Great websites don’t happen by accident. The moment a visitor lands on your site, the layout shapes their experience—guiding their attention, influencing their decisions, and determining whether they stay or leave.
A well-structured layout does more than organize content—it creates a seamless flow that makes navigating your site feel effortless. Visitors should instinctively know where to click, what to read, and how to take action without hesitation.
Some layouts have stood the test of time, while others push creative boundaries to create unforgettable experiences. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 9 of the best website layouts, showing you real examples and practical ways to use them.
Ready to explore layouts that keep visitors engaged and drive action? Let’s dive in.
Does Your Website's Layout Really Matter?
Have you ever noticed how some websites just feel right when you browse them? That's no accident.
But I've watched countless "beautiful" websites fail to convert while seemingly simpler ones have thrived, and it mainly boils down to how they are structured.
Think of website layouts as the blueprint of your digital space. Just like how you'd arrange furniture in your living room to create a natural flow, a well-planned website layout guides visitors through your digital home without them even realizing it.
Let's break down what a solid layout actually does:
And here's the cool part: you don't need to reinvent the wheel. The layouts we're about to explore are like recipe templates. They give you a proven structure to work with, while leaving plenty of room for your own creative flavor.
Think of it this way: If content is king, layout is the kingdom. Even the best content falls flat if people can't find their way around your site. The layouts we'll look at next have been battle-tested by some of the web's most successful sites, and I'll show you exactly why they work so well.
Here Are the Best Website Layouts for WordPress (That Actually Work)
Before we jump into specific layouts, let's get real about something: there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all website layout. A design that works brilliantly for a food blog might fall flat for a law firm's website.
I've picked these layouts because they're versatile enough to adapt to different needs, yet specific enough to serve distinct purposes.
For each layout, you'll discover:
- What it looks like and how it flows
- Which types of websites it works best for
- Examples of websites using it successfully
- Why visitors respond well to it
I've picked these layouts because they strike that sweet spot between modern design trends and practical usability. Whether you're running a blog, business site, portfolio, or online store, you'll find options that align with your goals.
Let's explore these layouts, starting with…
1. The Z-Pattern Layout: The Natural Eye-Catcher
The Z-pattern layout follows one of the most fundamental principles of human behavior: our natural reading pattern. When we land on a webpage, our eyes typically move horizontally across the top, then diagonally down to the left, and finally horizontally again across the bottom - forming a 'Z' shape.
Smart designers use this pattern to strategically place key elements like headlines, compelling visuals, product features, and calls-to-action along this natural eye path. It's particularly powerful for pages where you need to guide visitors through a specific sequence of information before taking action.
Why This Layout Works
The Z-pattern works because it aligns perfectly with how we naturally consume information online. By following familiar reading patterns, it creates a clear visual hierarchy that guides visitors through your content without feeling forced.
This layout leads smoothly to call-to-action buttons while naturally breaking up content into digestible chunks — making it much easier to direct your users to a specific action (Sign Up, Buy, etc.)
Perfect For:
Want more clicks on your CTAs? While the Z-pattern helps guide attention, there’s more to boosting conversions. From button placement to persuasive copy, small tweaks can make a big difference. Check out our guide to increasing CTA conversions and start turning more visitors into action-takers! 🚀
Real-World Examples:
HelloFresh
HelloFresh uses the Z-Pattern to direct readers from their navigation menu straight to a desired action -- get started with their meal kit delivery service.
Your mind naturally moves from one section to the next—from visuals to text, and finally to the call-to-action button.
Shopify
Shopify uses the Z-Pattern to buy into their big offer -- "being the next category creator". As you move from one heading to the text, your eyes finally land on the call to action button "Start a Free Trial". The absence of any other action buttons or heavy text in the hero section further strengthens their strategy: moving your attention to the most important CTA in less than a second.
Lyft
Lyft employs a similar strategy. They start with a brightly colored logo at the top left, guide you to the left through their menu, guide you back to the left with an engaging image. Finally, you look to the right and find relevant text that, once again, guides you to a specific action.
2. The F-Pattern Layout: Making Content Scannable and Digestible
If you've ever caught yourself skimming through an article (like this one), you're already familiar with the F-pattern layout. It's based on eye-tracking studies that show how people actually read online: they scan across the top, then move down and across again, and finally scan down the left side, creating an 'F' shape.
This layout organizes content to match this natural behavior, making it easier for readers to find and absorb information quickly, while still catching the important bits.
