2 responses to “How to replicate this website layout with centered content and side background”

1. To achieve a layout where your website content is centrally aligned with a background image or color on the sides, you can follow several strategic steps. Here’s a guide on how to accomplish this using WordPress, focusing on both theme customization and CSS.

   Step 1: Choose the Right Theme

   1. Select a Responsive Theme: First, ensure your chosen theme supports customizable layouts. Themes like Astra, OceanWP, or Divi are known for their flexibility.
   2. Customize the Layout: Many themes come with built-in layout options. Go to Appearance > Customize and explore if there are options for setting content widths or sidebars.

   Step 2: Utilize Page Builders

   1. Install a Page Builder: Plugins like Elementor or Beaver Builder allow for more control over your layout without needing extensive coding knowledge.
   2. Create a New Page: Use the page builder to create a new page. Set the page layout to “Full Width” or “No Sidebar” from the settings.
   3. Add Sections: Within the page builder, create a section for your content and adjust the width. Add another section behind with a background image or color that will fill the sides.

   Step 3: Custom CSS Adjustments

   If your theme or page builder doesn’t fully address your needs or you want finer control, you can apply custom CSS.

   1. Add Custom CSS: Go to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS. Here’s a basic example of custom CSS you can use:

   “`css
   body {
   background: url(‘your-image-url.jpg’) no-repeat center center fixed;
   background-size: cover;
   }

   .your-main-content-class {
   max-width: 1200px; / Adjust based on your design /
   margin: 0 auto; / Centers the content /
   background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8); / Optional: adds a translucent background for better text visibility /
   padding: 20px; / Space around content /
   }
   ``
Replaceyour-image-url.jpgwith the actual URL of your desired background image and.your-main-content-class` with the class that wraps your main content. You can inspect your page using the developer tools in your browser to find this class.

   Step 4: Background Image Settings

   1. Adjust Background Properties: If you utilize a CSS method, consider settings like background-size: cover; which ensures your image covers the full area without repeating and background-attachment: fixed; to create a parallax effect.
   2. Add Media Queries: For a responsive design, consider adding media queries to adjust the layout for different devices. Example:

   css
@media (max-width:768px) {
.your-main-content-class {
margin: 0 10px; /* Less margin on small screens */
background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 1); /* Solid background color on mobile */
}
}

   Step 5: Optimize for Performance

   1. Image Optimization: Large background images can slow down your site. Use tools like TinyPNG or ShortPixel to optimize your images without significant loss of quality.
   2. Responsive Images: Ensure your image is responsive. Use media queries to serve different image sizes based on the screen resolution.

   Final Thoughts

   By using a combination of the right theme, a robust page builder, and some custom CSS, you can achieve an aesthetically pleasing layout with content centered and a visually appealing background on the sides. Remember to frequently test your site on different devices and screen sizes to ensure the layout looks great everywhere!

   Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more personalized help on this setup!

   Reply

2. This is a fantastic guide! I appreciate the clear and structured approach you’ve outlined for achieving a centered content layout. One thing that might further enhance this design is considering the use of white space effectively. While you emphasize the importance of a captivating background, ensuring there’s adequate padding around the centered content can prevent it from feeling cramped. This not only improves readability but also draws more attention to your main features.

   Additionally, I would suggest exploring the use of contrasting text colors in relation to the background, as this can significantly impact accessibility. Tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker can help you determine whether the color combinations used meet web accessibility standards.

   Lastly, don’t forget to optimize images for faster loading times; a stunning background image can lose its charm if it slows down your site. Looking forward to seeing more posts like this one—thanks for sharing valuable insights into Web Design!

   Reply