Types of menu covers: guide for restaurant owners (2026)

Menu covers come in various types, including materials like wood, leather, fabric, and acrylic, each offering a different aesthetic and level of durability. They are also categorized by their style and how they hold the menu, such as book-style holders with multiple pages, single-panel holders with clips or corners, and multi-page binders. 

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Choosing the right type of menu cover dramatically influences how guests perceive your brand. 

Menu covers come in a wide range of materials and formats, each offering different levels of durability, visual impact, and practicality:

• Wood: Adds a natural and rigid feel, often using wood for the cover and a treated fabric for the spine.

• Leather: Provides a luxurious and traditional feel. Options range from genuine leather to more affordable synthetic or bonded leather alternatives.

• Fabric: Offers a comfortable, homely touch and can have a durable, wipeable finish, often found in cafes.

• Acrylic: Creates a sleek, modern look and is waterproof and durable.

• Faux Wood: Mimics the look of natural wood but is lightweight and durable. 

The construction and style of the menu cover work together to create that first tactile impression when guests sit down at your table. Some of top options include: 

• Book-style: These are multi-page covers that open like a book, with pages held in place by screws, rings, or a hidden internal spine.

• Panel/clip-style: These consist of a rigid board or a single panel that holds pages with a clip, bands, or album corners.

• Multi-panel: Covers with multiple equal or half panels, such as the "gateview" style that has a large central panel flanked by two smaller ones.

• Other styles: Include options like strapview, which uses a wood or leather strap, and cordview, which uses an elastic cord to hold pages together. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the main types of menu covers by material, style, and construction, along with tips on how to choose the right option for your venue.

And if you’re looking for beautifully crafted menu covers made from premium materials, KyivWorkshop creates fully customizable menu covers tailored for restaurants that want elegance and durability in every detail.

Types of menu covers by material, style and construction

Choosing the right menu cover sets the foundation for your menu’s aesthetic, durability, and ease of maintenance.

1) Menu Covers by Material

Here are the most commonly used materials and what makes each one suitable for different restaurant environments.

Wood Menu Covers

Wooden menu covers offer a natural, rigid feel that works well in rustic, artisanal, and farm-to-table restaurants. They make the menu feel substantial in the guest’s hand while adding warmth to the presentation.

Most wooden covers pair a solid wood front with a fabric or leather spine to allow flexibility. These covers age beautifully and can be laser-engraved for a clean, permanent branding effect.

Leather Menu Covers

Leather gives menus a luxurious and timeless feel, making them ideal for fine-dining restaurants, wine cellars, and steakhouses. Genuine leather develops a rich patina over time, while synthetic and bonded leather offer more affordable but still elegant alternatives.

Leather covers are highly customizable with embossing, engraving, stitching, and color variations. They are durable and visually striking, creating a sense of tradition and refined service.

Fabric Menu Covers

Fabric menu covers introduce warmth and comfort to the table. Materials like linen, canvas, or woven textiles create a cozy, approachable feel ideal for cafés, breakfast spots, and casual eateries.

Many fabric covers now feature modern, wipeable coatings to improve durability and cleaning convenience. They’re perfect for restaurants aiming for a homely or relaxed aesthetic without sacrificing practicality.

Acrylic Menu Covers

Acrylic covers create a sleek, modern look and are easy to wipe clean, making them popular in contemporary or minimalist restaurants. They are waterproof, sturdy, and ideal for venues that need menus to withstand frequent handling.

Acrylic also supports interchangeable inserts, making it cost-effective for restaurants with dynamic menus. Frosted, colored, or clear acrylic adds variety to suit different branding needs.

Faux Wood Menu Covers

Faux wood offers the organic look of natural wood while being lighter, thinner, and more resilient. It’s a smart choice for restaurants that want the rustic aesthetic without the weight or cost of real wood.

These covers resist moisture and scratching better than many natural materials. They work well in busy restaurants that want a wood-inspired design with improved durability.

2) Menu Cover Types by Style

Beyond material, the structure and layout of the cover determine how menus are presented, protected, and updated. Different venues prefer different systems based on menu length, drink lists, and frequency of changes.