Why This Layout Works
The F-pattern works because it embraces how people actually read online rather than how we wish they would read.
When you structure content in this familiar F-shaped pattern, it makes long-form content feel approachable instead of overwhelming. Readers can quickly scan down the left side for key points while still having easy access to detailed information when they want it.
Perfect For:
Real-World Examples:
Hootsuite
This Hootsuite page follows the F-pattern by placing key info where people naturally look. The top section grabs attention with a bold headline and call-to-action, while the left side has features that are easy to scan.
As users move down, their eyes catch more details in a second horizontal sweep. This layout makes it easy to absorb the main points quickly without feeling overwhelmed.
Medium
Medium’s homepage follows the F-pattern by making it easy to scan and find interesting reads. The top bar grabs attention with the logo, search, and navigation tabs, while the main content area highlights article titles and descriptions in bold, left-aligned text. Thumbnails on the right break up the layout and add visual interest.
As users scroll down, their eyes naturally follow the list of articles on the left, while the "Staff Picks" and "Writing on Medium" sections sit on the right as secondary content. It’s a smooth setup that helps readers quickly spot what they want while offering extra recommendations along the way.
The F-pattern works great for content hubs, too, and that's a great way to keep visitors engaged. Placing key categories, featured posts, and CTAs along the natural reading flow makes it easy for users to find what they need and explore more. Ready to create a high-performing content hub? Check out our guide!
3. The Fullscreen Image Layout: Making That First Impression Count
Think about the difference between flipping through a magazine and scrolling through a spreadsheet. One pulls you in instantly, while the other... well, you get the point.
The fullscreen image layout brings that magazine-like impact to web design, dedicating the entire above-the-fold space to a single, powerful visual. It's a bold move that breaks away from the traditional header-menu-content formula we've all grown used to.
Instead of greeting visitors with navigation menus and welcome text, this layout leads with pure visual storytelling - whether through a striking photograph, a product shot, or an atmospheric video background.
Why This Layout Works
This layout's effectiveness lies in its ability to create an immediate and lasting impression. By commanding the entire screen with a single powerful image, it sets a strong emotional tone right from the start while keeping the user's initial interaction remarkably simple.
This layout naturally makes your brand more memorable, as visitors are greeted with a clear, unified visual message rather than fragmented content.
Perfect For:
Real-World Examples:
LVMH
LVMH uses a fullscreen layout to create an immersive, high-end experience that pulls visitors in right away. The homepage is dominated by a bold, cinematic image that instantly highlights luxury and craftsmanship, with minimal distractions. Navigation elements are kept sleek and unobtrusive, sitting neatly at the top, while large, elegant typography reinforces the brand’s prestige.
Instead of overwhelming with text, the layout lets visuals do the storytelling, making it feel like stepping into a high-fashion runway moment rather than just browsing a website.
Bottega Veneta’s homepage keeps things sleek and minimal, using a fullscreen layout that feels more like a high-fashion editorial than a typical e-commerce site. The bold imagery takes center stage, with a striking model and rich textures setting the mood.
The navigation stays clean and simple at the top, letting the visual storytelling do the heavy lifting. Instead of cluttering the screen with too much text, a single, well-placed call-to-action invites visitors to explore the latest collection, making the experience feel curated and effortless.
4. The Split-Screen Layout: When Two Choices Are Better Than One
Remember those "Choose Your Own Adventure" books? The split-screen layout brings that same engaging choice-making experience to web design.
Dividing the screen into two distinct sections creates a clear, visual fork in the road for your visitors. It's elegant in its simplicity: two options, two paths, no confusion. This layout has evolved from a creative experiment into a powerful way to guide different audience segments exactly where they need to go.
Why This Layout Works
The split-screen layout creates a visually balanced design that pulls attention to both sections, making a strong first impression from the start. It works especially well because it speaks to different types of users at the same time, guiding each one to the content that matters most to them. Instead of overwhelming visitors with choices, it offers clear, distinct paths that feel intuitive and easy to navigate.
Perfect For:
Real-World Examples:
Wise
Wise uses a split-screen layout to keep things clean and functional while highlighting its main selling points. On the left, bold text and a simple message explain why Wise is a smart choice for sending money abroad, reinforcing transparency and savings.
On the right, an interactive calculator lets users see exchange rates and fees in real time, making the process feel straightforward and accessible. The green background ties everything together with a fresh, trustworthy vibe.
