The realm of WordPress development evolves at a rapid pace and WordPress agencies must learn about key trends and practices to deliver impressive sites. WordPress dark mode has emerged as one of the most popular features for websites in recent years.
Not only does it provide a sleek, modern look, but it also offers practical benefits that enhance the user experience.
According to a recent study, nearly 81% of smartphone users prefer dark mode due to its eye-friendly design and energy-saving capabilities. Enabling dark mode on your clients’ website can increase visitor engagement, reduce strain, and even extend the battery life of mobile devices.
For WordPress agencies, understanding and leveraging dark mode is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. This guide dives deep into what WordPress dark mode is, how it differs from regular mode, why agencies should care about it, its benefits, use cases, and how to implement it effectively.
Table of Contents
What is WordPress Dark Mode?
WordPress dark mode is a display setting that inverts the traditional light color scheme (white background with black text) to a dark color scheme (black or dark gray background with light text). It’s designed to reduce eye strain, save energy, and provide a visually appealing alternative to the standard light mode.
Dark mode is not just a trend; it’s a response to the growing demand for user-friendly interfaces. With major platforms like macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android offering system-wide dark mode, users now expect the same from websites. WordPress, being the most popular CMS, has embraced this trend with plugins and themes that enable dark mode functionality.
How is Dark Mode Different from Regular Mode?
Dark mode in WordPress isn’t just a color swap; it provides a completely different experience for users. The shift from the typical light background to a dark one impacts everything from visual appeal to energy consumption.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how dark mode differs from regular mode:
| Aspect | Regular Mode | Dark Mode |
| Color Scheme | Light background with dark text | Dark background with light text |
| Energy Efficiency | More energy-consuming on OLED screens | Consumes less power, especially on OLED and AMOLED screens |
| Eye Strain Reduction | Can cause eye strain due to bright light | Reduces eye strain and blue light exposure |
| Aesthetic Appeal | The bright and conventional look | Sleek, modern, and stylish, ideal for low-light environments |
| Accessibility | May be uncomfortable for users sensitive to bright light | Improves readability for those with visual impairments or light sensitivity |
As you can see, WordPress dark mode offers significant advantages over traditional design, making it an increasingly essential feature for modern websites.
Why Should WordPress Agencies Care About WordPress Dark Mode?
For WordPress agencies, dark mode is more than just a design choice—it’s a strategic tool to enhance client websites. Here’s why agencies should prioritize learning and implementing dark mode:
1. Growing User Demand
A recent survey by Android Authority revealed that 81% of users prefer dark mode due to its comfort and battery-saving benefits. For WordPress agencies, offering dark mode as part of website designs addresses a clear demand and enhances user satisfaction.
By integrating dark mode, agencies can cater to this growing preference, improving overall website usability and customer experience.
2. Competitive Advantage
In a saturated market, offering WordPress dark mode can be a unique selling point (USP) that distinguishes your agency from competitors. Many websites still rely on the classic light theme, making dark mode a differentiator.
Agencies that embrace this modern feature can advertise it as a specialized service, positioning themselves as forward-thinking and client-centric.
3. Improved User Engagement
With dark mode in WordPress, bounce rates decrease as users are more likely to stay longer on a site that’s easier on the eyes, especially in low-light settings or at night. Dark mode provides a more comfortable and enjoyable browsing experience, which encourages engagement.
This is particularly beneficial for clients in industries like tech, gaming, or lifestyle, where long browsing sessions are typical.
4. Enhanced Brand Identity
Dark mode allows agencies to be more creative with branding. It’s a chance to enhance the look and feel of a website by aligning dark mode with a client’s brand colors, logos, and overall identity.
Agencies can use dark mode to elevate the visual appeal of a brand, ensuring the site is both functional and a perfect representation of the client’s brand vision.
5. Technical Expertise
By mastering the implementation of dark mode, WordPress agencies can set themselves apart as technical experts in modern design trends. As dark mode continues to rise in popularity, agencies that stay ahead of the curve will be viewed as leaders in the field.
This positions your agency as an innovative partner for clients seeking cutting-edge website designs and builds, attracting more business.
How to Add WordPress Dark Mode
As WordPress dark mode continues to gain popularity among users, adding this feature to your WordPress site has become a must for enhancing user experience and keeping up with modern web design trends.
Whether you’re building a personal blog, an e-commerce site, or a portfolio that impresses, adding WordPress dark mode can make your site more visually appealing and improve usability, especially in low-light environments.
There are several ways to add dark mode to your WordPress website, each catering to different needs.