Book-Style Menu Covers

Book-style covers open like a traditional book and typically feature internal screws, ring binders, or a hidden spine. This structure is ideal for multi-page menus such as dinner, wine, or tasting menus.

They are durable, elegant, and provide ample space for branding and customization. Book-style covers work especially well in restaurants with extensive menus or rotating seasonal dishes.

Panel-Style Menu Holders

Panel-style covers consist of a single rigid board or panel that holds the pages using clips, elastic bands, or metal corners. This style is minimalistic and gives guests a clean, direct view of the menu.

Panel covers are most popular in cafés, bars, and fast-casual restaurants where the menu is short and easy to read. They’re also practical for menus that change daily or weekly.

Multi-Panel Menu Covers

Multi-panel covers feature two, three, or more connected panels. A popular version is the “gateview” style, where two side panels fold inward over a larger central panel.

These covers create a dramatic presentation and are ideal for restaurants wanting to showcase sections—wine, cocktails, desserts—in a visually organized way. They feel premium and help guide guest attention naturally.

3) Menu Cover Types by Construction

While style affects presentation, construction determines how menu pages are secured, replaced, and maintained. This is especially important for restaurants that update menus frequently.

Cordview Menu Covers

Cordview covers use a strong elastic cord threaded through the spine to hold menu pages together. They are simple, flexible, and allow quick page swaps.

This style is favored by wine bars, cafés, and restaurants that update prices or specials frequently. The slim profile and quick-change function make cordview designs practical and economical.

Strapview Menu Covers

Strapview covers use a wood or leather strap to secure the menu pages in place. This construction adds a handcrafted, artisanal feel while keeping the pages easy to replace.

They suit restaurants with rustic, vintage, or boutique aesthetics. The straps also introduce a tactile detail that makes the menu memorable to handle.

Clip-Style Menu Covers

Clip-style menus hold pages using clips, elastic bands, or metal corners. This construction allows pages to be removed or replaced quickly.

It is practical for menus that change daily or weekly, such as specials, seasonal offerings, or limited menus. Clip systems balance flexibility with a clean appearance.

How to Choose Menu Covers

The right menu cover depends on your restaurant’s concept, branding and budget. Wooden or leather covers work best for upscale restaurants seeking a polished, long-lasting impression; acrylic is ideal for modern venues; fabric is perfect for cafés; and faux-wood balances cost and aesthetics for high-volume operations. Ultimately, your menu cover should support both the visual identity and the practical workflow of your venue.

1. Start with your menu format

Consider how many pages your menu has and how often it changes. Short menus are best suited to panel style covers, while long menus, wine lists, or tasting menus usually require book style or multi panel formats. If your menu changes frequently, constructions such as clip, strapview, or cordview make updates faster and more practical.

2. Match the cover to your restaurant concept

Your menu cover should reflect your interior design and brand tone. Rustic and artisanal restaurants often pair well with wood or strapview designs, while fine dining and wine focused venues benefit from leather and book style covers. Cafés and casual restaurants typically suit fabric, panel, or cordview options, whereas modern concepts tend to prefer acrylic or minimal panel designs.

3. Consider durability and maintenance

Menu covers are handled constantly, so material choice affects both appearance and upkeep. Acrylic and faux wood are easy to clean and resistant to moisture, making them practical for busy environments. Wood and leather age beautifully but require more care, while fabric covers should have protective coatings if used in high traffic settings.

4. Think about update frequency

How often you change prices or dishes should guide your choice of construction. Clip and cordview systems allow quick page replacement and work well for daily or weekly updates. Book style menus are better suited for stable menus that change seasonally rather than frequently.

5. Balance budget and longevity

Lower cost menu covers may need replacement more often, which can increase long term expenses. Well made covers typically cost more upfront but last longer and elevate the overall dining experience. Investing in durability often saves money over time while reinforcing a sense of quality.

6. Add branding elements

Menu covers are part of your restaurant’s visual identity and guest impression. Choose options that support engraving, embossing, or custom colors to reinforce branding. A clearly branded menu helps guests remember your restaurant long after the visit.