Think of split-screen layouts like a good conversation starter — both sides should be equally interesting but clearly different. Keep the options balanced but distinct, and make sure each choice feels equally valuable to its intended audience.
5. The Asymmetrical Layout: Bold Design Meets Smart Structure
In a web landscape full of predictable layouts, asymmetrical design is the rebellious sibling that somehow still made it to med school. It breaks conventional design rules while maintaining just enough structure to keep visitors engaged and oriented. Think of it as organized chaos - the kind that grabs attention but won't leave your users feeling lost. It's perfect for brands that want to stand out without sacrificing usability.
Why This Layout Works
Asymmetrical layouts shake up the usual web design formulas while keeping things organized enough to make sense. Their deliberate off-center approach naturally draws attention to what matters most without hitting visitors over the head with it.
They create winding paths through your content - interesting to explore but never leaving people feeling lost. When done right, even simple scrolling becomes more engaging, turning routine browsing into something more like wandering through an art gallery.
Perfect For:
Real-World Examples:
Zara
Zara’s homepage leans into an asymmetric layout, giving it an editorial, high-fashion feel. The oversized logo sits on the left, balancing out the minimal navigation on the right, while the main image is off-center, creating a dynamic, unexpected composition.
The use of white space makes everything feel sleek and modern, drawing attention straight to the fashion visuals. Left and right arrows subtly suggest interactivity, keeping the focus on the imagery rather than overwhelming with text.
This layout mirrors the way high-end fashion magazines present their visuals—bold, unconventional, and effortlessly stylish.
Gallery Theme by Thrive Themes
Gallery theme, one of our very own from Thrive Themes, uses a dynamic and artistic layout that feels fluid and engaging. The mix of floating images, layered typography, and subtle animations creates a visually rich experience that feels more like an art exhibition than a typical website.
The asymmetrical arrangement keeps things interesting, while the soft color palette and minimal navigation maintain a clean, modern look. Interactive elements like hover effects and smooth transitions make the design feel alive, drawing visitors into the content in a natural, effortless way. It’s a perfect setup for creatives who want to showcase their work with a bit of personality and movement.
Gallery is designed to elevate creativity, but a great theme is just the start. Whether you're building an art gallery website or a personal artist portfolio, setting up your site the right way makes all the difference.
📌 Want to create an art gallery website? [Read our step-by-step guide.]
📌 Need a website for your own artwork? [Check out how to build an artist website]
Get your work in front of the right audience with a site that truly reflects your style!
6. The Cards Layout: When Everything Just Clicks Into Place
Remember the satisfaction of flipping through a well-organized photo album or browsing a bulletin board of perfectly arranged notices?
The cards layout brings that same satisfying experience to the digital world. It's become the go-to choice for content-rich websites because it turns what could be overwhelming information into bite-sized, browsable pieces that just make sense to our brains.
Why This Layout Works
Cards layout works because it matches how we naturally like to process information - in neat, digestible chunks. It turns what could be an overwhelming wall of content into an inviting collection of bite-sized pieces that visitors can easily explore at their own pace. Each card creates its own clear space, making it easy for readers to focus on one thing at a time without feeling overwhelmed.
And, these tidy content blocks look great and work smoothly whether you're browsing on a phone, tablet, or desktop. It's a win-win: visitors get an engaging browsing experience, and site owners get a layout that's both easy to update and maintain.
Perfect For:
Real-World Examples:
Apple
Apple’s website leans into a cards layout to keep things clean, structured, and easy to scan. Each product section is designed as a separate "card," with a bold image, short description, and clear call-to-action buttons.
This approach makes it easy for visitors to digest key details without feeling overwhelmed. The layout stacks cards vertically, using generous white space to keep the focus on the products. Each card feels like its own spotlight moment, making the browsing experience smooth and visually engaging. It’s simple, effective, and very Apple.
AirBnB
Airbnb’s card-based layout makes browsing feel like a fun, seamless experience. Each listing pops with high-quality images, clear pricing, and guest ratings, so you can quickly spot the perfect stay. The horizontal scrolling keeps things moving, letting you explore dreamy destinations without clicking through endless pages.
At the top, categories and filters make it easy to jump straight into whatever vibe you’re after—beachfront views, cozy cabins, or design-forward spaces. It’s a smooth mix of function and inspiration, making trip planning feel effortless and exciting.
