Red has been all over high-fashion runways and home decor TikTok. And its increased use is signaling a cultural shift toward bold, expressive aesthetics.
But red has never really gone out of style. There’s a reason why major brands like Netflix, Coca-Cola and Youtube have always used red as a primary branding color. It commands attention and creates a memorable impact with consumers. It’s also highly versatile, evoking a wide range of connotations: luxury, power, seduction, danger, urgency and even holiday warmth. (Learn more: Everthing designers should know about color theory)
When integrated into your Wix Studio designs, red has the potential to captivate users, drive engagement and help sites stand out in a crowded digital space. Let's explore why red has been trending this year, dive into some red website examples and look at ways for you to tap into the trend.
Why red web design is trending
Red first emerged as a dominant color in 2024's cultural landscape through fashion. In Pantone's Fashion Color Trend Report for London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2023/2024, red was prominently featured through shades like Fiery Red. Fashion insiders predicted that Cherry Red would be the “It color” of Fall.
Elsewhere in the cultural zeitgeist, the "unexpected red theory," on TikTok taught us how to use red accents to enhance our living spaces, adding vibrancy and warmth to any room.
Meanwhile, Doja Cat’s bold use of the color in her Paint the Town Red music video went viral, and the quiet luxury trend in beauty prompted the return of wine-red nail polish and bright-red lipstick.
Red's prominence in web design is a vibrant contrast to the minimalist black-and-white websites that typically dominate the internet, and its dynamic energy reflects a broader movement toward expressive design. (It also aligns with the dopamine color web trend that we’ve seen gain traction over the last year.) Whether for accent elements, calls to action, or full-bodied backgrounds, red’s appeal can be a powerful tool in creating engaging, visually striking online spaces.
Red web design examples
Here's how designers have creatively leveraged red on their Wix Studio websites to achieve a striking, balanced look.
Bizi Creative
Bizi Creative’s website features tomato-red accents that pop against a cream-colored backdrop. This high-contrast palette doesn’t just catch the eye; it guides it, lending visual hierarchy to each section without overwhelming you with saturated color. Its parallax scrolling gives the site a sense of movement, creating a layered, almost tactile experience that keeps users engaged as they move through each section. Anchored by a dark gray footer that subtly reins in the intensity, the red-accented elements flow seamlessly, balancing vibrancy with restraint. The result is a design that feels as dynamic and refined as the brand it represents.
Howdy Studio
Howdy Studio’s website is a study in bold minimalism, framing its content in a distinctive cherry-red border that brings a touch of editorial edge. Right from the get-go, the homepage pulls you in with a looping background video that sets an energetic tone, complemented by crisp white typography that demands attention. As you scroll, the layout maintains a stark white background, creating a clean canvas that lets red header fonts and callout sections pop. This interplay of red and white offers a refreshing take on web design that feels striking yet restrained. It’s a design that speaks to the power of thoughtful, uncluttered visuals.
Nickyo’s Rodeo
The website for Nickyo's Rodeo, a historic bar in North Carolina, serves up a bold, retro Western vibe. The display typeface above the fold sits atop a halftone-style photo in vivid vermillion, setting a distinctly vintage tone against a pale peach backdrop. The design is playful yet refined, with illustrated marquee icons scrolling horizontally for a touch of whimsy. As you move further, the site transitions to a black-and-white, Super 8-style gif of a desert landscape—a cinematic nod to the Wild West—punctuated by bright citron typography that balances the striking red tones in the following section. The site’s blend of modern photography and vintage newspaper clippings captures the bar’s legacy while ushering it into a fresh era. It’s a smart, stylish homage that promises the new Nickyo's Rodeo will be more than just a bar—it’s a revival of classic Americana.
GoodQues
The website for consulting startup GoodQues grabs your attention at first scroll. The bold opener gives way to sleek dark navy and soft powder blue sections, creating a layered visual experience enhanced by parallax scrolling that reveals photos and text in clean, engaging sequences. The white background maintains a sense of openness, allowing each color—mirroring the brand’s logo—to stand out without overwhelming viewers. It’s a balanced, strategic use of color and movement that feels fresh and intentional, conveying both confidence and warmth. GoodQues has crafted a digital presence that resonates with the contemporary business client: bold, trustworthy and ready for action.
DrumSpirit
DrumSpirit, a Belgian-based percussion ensemble, goes full-throttle with its website design, hitting you with cherry-red display typography that stretches across a cream background. Black-and-white cutout images overlay the text, lending a tactile, collage-like feel that’s both artistic and raw. As you scroll, the energy shifts: a black section with neon green typography and bold checkered patterns cranks up the visual rhythm, evoking a sense of movement and dynamic performance. Another section dives into a striking red gradient that fades from deep maroon to vibrant pink, with parallax photos and videos that come alive as you scroll. The site feels like a visual score: layered, rhythmic and impossible to ignore.
Trip’n Yeti
Outdoor and adventure gear brand Trip'n Yeti uses a more muted red to strike a balance between retro and rugged appeal. Groovy fonts like Hobo lend the headers a playful, laid-back energy that’s echoed in the logotype—perfectly matched with the surf photography that serves as the site’s scenic backdrop. The color palette is understated but compelling, with a burnt umber red and earthy neutrals in brown and cream, creating an inviting yet grounded aesthetic. A dark gray footer anchors the design, offering a solid finish to each scroll. The result feels like a throwback to vintage surf and travel culture.
This Wix Studio template
This maximalist restaurant template takes a bold, unconventional approach to web design, injecting personality and flair with a color palette that’s anything but shy. Fire-engine red punctuates buttons and sections below the fold, adding a jolt of energy, while a full-screen hero photo layered with lime-green headers instantly commands attention. Oval shapes encase subheadings, and horizontal scrolling marquees lend the site a dynamic, playful feel.
But it’s the color strategy that sets this template apart: instead of relying solely on red for impact, it weaves in a pastel palette of pink, yellow, green and purple, creating a vibrant and engaging user experience. Subtle animated cutouts of menu ingredients keep the design fresh and immersive.
How to tap into the red web design trend effectively
Use red as a bold accent: Add red to buttons, headers or key sections to create visual hierarchy and direct attention.
Experiment with shades of red: Instead of classic red, try shades like burnt umber or maroon for a modern, earthy vibe that feels fresh yet grounded.
Combine red with contrasting colors: Pair red with softer tones—like cream or pastel pinks, yellows or greens—for a vibrant but refined look.
Layer red with textures and patterns: Use red over textured or patterned backgrounds, such as checkered designs or parallax images, to add depth and energy.
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