Custom Menu Covers by KyivWorkshop

KyivWorkshop offers handcrafted menu covers designed for restaurants that value long-lasting materials, cohesive branding, and elevated guest experience. Each cover is made from premium wood, leather, acrylic, or fabric and built to withstand the demands of daily service while maintaining a refined appearance.

We provide tailored engraving, color options, pocket layouts, page-holding systems, and material combinations, allowing your menu cover to integrate seamlessly with your restaurant’s identity.

If you want beautifully crafted, durable, and fully personalized menu covers for your venue, we invite you to explore KyivWorkshop’s collection of custom menu covers and discover designs made with care and premium materials.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a menu cover?

A menu cover is a protective case that holds and presents your menu sheets, keeping them clean and organized for guests. It elevates the look of your restaurant menu covers and helps reinforce the style of your restaurant. A well-designed cover also protects against spills and daily wear. Choosing the perfect menu cover helps you communicate quality from the first moment a guest opens it.

Where can I buy personalized menu covers with logo engraving?

Restaurants looking for engraved personalization often order from KyivWorkshop, where custom designs can reflect your restaurant's unique personality. Their engraving brings clarity and precision to your logo, ensuring your branding looks sharp. The covers feel tailored and premium, which many owners value. For durable, thoughtful craftsmanship, KyivWorkshop is one of the best options you can contact.

What are the best materials for menu covers?

The best materials include leather, wood, acrylic, and coated fabrics, all chosen for quality and durability. Wood and leather create a premium feel ideal for fine dining. Acrylic works well for modern concepts that want fast cleaning. Mixing exquisite materials allows you to match your interior style effortlessly.

Where can I buy eco-friendly menu covers for sustainable restaurants?

Eco-friendly menu covers are available from a few specialty shops, but KyivWorkshop stands out for responsible materials. They work with wood, recycled cores, and plant-based options to support a better dining experience. These materials help your brand communicate environmental values. Such covers also reinforce your brand's image in a meaningful, long-term way.

What is the best personalised menu covers supplier?

The best personalized supplier is one that blends craft, consistency, and visual refinement. KyivWorkshop excels at building pieces that complement your interior style. Their designers explore every idea to ensure perfect alignment with your brand. Personalized menus help you maintain the exact tone you want guests to feel.

Where to buy custom restaurant menu covers?

You can order custom menu covers from workshops that specialize in handcrafted designs, including KyivWorkshop. They build covers that protect everything from appetizers to your wine list. Customization ensures every detail aligns with your concept. These pieces can be built with systems like a three ring binder when needed.

Where can I find creative menu covers?

Creative options appear in stores offering wood engraving, colorful fabrics, and fully adaptive formats. Styles range from rustic boards to elegant leather menu boards depending on your interior. Many restaurants choose original designs to help their brand stand out. These creative covers often display your menu in a more elevated way.

Where can I buy wooden menu covers available in both custom sizes and standard sizes?

Wooden menu covers in custom sizes and standard sizes are available directly from KyivWorkshop’s online shop. They cut and finish each piece with precision to achieve the right weight and feel. Wooden covers also create a strong natural presence at the table. This option is ideal when you want something reliable that fits your page size requirements precisely.

Where to purchase fine dining menu covers?

Fine dining venues often choose leather, wood, or mixed-material covers that feel stylish and refined. KyivWorkshop builds covers that create a sense of quiet luxury. These designs help craft the overall image of your restaurant. High-end menus become elegant presenters that enhance table presence.

Where to buy luxury menu covers?

Luxury menu covers are crafted using premium details like soft leather, carved wood, or metallic accents such as silver or gold finishes. KyivWorkshop offers exclusive builds that impress your clients from the moment they arrive. Their high-quality designs add a layer of sophistication to upscale interiors. Investing in premium covers shows contributing care for every detail of your guest experience.

What is the best wholesale custom menu covers supplier?

Wholesale buyers need volume, consistency, and fast production, which makes KyivWorkshop a dependable store for bulk orders. Their systems handle large stock quantities while keeping customization options open. Wholesale clients appreciate the balance of price and craftsmanship. These large orders support business expansion for many establishments.