How Whitespace Transforms Web Design: 10 Inspiring Examples

In Kashiwa Kiyoshi’s book *Designing Design*, the concept of “Exformation”—the process of turning the known into the unknown—is highlighted as a core design principle, exemplified by Muji’s minimalist style.

Applying this theory to web design leads to the use of whitespace, a clean‑look approach increasingly popular in modern websites. AnyForWeb has gathered a collection of ten whitespace design examples for inspiration.

1. This example showcases whitespace that makes the central image the visual focus, with surrounding textures adding depth while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

2. A sketch‑style homepage uses whitespace not as plain solid blocks but with subtle shadows and lighting, adding artistic flair to the site.

3. High‑resolution real‑world photography combined with large areas of whitespace creates a sense of openness, as shown in a highway scene that invites imagination.

4. By pairing whitespace with vivid colors, the highlighted text draws the user’s full attention, demonstrating whitespace’s role in emphasizing key content.

5. Combining subtle line graphics with generous whitespace and soft tones creates a sophisticated, high‑end feel rather than a boring minimalism.

6. A single‑page layout employs continuous whitespace and gradient colors, turning simplicity into an elegant visual experience.

7. Flat‑style design pairs well with whitespace; using low‑opacity colors enhances the cute, fresh vibe of the site.

8. A comic‑style website uses playful whitespace to evoke childhood comic strips, challenging the notion that whitespace is only for high‑end minimalism.

9. Yogy’s simple color palette and whitespace reduce visual clutter while maintaining a lively, approachable browsing experience.

10. SUBSIGN isolates its logo with surrounding whitespace, creating a spotlight effect that focuses attention, while background textures keep the design from feeling flat.

Exformation’s deeper meaning is “not just telling you something, but making you realize how much you don’t know.” The showcased cases aim to inspire designers with fresh perspectives on whitespace.