Below, we’ll compare the various methods you can use to implement WordPress dark mode, followed by step-by-step instructions for each approach.
| Method | Ease of Implementation | Customization Options | Impact on Performance | Best for |
| Dark Mode Plugin | Easy | Moderate | Low | Agencies looking for a quick solution |
| Theme Customization | Moderate | High | Moderate | Agencies with custom branding needs |
| Custom CSS | Advanced | High | Low | Developers comfortable with coding |
| Using a Page Builder (e.g., Elementor) | Moderate | High | Moderate | Agencies using page builders for custom designs |
Method 1: Using a Dark Mode Plugin
Using a WordPress dark mode plugin is the easiest and quickest way to integrate dark mode on a WordPress site. There are various WordPress dark mode plugins available that provide one-click installation and simple configuration.
Steps to Add Dark Mode Using a Plugin:
- From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for “WP Dark Mode“ (or your preferred plugin).
- Click Install Now and then Activate the plugin.
- Once activated, go to the plugin settings under Settings > WP Dark Mode.
- Toggle on the option to enable dark mode on your site.
- Customize settings such as user-switchable options or automatic dark mode based on user preference.
- Save the changes, then visit your website to see dark mode in action.
Pro Tip: Create a staging site and test the plugin to avoid any plugin or theme conflict before installing it on the live site.
Method 2: Using Theme Customization
For agencies that want full control over the design, adding dark mode through theme customization is a great option. Most premium WordPress themes come with built-in dark mode features that can be activated from the theme customizer.
Steps to Add Dark Mode Using Theme Customization:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Appearance > Customize.
- Look for any options related to Colors or Layout, such as Dark Mode or Night Mode.
- If the theme supports dark mode, you’ll likely find an option to enable it here.
- If the toggle option is available, simply toggle it on. Customize further if necessary (adjusting background colors, font contrasts, etc.).
- After adjusting settings, click Publish to make dark mode live on your website.
Method 3: Adding Custom CSS
For WordPress developers or agencies with custom design needs, adding dark mode via CSS is an advanced yet highly customizable option. This method requires knowledge of CSS to alter the website’s styling and create a seamless dark mode effect.
Steps to Add Dark Mode Using Custom CSS:
- Write custom CSS that adjusts the site’s background colors, text colors, and other elements for dark mode.
For example:
body {
background-color: #121212;
color: #ffffff;
}
a {
color: #4caf50;
}
- Go to Appearance > Customize.
- Navigate to Additional CSS and paste the CSS code.
- Click Publish to apply the changes.
- Visit your website to confirm that the dark mode is activated.
Method 4: Using a Page Builder
Many page builders offer advanced customization features, including dark mode options for individual pages or the entire site. This method is especially helpful for agencies that want to create unique dark-mode designs for their clients.
Steps to Add Dark Mode Using Page Builder
For the sake of this guide, we’re using Elementor page builder as it supports dark mode.
- From the WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for Elementor and click Install Now, then activate it.
- Create or edit a page using Elementor.
- Navigate to Section > Style, and change the background color to a darker shade.
- Adjust text, button colors, and other elements to suit the dark theme.
- Use Global Settings to set the default dark mode styling for all pages.
- After adjusting the settings, click Publish to apply the dark mode design.
Which Type of Sites are Perfect to Build in WordPress Dark Mode
While activating WordPress dark mode can be beneficial in most cases, there are certain types of sites where this mode does wonders.
1. Entertainment and Gaming Websites
Gaming, movies, and entertainment sites often feature high-intensity visuals, neon lighting, and dark-themed imagery. WordPress dark mode makes these websites pop while also creating a more immersive and cinematic experience for users.
Gaming enthusiasts, in particular, are accustomed to dark mode, making it an ideal fit for websites in this niche.
The contrast between dark backgrounds and vibrant colors enhances visual appeal, making it perfect for showcasing game trailers, videos, and dynamic content. Dark mode also reduces eye strain during extended periods of use, which is important for gamers and movie buffs.
2. Photography and Art Portfolio Sites
Photography and art websites rely heavily on showcasing high-quality images and visuals. Dark mode provides a minimalist background that helps images stand out without distractions.
This allows the artwork and photography to be the focal point, rather than being overshadowed by the website’s layout.
A clean and elegant design that lets colors and details in the artwork shine. Dark backgrounds are perfect for enhancing vibrant images, particularly on high-definition displays.
3. Tech, Software, and SaaS Websites
Technology and SaaS (Software as a Service) websites often use sleek, modern designs, which dark mode complements perfectly. Tech-savvy audiences appreciate a cutting-edge look and dark mode offers a futuristic and professional vibe that appeals to this demographic.
