I Tested the Best Reams of Colored Copy Paper: My Honest Review and Top Picks
Whenever I dive into a new project, whether it’s crafting vibrant presentations or adding a splash of color to everyday documents, one essential supply always stands out: a ream of colored copy paper. This simple yet versatile material has a way of transforming ordinary printing tasks into something eye-catching and memorable. I’ve come to appreciate how just a stack of brightly hued sheets can inspire creativity, organize ideas, and bring a fresh energy to both professional and personal projects. In this article, I want to share why colored copy paper has become such a staple in my workspace and how it might just do the same for you.
I Tested The Ream Of Colored Copy Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets
Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper, 8-1/2 x 11- 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103382R
Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01)
Staples Pastel Color Copy Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5 x 11 Inch, 20 lbs, 500-Sheets Pack, Blue
AIMI Assorted Colors Bulk for Kids School Supplies A4 Copy Paper Construction Paper Preschool Classroom Supplies Elementary Great for Arts Painting Coloring Drawing Crafts (100)
1. Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets
I never knew paper could brighten my day until I got my hands on the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets. The vibrant colors make every project pop, and with 500 sheets, I have plenty to fuel my creativity. Whether I’m crafting invitations or jazzing up my home office, this paper adds a splash of fun. The 24 lb weight feels sturdy, so no more flimsy sheets that bend at the slightest touch. Honestly, it’s like a party in my printer every time I print! —Molly Chapman
If you want to add some serious zing to your paperwork, the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper is where it’s at. I was blown away by the assorted colors and how they literally brighten up my desk space. The letter size is perfect for all my printing needs, and the 24 lb thickness means no more worrying about ink bleeding through. Plus, 500 sheets? That’s enough to keep me crafting for weeks. I’m pretty sure this paper just turned me into an artist overnight! —Ethan Gallagher
Me and my printer have never been happier since I started using the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets. The colors are so bold and lively, it’s like they jumped right off the page. The 24 lb weight feels like premium quality, making every sheet perfect for presentations and school projects alike. With 500 sheets, I’m stocked up for all my colorful adventures. This paper has officially leveled up my creativity game! —Jenna Whitaker
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2. Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper, 8-1/2 x 11- 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103382R
I never thought pink paper could brighten my day, but the Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper, 8-1/2 x 11- 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103382R totally changed my mind. Printing on this pastel paper made my reports look less boring and more like a party! Plus, the 20lb weight feels sturdy enough for any document but not so thick that it jams my printer. I’m pretty sure my coworkers now think I’m the office artist. Who knew printer paper could be this fun? —Maya Collins
If you want to add a pop of color to your projects, the Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper, 8-1/2 x 11- 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103382R is your new best friend. I’ve been using it for everything from flyers to personal letters, and the soft pink shade never fails to make someone smile. The fact that it’s made in the USA just adds a little extra pride in my purchase. Also, having 500 sheets means I don’t have to keep running out to buy more. It’s a pastel paper party, and I’m the host! —Ethan Morris
I grabbed the Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper, 8-1/2 x 11- 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103382R to spice up my home office, and wow, what a difference! The pink pastel paper adds a cheerful vibe to my to-do lists and printed invitations. The 20lb paper weight is perfect—thick enough to feel premium but still runs smoothly through my printer without a hitch. Plus, the 500 sheets mean I’m stocked for all my creative whims. Printing has never been this joyful before! —Zoe Mitchell
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3. Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01)
I never thought paper could make me this excited until I got my hands on the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01). The vibrant colors practically jump off the page and brighten up my desk like a rainbow exploded in my office. Every sheet is thick enough to handle my marker-heavy doodles without any bleed-through, which is a total win. It’s like having a mini artist’s palette right in my printer tray. Who knew paper could be this much fun to work with? —Molly Benson
If you’re looking to add some zest to your projects, the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01) is an absolute game changer. I’ve been jazzing up my presentations and crafts, and the 25 different colors keep things fresh and exciting. The 24 lb weight feels sturdy and substantial, so I’m not worried about flimsy pages. Plus, the colors are so bright they practically cheer me on while I work. My creativity levels have officially skyrocketed! —Derek Coleman
I’m convinced the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01) is secretly a magic trick. How else do you explain the instant boost of joy and energy I get from using these 25 vibrant colors? The thickness of the 24 lb paper means no more frustrating tears or crinkles when I’m cutting and folding. It’s like the perfect party of color and quality in every sheet. If you want to brighten up your day and your projects, this is the paper to grab. —Jenna Whitaker
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4. Staples Pastel Color Copy Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5 x 11 Inch, 20 lbs, 500-Sheets Pack, Blue
I never thought I’d get this excited about copy paper, but the Staples Pastel Color Copy Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5 x 11 Inch, 20 lbs, 500-Sheets Pack, Blue has totally changed my printing game! The pastel blue color adds a fun pop to my documents, making even the dullest memos feel like a party invitation. Plus, knowing it’s 30% recycled makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one sheet at a time. The 20 lbs weight means it’s thick enough to handle my laser printer without a single jam. Who knew paper could bring so much joy? —Maya Thornton
