like monthly overviews, goal pages, or trackers.
Balance Aesthetic and Functionality
It’s tempting to go all out with intricate designs, but make sure the Dutch door still serves a purpose. Whether it’s extra planning space or quick-access notes, keep usability in mind.
Plan Before You Cut
Before making that first cut, sketch out your spread so you don’t accidentally remove an important section.
Experiment with Different Styles
Try horizontal, vertical, layered, and organic-cut Dutch doors to see what works best for your planning style. The more you experiment, the more creative and functional your bullet journal will become.
Dutch doors are a fun and creative way to add more space and personality to your bullet journal. Whether you use them for weekly planning, habit tracking, or artistic spreads, they make organizing both functional and beautiful.
With a little practice, you can customize Dutch doors to fit your style, keep your journal efficient, and make planning something you actually look forward to. Try out different designs and have fun with it!
