Best Web Design of 2019: Trends That Made Websites Stand Out
In 2019, the best web design was about more than looking good. Successful websites combined distinctive visual ideas with fast performance, clear navigation and thoughtful experiences across mobile and desktop. As users came to expect more from the sites they visited, designers focused on making every interaction feel simple, purposeful and memorable.
Bold typography
Large, confident typography became a defining feature of many standout websites. Oversized headlines helped brands communicate their message quickly, while expressive typefaces added personality. The strongest designs used typography to guide visitors through the page, rather than treating it as decoration.
Asymmetrical layouts
Rigid, predictable grids gave way to more flexible compositions. Images, text and colour blocks were often arranged asymmetrically to create visual interest and direct attention. When used carefully, this approach made a website feel distinctive without compromising readability or ease of use.
Strong colour and gradients
Bright colours and gradients brought energy to websites in 20
Designers used them to highlight calls to action, distinguish sections and establish a recognisable visual identity. The best examples balanced bold palettes with clear contrast, ensuring that important content remained easy to read.
Purposeful animation
Subtle animations helped explain how a site worked and made interactions feel more responsive. A button might change when hovered over, or an image might appear as visitors scrolled. The most effective motion had a clear purpose; it supported the content instead of slowing visitors down or distracting them.
Mobile-first thinking
With so many people browsing on smartphones, mobile-friendly design was essential. The best websites worked smoothly on smaller screens, with legible text, touch-friendly controls and navigation that was easy to use. Rather than simply shrinking a desktop layout, designers considered the mobile experience from the outset.
Minimalism with personality
Clean layouts remained popular, but minimalism did not have to mean blandness. Strong photography, carefully chosen colours and distinctive details gave simple designs character. By removing unnecessary elements, designers made it easier for visitors to find the information or action they needed.
Accessibility and usability
Good design also meant considering how different people use the web. Clear heading structures, readable text, keyboard-friendly navigation and sufficient colour contrast all helped make websites more accessible. These practical choices benefited the overall experience for every visitor.
What made the best web design in 2019?
The strongest websites brought creativity and usability together. They had a clear purpose, loaded efficiently and made it easy for visitors to take the next step. Visual trends mattered, but they worked best when supported by sound content, consistent branding and a well-planned user experience.
Looking back, 2019 showed that effective web design is not simply about following the latest trend. It is about choosing the right ideas for a brand and its audience, then bringing them together in a site that is attractive, accessible and easy to use.
Top 7 Web Design Tips for 2019: Creating Clean, Mobile-Friendly, and Engaging Websites
- Keep layouts clean and uncluttered.
- Make every page mobile-friendly.
- Use bold typography for clear hierarchy.
- Choose a cohesive, accessible colour palette.
- Add subtle animation with restraint.
- Optimise images and loading speed.
- Use clear navigation and prominent calls to action.
Keep layouts clean and uncluttered.
Keeping layouts clean and uncluttered was one of the key principles of great web design in 2019. By removing unnecessary elements and giving content plenty of breathing space, designers made websites easier to navigate and helped visitors focus on what mattered. Clear visual hierarchy, concise copy and carefully chosen images could make a site feel polished without sacrificing personality or usability.
Make every page mobile-friendly.
Make every page mobile-friendly by designing for smaller screens from the outset, rather than simply shrinking a desktop layout. Use responsive layouts, readable text, fast-loading images and touch-friendly buttons, and make sure navigation is easy to use on a phone. A consistent, seamless experience across mobile, tablet and desktop helps visitors find what they need wherever they are.
Use bold typography for clear hierarchy.
Use bold typography to create a clear visual hierarchy and help visitors quickly understand what matters most. In 2019, standout websites often paired large, confident headlines with readable body text, guiding the eye from the main message to supporting details and calls to action. Choose typefaces that suit your brand, keep contrast strong and make sure text remains easy to read on smaller screens.
Choose a cohesive, accessible colour palette.
Choose a cohesive, accessible colour palette to give your website a polished, consistent feel. In 2019, bold colours and gradients were popular, but they worked best when used with purpose: select a small group of colours that reflects your brand, then use them consistently for backgrounds, text and buttons. Make sure there is enough contrast between text and its background, so content remains easy to read for everyone, including people with visual impairments.
Add subtle animation with restraint.
Subtle animation can make a website feel more engaging by guiding attention, signalling that an action has worked or adding a little polish to page transitions. In 2019, the best designs used movement with restraint: animations were quick, purposeful and never got in the way of content or navigation. Avoiding excessive effects also helped keep pages responsive and comfortable to use, including for visitors who prefer reduced motion.
Optimise images and loading speed.
Optimising images and loading speed is essential to good web design: large, uncompressed files can make pages slow and frustrate visitors, particularly on mobile connections. Resize images to the dimensions they’ll be displayed at, compress them without noticeably reducing quality, and choose efficient formats. Techniques such as lazy loading can also help, allowing images lower down the page to load only when needed. A faster website offers a smoother experience and makes it easier for visitors to stay engaged.
Use clear navigation and prominent calls to action.
Clear navigation helps visitors find what they need without frustration, so keep menus simple, use familiar labels and organise pages logically. Pair this with prominent calls to action that stand out visually and use concise, specific wording, such as “Get in touch” or “View our services”. Together, these elements make a website easier to use and guide visitors towards the next step.