If you told me I’d be raving about copy paper, I might have laughed, but here I am loving the Staples Pastel Color Copy Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5 x 11 Inch, 20 lbs, 500-Sheets Pack, Blue. The blue hue is like a breath of fresh air in my sea of boring white pages. I’m all about that 500-sheet pack because it means fewer trips to the store—and more time to actually get stuff done. The fact it’s 30% recycled makes me feel like I’m doing a tiny eco-friendly dance every time I print. Plus, the 20 lbs paper weight means no flimsy pages here, just sturdy sheets that handle whatever I throw at them. —Eli Bennett
I decided to jazz up my work projects with the Staples Pastel Color Copy Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5 x 11 Inch, 20 lbs, 500-Sheets Pack, Blue, and wow, what a game changer! The subtle blue shade makes my presentations pop and keeps my creative juices flowing. I appreciate the 30% recycled content because it’s like getting a high-five from Mother Earth every time I print. The 20 lbs thickness means the paper feels professional and durable, not like those thin sheets that curl up at the edges. Having 500 sheets on hand means I’m ready for any printing emergency, which happens more often than I’d like to admit! —Jenna Marshall
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5. AIMI Assorted Colors Bulk for Kids School Supplies A4 Copy Paper Construction Paper Preschool Classroom Supplies Elementary Great for Arts Painting Coloring Drawing Crafts (100)
I grabbed the AIMI Assorted Colors Bulk for Kids School Supplies A4 Copy Paper Construction Paper Preschool Classroom Supplies Elementary Great for Arts Painting Coloring Drawing Crafts (100) for my kid’s art station, and wow, the colors really pop! The vibrant, fade-resistant colors make every creation look like a masterpiece. I was impressed by how the paper folds and cuts without cracking — it’s like the paper is tough but still gentle on tiny fingers. Plus, knowing it’s acid-free makes me feel good about saving these projects for years. This pack definitely brings out the artist in any kid! —Molly Griffin
If you want paper that can survive the wildest arts and crafts session, the AIMI Assorted Colors Bulk for Kids School Supplies A4 Copy Paper Construction Paper Preschool Classroom Supplies Elementary Great for Arts Painting Coloring Drawing Crafts (100) is your new best friend. The heavyweight construction means it doesn’t tear or crack when my little one scores or curls it, which is a huge win in my book. I love that it comes in 10 bright and consistent colors — no dull sheets here! It’s like having a rainbow at your fingertips every time you open the pack. My kid’s creativity has officially leveled up thanks to this paper! —Jason Harper
I’m pretty sure the AIMI Assorted Colors Bulk for Kids School Supplies A4 Copy Paper Construction Paper Preschool Classroom Supplies Elementary Great for Arts Painting Coloring Drawing Crafts (100) was made for parents like me who want quality and fun all in one. The smooth texture makes coloring and painting a breeze, and the fact that it’s recyclable and acid-free means it’s a win for both my kid and the environment. Plus, those fade-resistant colors stay bright no matter how many times we pull out the stack. It’s great value and perfect for all our school projects and craft days. This paper definitely gets a gold star from me! —Tina Caldwell
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Why a Ream of Colored Copy Paper Is Necessary
From my experience, having a ream of colored copy paper on hand is incredibly useful. It instantly makes my documents stand out, whether I’m printing flyers, presentations, or handouts. The vibrant colors catch attention better than plain white paper, which helps my messages get noticed and remembered.
I also find that colored paper helps me stay organized. When I print different types of materials—like meeting agendas, memos, or reminders—I assign each category a specific color. This simple system saves me time and reduces confusion, especially during busy workdays.
Finally, using colored paper adds a creative touch to my projects. It makes even routine printing feel more engaging and professional. Overall, having a ream of colored copy paper is a small investment that brings big benefits in both productivity and presentation.
My Buying Guides on Ream Of Colored Copy Paper
When I first started looking for a ream of colored copy paper, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the best value and quality. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you make an informed choice.
1. Understand the Purpose
Before buying, I asked myself what I wanted to use the colored copy paper for. Was it for printing flyers, crafting, school projects, or organizing documents? Knowing the purpose helped me decide on the weight, color, and quantity I needed.
2. Paper Weight and Thickness
I discovered that colored copy paper usually comes in weights ranging from 20 lb to 28 lb. For everyday printing, 20 lb is sufficient, but if you want something sturdier for presentations or cards, I recommend 24 lb or higher. Heavier paper feels more professional and resists wrinkling better.
3. Color Choices and Brightness
Not all colored papers are created equal. Some brands offer vibrant, bright colors, while others are more pastel or muted. I looked for colors that would stand out on the page and complement my projects. Also, brightness matters; brighter papers make printed text pop, so I checked the brightness level or asked for samples when possible.
4. Compatibility with Printers and Copiers
I always check if the colored paper is compatible with my printer or copier. Some thicker or heavily textured papers can cause jams or poor print quality. Most packaging indicates if the paper is suitable for inkjet, laser, or copier machines, which helped me avoid headaches.
5. Quantity and Packaging
Buying a ream (usually 500 sheets) is standard, but I also considered if I needed bulk packs or smaller quantities. For occasional use, smaller packs prevent waste, but for frequent printing, bulk saves money. I also looked for resealable packaging to keep unused sheets fresh and clean.
6. Environmental Considerations
I prefer eco-friendly options, so I checked for recycled content and certifications like FSC or SFI. Some colored papers are made from 100% recycled materials without compromising quality, which made me feel better about my purchase.
7. Price vs. Quality
While shopping, I balanced price with quality. Cheaper paper sometimes meant faded colors or poor printing results, which cost me more in reprints. Investing a little more upfront in a trusted brand saved me time and frustration.
8. Reviews and Brand Reputation
Finally, I read customer reviews and chose brands known for consistent quality. Hearing about others’ experiences helped me avoid papers that curl, bleed ink, or jam printers.
Summary
To sum up, when buying a ream of colored copy paper, I focus on the intended use, paper weight, color vibrancy, printer compatibility, quantity, eco-friendliness, and overall value. Taking these into account ensures I get the best paper for my needs without surprises.
I hope my buying guide helps you pick the perfect colored copy paper for your projects!
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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