7. The Magazine Layout: Dynamic Grid-Based Storytelling
A magazine layout brings the sophisticated multi-column design of print publications to the web. Think of how a physical magazine uses different sized columns, varied image placements, and dynamic text layouts to create visual interest - now imagine that flexibility and editorial style transformed for digital.
It's characterized by strategic use of whitespace, thoughtful typography, and a mix of content blocks that work together to present information in an engaging, professional way.
Why This Layout Works
Magazine layouts are perfect for organizing different types of content while keeping everything looking polished and professional. They mix text and visuals in a way that makes even complex information easy to digest, just like your favorite print magazines do. By creating natural stopping points and visual variety throughout the page, they keep readers interested and scrolling for longer. And that's what we want!
Perfect For:
Real-World Examples:
Time Magazine
TIME’s website embraces a magazine-style layout, delivering a visually engaging, editorial-like experience. The bold feature stories at the top grab attention with striking imagery and layered text, mimicking the look of a magazine cover.
Below, editor’s picks and video content are neatly arranged in sections, making it easy to jump between trending stories, in-depth articles, and multimedia features. The mix of text, images, and negative space keeps everything balanced, allowing for a smooth, engaging read. It’s a modern take on classic print media, bringing that iconic TIME feel to the digital world.
Vogue Magazine
Vogue’s website embraces a high-fashion editorial layout, giving it the same luxurious, high-impact feel as its print magazine. The design is all about bold visuals and minimal distractions, with oversized runway images taking center stage.
The clean white space and sleek typography keep things sophisticated, letting the content breathe. Navigation stays discreet at the top, keeping the focus on striking imagery and storytelling. The layout feels like flipping through a glossy magazine—elegant, immersive, and effortlessly stylish.
The key to a successful magazine layout is mastering your grid system. Let it guide your content placement while maintaining enough flexibility to create visual interest. Your readers should feel the organization without seeing it.
8. The Interactive Layout: Design That Responds
Have you noticed how some websites respond to your every move - subtle animations as you scroll, elements that transform as you hover, or content that reveals itself based on your choices? That's an interactive layout at work.
It's design that responds to user actions, creating a dynamic experience that guides visitors through content in engaging ways. While traditional layouts present information straightforwardly, interactive layouts add thoughtful motion and response to enhance how users discover and engage with your content.
Why This Layout Works
Interactive layouts turn passive scrolling into an engaging treasure hunt through your content. They respond to visitors' actions with purposeful movements and reveals, making even complex information feel more approachable and memorable. When visitors click, hover, or scroll, the content comes alive - highlighting key points, unveiling new sections, and creating those "aha" moments that stick in people's minds. It's the difference between watching a presentation and being part of the story.
Perfect For:
Real-World Examples:
Apple Product Pages
Apple’s product pages use an interactive layout that feels sleek, engaging, and almost cinematic. Instead of static images and blocks of text, the page guides users through an experience, revealing product features as they scroll.
Smooth animations, parallax effects, and subtle transitions make everything feel dynamic, while the minimalist design keeps the focus on the product itself.
This approach makes exploring Apple devices feel hands-on—almost like you’re testing them out before even stepping into a store. It’s clean, immersive, and packed with just enough motion to keep things exciting without overwhelming the user.
Interactive layouts keep visitors engaged, and parallax effects add that extra touch of depth and motion. Whether you're looking to create a dynamic scrolling experience or add subtle movement to your site, parallax can make a huge impact.
📌 Want to add parallax effects to your website? [Follow our step-by-step guide]
Think of interactive elements as highlights in your content, not the main show. Each animation or interaction should enhance your message, not distract from it. The best interactive layouts feel natural and intuitive - users shouldn't need an instruction manual to navigate your site.
9. The Grid-Based Layout: Organized, Clean, Effective
Grid layouts bring structure and clarity to web design through a systematic approach to content organization. Breaking your page into consistent columns and rows creates predictable patterns that make websites easier to browse and understand. It's one of the most trusted approaches in web design because it combines visual appeal with practical functionality.
Why This Layout Works
I appreciate how grid layouts bring order to content without making it feel stiff or boring. They create a natural flow that guides visitors through your site while keeping everything tidy and easy to find. Think of them as the invisible framework that makes good design look effortless. They organize content in a way that just makes sense to the eye. When done right, grid layouts make your site look great on any device without losing their impact or usefulness.