A polished and sophisticated user interface (UI) that communicates modernity and innovation. Tech companies often use dark mode to provide a clean canvas for showcasing their products, apps, and software demos.
4. News, Magazine, and Blog Sites
Websites that contain long-form content, such as news outlets or blogs, benefit from dark mode because it can reduce eye fatigue during long reading sessions. Since many users consume content late at night, dark mode can make these sites more comfortable to read in dimly lit environments.
A reading-friendly environment with reduced glare can enhance the user experience. For agencies working with content-driven sites, dark mode helps improve accessibility and overall user engagement, especially for readers who spend a lot of time on news or blog sites.
5. Health and Fitness Websites
Health and fitness websites, especially those that include videos, workout guides, and training programs, can benefit from dark mode’s ability to reduce distractions and keep focus on the content. Dark mode also adds a sense of calm and serenity, which aligns with many wellness and fitness goals.
A relaxing, focused, and comfortable browsing experience that helps users concentrate on fitness tutorials, nutritional guides, and workout plans. It also creates a modern and sleek visual style for wellness brands.
6. E-commerce and Fashion Websites
Fashion and e-commerce websites thrive on aesthetics and creating a desirable experience for shoppers. Dark mode can create a luxurious and high-end look, drawing attention to products and allowing product images to stand out.
A visually appealing and sophisticated layout that complements bold product photography and clean designs. Dark mode can also improve the contrast for products that use vibrant colors, allowing them to stand out more vividly.
7. Music and Audio Websites
Music websites, whether for artists, streaming services, or podcasts, benefit from dark mode due to their ability to create an immersive experience that complements album artwork, track listings, and audio players. Many music platforms already use dark themes to align with their branding and user base preferences.
An immersive, visually compelling design that enhances album art, music videos, and audio controls. Dark mode also makes browsing through playlists, podcasts, and tracks easier on the eyes, especially during late-night listening sessions.
8. Lifestyle and Fashion Blogs
Lifestyle and fashion bloggers often incorporate visual content such as photoshoots, clothing collections, and style guides. Dark mode provides a perfect backdrop to these visuals, making fashion and lifestyle products look more premium and visually stunning.
A chic, stylish, and modern atmosphere that complements the aesthetics of the fashion and lifestyle industry. The contrast between dark mode and bright product photography can elevate the overall user experience, making it more engaging and sophisticated.
9. Video Streaming Platforms
Video streaming platforms such as entertainment, sports, or education benefit from dark mode because it reduces glare from screens during long hours of watching content. Dark mode also enhances the viewing experience by providing a cinematic background that doesn’t compete with the video.
A comfortable, immersive environment where users can focus solely on the video content. Since most videos are dark or high-contrast, WordPress dark mode ensures that the focus remains on the content without causing visual discomfort.
10. Creative Agencies and Designers
Creative agencies and designers benefit from the WordPress dark mode for showcasing their portfolios, design works, and case studies in an engaging way. Dark backgrounds can help highlight design elements without overshadowing them with excessive light.
A sleek and modern look that reflects the agency’s design skills and forward-thinking approach. Dark mode also appeals to users who are creative professionals or design-savvy, making them feel more aligned with the agency’s branding.
11. Online Communities and Forums
Forums and online communities, especially those with high activity and long engagement sessions, are ideal for WordPress dark mode. Users are likely to spend extended hours interacting, and dark mode makes the experience more comfortable and less straining on the eyes.
A more enjoyable and comfortable browsing experience for users, especially during nighttime or in low-light environments. It also enhances the visual appeal of discussions, threads, and user-generated content, helping foster deeper engagement.
Best Practices for WordPress Dark Mode
When integrating WordPress dark mode into your website, it’s important to ensure a smooth, user-friendly experience that maintains accessibility and performance.
Dark mode in WordPress can be a powerful tool to enhance your site’s design and usability, but it needs to be implemented thoughtfully. Below are some best practices for optimizing dark mode on WordPress sites, ensuring that your clients get the best results.
1. Avoid Pure Black
While dark mode is designed to reduce eye strain, using pure black (#000000) as the background can have the opposite effect, especially on OLED screens. Pure black backgrounds emit a sharp contrast that can be jarring to the eyes over time.
Best Practice: Instead of using pure black, opt for dark gray shades such as #121212 or #1a1a1a. These provide a softer contrast, reducing the harshness and making the content easier to read over extended periods.
Tip for Agencies: Encourage clients to use dark grays as the primary background for a balanced and visually comfortable dark mode experience.
