Creating website design is a creative process, which is why webmasters possess a refined flair that allows their work to stand alongside works of art. They create, they paint on a virtual canvas, shaping forms no less complex or beautiful than sculptures.
We chose this analogy because finding inspiration and interesting ideas in art for web design is absolutely possible. After all, every designer tries to discover something special in the works of great artists. So why should web designers be any different? We all know how challenging it is to design a unique look for each website. Not everyone can generate ideas like a supercomputer.
That’s why in the coming articles, we’ll explore how elements and ideas from the art of past centuries can inspire and influence modern web design.
Ancient Egypt
The art of Ancient Egypt is unusual and unique, distinguished not only by monumental principles in architecture—rectangles and triangles—but also by the abundance of stylized drawings, hieroglyphs, and characteristic sculptures that have become the hallmark of the era.
Web designers often use this style when working on travel websites. However, individual Egyptian motifs can also be found in websites seemingly unrelated to Egypt.
One iconic architectural structure in Egypt is the Karnak temple complex, known for its irregular angles and slightly asymmetrical shapes. This concept inspires the diagonal layout of site elements while maintaining strict page structure.
Below, you can see how the ideas of pyramids, ornaments, and diagonals, along with mixed directions and themes, are applied.
Renaissance
The Renaissance holds special significance in world history. From the mid-15th century, it became the dominant movement in art, with masters such as Titian, Shakespeare, Inigo Jones, Raphael, Botticelli, Bramante, da Vinci, and many others creating their masterpieces.
A close look at their work reveals key features: specific perspective, balance between elements, and a deep connection to reality. A perfect example is Raphael’s fresco “The School of Athens.”
The fresco uses one-point perspective, drawing the viewer’s focus toward the central figures—Aristotle and Plato. This perspective makes the image realistic and ensures that the most important elements catch the eye.
A pet supply website utilizes this technique by using perspective to create a lifelike nature and animal scene on the homepage.
The symmetry in the fresco determines the characters’ placement. Around the central figures, Greek philosophers, cherubs, and even Raphael himself are symmetrically arranged. Plato and Aristotle stand above the others, forming the top of a trapezoid. Geometry and symmetry became foundational in Renaissance art.
In web design, symmetry is a commonly used principle. The examples below show logos placed at the center, with symmetrical category blocks and stretched content forming a structured layout that invites scrolling.
This layout is similar to Raphael’s “Disputation,” where figures and elements are arranged in multi-tiered perspective.
Baroque
As the Renaissance concluded in the late 16th century, the Baroque style emerged in Europe, embraced by artists like Caravaggio, Rubens, Rembrandt, and Poussin. Baroque paintings are defined by deep shadows, high contrast, rich tones, and dramatic storylines.
Rubens’ “Garden of Love” is a great example. It features contrasts between light and dark, vivid reds and blues, and most importantly—illuminated faces that guide the viewer’s understanding of the painting’s emotional narrative.
In the web design examples below, simplicity and clarity are emphasized, with vivid color highlights that draw attention to key elements.
We’ve chosen the websites for The Voice (Belgium) and Fluper design studio. Their visual elements recall the Baroque: light/dark contrasts, vivid highlights, and expressive photography capturing performers in motion. Just like Baroque paintings, characters appear frozen mid-action. On The Voice’s site, even the concept of conflict plays a role.
Rococo
The Rococo era followed in the 17th–18th centuries, emphasizing aristocratic and romantic themes in painting. The style is characterized by lightness, elegance, and whimsical imagery. Rococo interiors often featured ornate floral elements, curved forms, and mythological decorations.
Take a look at the interior of the Grand Palace in Peterhof. Rococo elements include scrolls, shells, curved corners, and ornamental detailing—forming the core of the style.
In web design, this translates into decorative elements and vintage-style logos. It is especially common for wedding-related sites, as shown below: one uses Rococo interior style and color schemes, the other a vivid, authentic company logo. Small illustrated buttons and icons add uniqueness and charm.
Romanticism
Romanticism began in the mid-18th century and is known for the intense emotional expression of its characters—fear, love, uncertainty, joy. As we discussed in a previous article, emotion is a key part of good design. Touching the visitor emotionally can encourage clicks, purchases, engagement, and more.
In Théodore Géricault’s “The Raft of the Medusa,” observe the survivors’ faces—despair, hope, panic, contemplation. You empathize with all of them, each in a different way.
With emotional power, a website's appearance can impact visitors deeply. For example, look at the Princess Noori tea website. It’s not overly complex, but the way information, photos, and animations are presented evokes strong feelings. It makes you want to try the tea—or even visit the place it comes from. Emotion? Absolutely—and at its best.
In Conclusion
Just like the development of the world, website design draws upon history—our shared past. As the saying goes: "everything new is well-forgotten old." The key is to reinterpret the old in new ways, adapting it to modern realities and combining styles creatively. Even today, many art and design programs include art history in their curriculum—proving its enduring value.
There are countless movements in painting and architecture, and we’ll continue exploring more examples in future materials.