Perfect For:
Real-World Examples:
Etsy
Etsy’s homepage embraces a grid layout that feels both organized and visually inviting. Products and categories are arranged in neat, evenly spaced blocks, making it easy to browse without feeling cluttered. The design mixes larger feature sections—like the hero banners at the top—with smaller grid-based product categories below, creating a balance between curated inspiration and direct shopping.
The clean, structured layout helps highlight the diversity of handmade and vintage items while keeping everything feeling fresh and easy to explore. It’s a mix of function and aesthetics that makes discovering unique finds effortless.
Awwwards
Awwwards uses a minimalist grid layout that keeps the focus on the showcased websites while maintaining a sleek, high-end feel. The homepage is structured with large, bold typography at the top, followed by a neatly arranged grid of nominated and winning sites.
Each project gets its own clean, spacious card, making it easy to browse without visual clutter. The use of white space helps each design stand out, and the grid adapts fluidly as more projects are added. It’s a layout that feels both curated and effortless—perfect for a platform dedicated to highlighting the best in web design.
Good grid design is about finding the right balance between structure and breathing room. Keep your content organized but don't pack every available space - let your layout breathe and your content will stand out more effectively.
How to Choose the Right Layout (That Actually Works for You)
After exploring all these layouts, you might be wondering which one is right for your website. Here's the truth: the best layout isn't about following trends or copying competitors - it's about understanding your specific needs and audience.
Start with Your Audience's Behavior Your visitors' habits should drive your layout choice. If you're targeting busy professionals who quickly scan content, an F-pattern layout might serve you better than a more experimental asymmetrical design. Running an online store for creative millennials? A dynamic grid or cards layout could keep them engaged longer than a traditional magazine layout.
Match Your Layout to Your Goals Different layouts excel at different jobs. When you need to guide visitors through a clear sequence of information toward a purchase decision, Z-patterns shine. Want to showcase a portfolio of work? Fullscreen or asymmetrical layouts can create that wow factor. Building a content-heavy site? Magazine layouts help organize complex information without overwhelming readers.
Let Your Content Guide You Your content type often suggests the most effective layout:
- Photo-heavy content naturally fits grid or cards layouts
- Long-form articles work beautifully with magazine or F-patterns
- Product launches benefit from Z-pattern's natural flow
- Brand stories come alive with fullscreen imagery
Mix and Match Strategically Here's something many designers won't tell you: you don't have to stick to just one layout. Your homepage might benefit from a Z-pattern to drive action, while your blog archives might work better with a cards layout. Think of layouts as tools in your toolkit - use the right one for each job.
Most Importantly, Use the Right Tools
No matter which website layout you choose, the right tools make all the difference—especially if you're not a designer or you want to build your site quickly without compromising on quality. Instead of starting from scratch or struggling with complex design choices, using tools that come with professionally designed templates ensures your website is built with proven web design principles baked in.
That’s why my top recommendations are Thrive Theme Builder and Thrive Architect.
- Thrive Theme Builder gives you a complete, customizable WordPress theme designed for flexibility and speed. It lets you choose a layout, tweak it to fit your brand, and launch a polished, conversion-focused website—without touching a single line of code.
- Thrive Architect is the ultimate drag-and-drop page builder that makes customization effortless. Whether you want to adjust your layout, add interactive elements, or fine-tune your design, Thrive Architect gives you total control over your website’s look and feel.
With these tools, you’re not just throwing together a website—you’re building a strategically designed site that’s optimized for engagement, conversions, and a seamless user experience. So, if you’re serious about getting your website up and running the right way, start with the tools that make it easy.
Choosing the Best Website Layout Is Just the Beginning
Great websites aren’t just about layouts—they’re about understanding your audience, your goals, and how design impacts user experience. The layouts we’ve explored aren’t rigid templates but adaptable patterns that help you create a site that works for your needs.
Your layout choice isn’t set in stone. As your site grows, your needs may change. Start with what makes sense now, monitor how visitors interact, and tweak as needed. Whether it’s the structured flow of an F-pattern, the bold impact of a fullscreen layout, or the organization of cards, the best layout is the one that guides visitors seamlessly toward action.
But having the right layout is only part of the equation—you need the right tools to bring it to life. Thrive Theme Builder and Thrive Architect make it easy to create and customize your site, even if you’re not a designer. Get started today and build a site that’s not just beautiful, but high-performing.
