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[mks_one_half]So now that you’ve installed WordPress, let’s make it beautiful. Most people just set up a blog and leave it on it’s default theme, or worse yet, change it to something even more hideous. I won’t let that happen to you. I’ve scavenged through[/mks_one_half]
[mks_one_half]every nook and cranny of the web to find you what I think are some of the most beautiful WordPress themes out there, and they’re all free. Some of these are actually much better than a lot of premium themes you can buy.[/mks_one_half]
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1.Pinbin
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://colorlib.com/pinbin/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
Inspired by pininterest, this theme is absolutely stunning. Perfect for any kind of blog. I had an entertainment blog with a similar theme, which did very well. Each post is split into it’s own little box for easy navigation, and the background is customisable. