Below are four binding styles you can choose from. I offer others, but these are the most popular. These four styles allow the pages to open flat. They're great to use for sketchbooks, journals, photo albums, guest sign-in books and portfolios.
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Cordbound
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Cordbound books date back to the 5th Century A.D. but became popular during the 12th century. This style of binding lies flat when open and has an old traditional feel.
Rounded Spine Hardcover
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Can be made with or without embossed hinges. This style is similar to a typical hardbound book, however, it has a hollow spine which allows the pages to open flat. 
Coptic Stitch
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The coptic stitch was first used in the 2nd century A.D. and was used continuously until the 19th century when it became a rarity. The coptic stitch has many variations and is common today among small bookbinding shops. The style I use is the Ethiopian double needle stitch. This stitch allows the pages to open flat and creates a beautiful stitch on the exposed spine of the book.
Longstitch
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This binding created during the Medieval era in Germany. This style of book lays flat when open, and can fold back on itself, sort of like a spiral notebook can. The first photo shows a wraparound cover, the last photo shows a book without the wraparound part. The slide tie can also be seen in the first photo. The removable slide tie is optional as well.
