2025 Website Trends: What’s Ahead for Web Designers

Web design is always changing, and with 2025 on the horizon, it’s clear there are some exciting shifts ahead. From functional layouts to bold visual aesthetics, staying informed can help designers create more engaging sites that truly connect with users. Here’s a look at some of the standout web design trends for 2025, why they matter, and how you can use them.

Why Trends Can Be Misleading

Let’s be honest—design trends come and go. Some stick around because they work, while others fade out fast. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s “in,” but that can be a trap. Good design isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about solving problems and delivering great user experiences. Trends can spark ideas or help align with audience expectations, but they’re not always worth following blindly.

Instead, think of trends as tools to enhance what your site already does well. It’s not about jumping on every bandwagon—it’s about choosing what serves your user and client needs best.

Full-Width Banners: Are They In or Out?

Full-width banners were a staple for years, but their appeal is shifting. The problem? They can feel outdated if done poorly. However, with the right approach, banners are still impactful.

Designers are experimenting with text and image layering, creating dynamic layouts that feel modern. For example:

• Left-Aligned Text: Placing text on the left side of a banner (instead of centered) aligns with how users naturally read—from top-left to bottom-right. It’s a small shift, but it makes a huge difference in readability.

• Mixed Media: Combining banners with collage-like elements or textured backgrounds adds depth and personality.

Not every project needs a traditional full-width banner, but reimagining the style before ditching it completely is worth a try.

The Return of Sidebars

Sidebars used to dominate, then disappeared as streamlined, minimalist websites took over. Surprisingly, they’re making a comeback—and not just out of nostalgia.

Sidebars are functional, especially for long blog posts. They provide a faster way to access key information like:

• A small bio or “about the author” section.

• Search bars or recent post links.

• Call-to-actions (CTAs) and freebies.

For example, a sidebar might feature a downloadable resource or highlight popular posts. Key tip: Keep it clean. Avoid cluttering the sidebar with moving ads or unnecessary distractions. If done thoughtfully, sidebars can improve navigation and user engagement.

Script Fonts: Love Them or Leave Them?

Script fonts have had their ups and downs. They feel personal, playful, and full of personality. But overusing them—or choosing the wrong style—can look dated fast.

The key is balance. Script fonts work best as accents, not headlines or body text. Here’s how you can effectively use them:

• Reserve them for specific sections, like a signature in a hero layout or a tagline.

• Pair them with clean sans-serif fonts for contrast.

• Consider using them sparingly for a handwritten, authentic vibe.

Don’t count script fonts out. When used strategically, they can bring warmth and authenticity to a design.

Movement and Animation: Where It Matters

Animation adds life to a website, but overdoing it can backfire. The best animations are subtle and functional.

Here are some effective uses:

• Hover effects: Buttons or text that change slightly on hover encourage interaction.

• Scrolling backgrounds: Movement tied to scroll speed, like ripple effects, creates depth.

• Simplified animations: Understated changes in text or elements that enhance, not distract.

The goal with animations should always be usability first, aesthetics second. If it’s not improving the user’s experience, it’s not worth including.

Services Page Layouts: Detailed Scrolls vs. The Three-Pack

This one’s a classic debate among designers. Should you use the long-scroll layout that breaks down every detail or the concise “three-pack” layout that simplifies everything?

The three-pack layout is effective for showing service comparisons. It lays out three options—usually low, mid-range, and premium tiers—making decisions feel easy.

But the long-scroll layout can also work. This approach gives plenty of space for storytelling and helps users get a deeper sense of your brand.

Some designers are even blending these two styles, like using a grid design to preview service tiers while offering expandable details on hover or click. Choose the layout style that will resonate most with your audience.

Text as a Design Element

Bigger isn’t always better—or is it? Using text as a graphic element has seen a lively resurgence.

Oversized headings and abstract typography are moving from practical components to full-on design features. Examples include:

• Embossed text effects that add dimension and tactile interest.

• Projects where text overlaps imagery or interacts with other layout elements.

• Full-page text with bold fonts, creating visual hierarchy.

This trend can deliver a big impact, but it needs a careful balance. Use large text sparingly and ensure readability.

Scrapbook and Grunge Styles

Goodbye perfectly polished. Imperfection is in. Sites today are embracing scrapbook aesthetics, grungy overlays, hand-drawn doodles, and layers of texture that create a warm, “real” feel.

Think torn paper edges, messy illustrations, and photo collages—elements you might put together in an actual scrapbook. Why does this work? It feels authentic. It breaks users out of the “stock image” experience and instead connects emotionally.

This style works best for creatives, photographers, and brands that want to convey uniqueness and whimsy.

Are Icons Over?

Icons are functional, sure. But some styles look outdated (we’re looking at you, boxy outline icons from 2016).

Instead of traditional icons, consider modern alternatives:

• Custom icon sets designed to match the site’s branding.

• Color-coded icons for clarity and organization.

Used strategically, icons still serve a purpose. Just make sure they aren’t filler or overly generic.

Mega Menus vs. Hamburger Menus

Navigation can make or break a site. While minimalist hamburger menus dominate mobile design, desktop websites are seeing more hybrid approaches.

For example, some sites feature both a standard top navigation bar and a hamburger menu. This creates layered navigation without overwhelming users.

Mega menus—dropdowns with multiple links—are ideal for content-heavy sites, but they carry a risk of paralysis if you offer too many options. Always test navigation structures with your audience before committing.

What We’re Excited About for 2025

2025 looks like it’ll be the year of color, depth, and boldness. Flat, neutral designs are giving way to richness and personality. Expect vibrant gradients, textured layers, and playful elements that invite users to engage.

Your key takeaway? Trends should serve your clients, your users, and your goals—not the other way around. By focusing on experience first, and aesthetics second, you can create designs that deliver real results.

Stick around for more insights as we tackle specifics like fonts, colors, and client conversions in upcoming discussions. Have any burning web design questions? Let us know. We’d love to explore them with you!

Meet Your Hosts:

Diane Whiddon is the founder of Sway Rise Creative. She's a seasoned pro in designing for service-based businesses and entrepreneurs, with a knack for Squarespace design and site functionality that converts visitors into clients.

Katelyn Dekle runs Launch the Damn Thing®. She's all about fast, fabulous web design. Her journey from corporate burnout to successful web designer is inspiring, and her bold, authentic approach has clearly struck a chord with clients.

This episode marks the second of an ongoing series. Next month's topic will focus on who we are and what we’re planning for our new podcast!