5 Website Layouts That May Live Forever

Web design and development is all about creativity and being familiar of technicalities. While trends keep coming and going in web field, website layouts have shown acceptance even if one chooses to remain non-experimental. Experiments are done with layouts too but there are some designs that are never frowned upon on usage. Here are some of the website layouts that survived longer than their lifespan and might live forever;

Two columns & header

This layout design can hold the title of being one of the oldest arrangements and is probably in existence from the time of ‘classic’ web. One column is larger as compared to the other. The smaller one usually serves as a navigation pane and could fall on either sides of the bigger column. Blogs that go for this layout usually prefer to keep the smaller column on the right while a static website keeps it on the left.

Three columns & header

The three column layout arrangement has been popularized by Blogger & WordPress and has widely been preferred by developers. The main content column is sandwiched between two smaller columns on both sides. While both the smaller columns could carry navigational elements, sometimes advertisements find place in the right one. The wide header on the other hand covers all the columns. Such arrangement with little adjustments here and there appeals to web portal development company India, UK and US alike.

Large screenshot arrangement

For pitching a particular app or software, this layout is very much appropriate. It has recently replaced by other layouts but is still popular in usage. A large screenshot of the app or software is placed directly below the header. The image is usually very high in resolution & quality, and thus is meant to inspire awe from viewers. Sliders and drop shadows are also sometimes used to add layers. The big screenshot is followed by multiple grid boxes that contain information. A software development company with multiple offerings doesn’t normally go for this arrangement.

Single column arrangement

It would not be wrong to call this layout arrangement a little bent towards minimalist. With a wide header and navigation menu, there is only a single content column. Though the arrangement is not new, Tumblr can be quoted as the most distinguished example for this arrangement. If the website doesn’t go for unlimited scrolling, then, there is scope for footer where important navigation elements can be placed.

Featured image or graphic

This is one of the best layout arrangements for focusing viewer’s attention at one point. Popular amongst app developers, this layout too qualifies as minimal in nature as there is just one featured image along with a content small column beside it. Footer gives way to company information, important links and disclaimers.

Usage of a layout is also influenced by the type of website it will represent. For instance, a website offering open source e-commerce solutions asks for a different layout as compared to a news blog.

While the above listed five layouts might always be there to be seen, there are others too like fixed sidebar and magazine style layout that are gaining the same amount of attention.