2. Maintain Contrast
Clear text readability is critical in dark mode. Insufficient contrast between text and background colors can make content hard to read, especially for people with visual impairments.
Best Practice: Ensure that the contrast ratio between the background and text meets accessibility standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required to comply with the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) for normal text. You can check your website’s color contrast using different tools.
Tip for Agencies: Test multiple text color combinations against the background color to ensure a comfortable, readable user experience.
3. Test Accessibility
Accessibility is a key component of an inclusive web design. Many users rely on dark mode to reduce eye strain, but without proper color contrasts and accessibility features, the dark mode experience could be counterproductive.
Best Practice: Use accessibility testing tools to verify that your dark mode complies with accessibility guidelines. Testing ensures that the site remains usable for everyone, including users with low vision or other disabilities.
Tip for Agencies: When implementing dark mode, make sure your design meets accessibility standards for all users to avoid alienating potential clients or customers
4. Optimize for Performance
Dark mode might look great, but if it negatively impacts your website’s performance, it could lead to slow page loads and a poor user experience. Heavy CSS effects, animations, or high-resolution images may cause the site to load slower, which is detrimental to user engagement and SEO.
Best Practice: Avoid the use of complex CSS animations or high-end visuals that may consume excessive resources. Keep dark mode implementation simple and lean, using optimized images and assets that don’t slow down the site.
Tip for Agencies: Regularly test your website’s performance after adding dark mode to ensure that the design doesn’t compromise loading times, especially on mobile devices.
5. Educate Clients
While dark mode is widely popular, some clients might not fully understand its benefits or why it’s essential to integrate it into their websites. Explaining how dark mode improves user experience and accessibility can help secure buy-in.
Best Practice: Take time to educate your clients on how dark mode can positively impact their website’s performance and user engagement. Explain the trends, benefits, and technical side of implementing dark mode for them.
Tip for Agencies: Share case studies or statistics (such as 81% of users preferring dark mode) with clients to show them the potential advantages of adding this feature to their sites.
6. Offer Customization Options
Not all users have the same preferences. While dark mode is a great choice for many, some users might still prefer a light theme. Offering customization options allows users to toggle between dark and light modes based on their preferences.
Best Practice: Implement a toggle switch that allows users to choose between dark and light modes according to their needs. This provides a personalized experience that can increase user satisfaction.
Tip for Agencies: Make sure to include a clear and easy-to-find toggle on your site. This ensures users can quickly switch between modes without disrupting their experience.
7. Test Across Devices
Dark mode may look different on various devices and screen types (e.g., mobile phones, desktops, tablets). What works well on one device may not be optimal on another.
Best Practice: Test dark mode across different devices and browsers to ensure the implementation is consistent. Pay attention to how dark mode looks on OLED vs. LCD screens, as the visual effect may vary.
Tip for Agencies: Use responsive design principles to ensure dark mode adapts seamlessly across devices. This way, whether the user is on a desktop or mobile, they’ll have a consistent and enjoyable experience.
8. Maintain Branding Consistency
Dark mode doesn’t mean you have to lose the core elements of your client’s brand identity. You can still maintain the same colors and design styles while adapting them to dark mode.
Best Practice: Ensure that the brand’s primary colors and logo work well in dark mode. Adjust their brightness, contrast, and saturation levels to fit the dark background without losing the essence of the brand.
Tip for Agencies: Customize your client’s dark mode theme to match their brand guidelines. This includes modifying button colors, logo placement, and text styles to maintain the same brand image across light and dark modes.
9. Keep Navigation Simple and Intuitive
In dark mode, certain navigation elements (like links and buttons) can become difficult to identify if not properly styled. Clear and intuitive navigation ensures that users can find what they need without confusion.
Best Practice: Make sure that all interactive elements like buttons, links, and navigation menus are easily distinguishable against dark backgrounds. Consider adding hover effects, underlining links, or using brighter colors for interactive elements.
Tip for Agencies: Test the navigation on a variety of devices and under different lighting conditions to ensure it’s intuitive and user-friendly in dark mode.
Conclusion
When the success of a WordPress agency mainly depends on building thriving sites, ignoring WordPress dark mode is not a good sign. It’s more than just a design trend—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing user experience, improving accessibility, and staying ahead of the competition. For WordPress agencies, mastering dark mode implementation is a valuable skill that can attract more clients and elevate their portfolio.
So, whether you’re building an e-commerce site, a portfolio, or a blog, WordPress dark mode is a feature worth exploring.
Ready to take your client websites to the next level? Start implementing WordPress dark mode today and watch your agency’s reputation soar!