Topic What do your prefer? Dark or Light Background Webpage?

anthomeyer

Some people claimed that light background web site is better in terms of usability. But the other half of the room object, suggest that black background made the overall page looks more "elegant".

Currently, I am working on a wordpress blog design. Not sure what color to use. So, what do you think?

Generally, do you prefer light or dark background?

SageMother

I generally prefer a darker background, but not necessarily black. White and beige are so boring and I like the stimulus of a deeper color.

ACCER

It depends. Business websites seem to do better with a light background. The exception to this is some music and Goth type sites.

sbarber77

It depends on what type of content the website has.

I agree that a dark background does add some elegance but I also agree that a light background is better for business type sites.

Just my own opinion but that is what I prefer.

Donkey

It really depends on the entire color scheme of the site and it's content.

You can have both a light background and dark background provided you properly select text colors, font types, font sizes, graphics, etc.

The background should be the thing that ties your entire scheme together without detracting from what the site offers.

10cents

I have both backgrounds in separate blogs. White space has greater readability, hence usability, since we are more accustomed to it and black text do stand out in a white background. I use it on a general topic blogged in difference to those whose sights are failing. I have a black blog for more upbeat topics and the color is a personal preference.

svarog

Depends on the nature of the website.

Usually, for general purpose light background is better, but for certain niches, a dark background will look more in place.

Ricardo

I agree that it depends on the content.

I like examples of both, but sometimes with darker backgrounds there have been poor choices of text colours, that makes the content difficult to read.

Donkey

Some can argue that a light background is actually worse for people with aging or degrading vision, since the brightness causes their eyes to burn. I work with computers all day long and guess what my CAD background is BLACK.

If done correctly a dark background with the proper fonts, font weights, and colors and darker scheme will be easier on the eyes for prolonged periods of time.

I know many people that complain about white, especially with new flat panel monitors and TVs when they don't have the back light turned down...

10cents

Hmmnn, I've worked in CAD environments too and it was always black. I always thought that's the way those apps were designed, but maybe you're right, we do stare at fine lines for hours on end. Interesting idea, might try it on my blogs. Thanks.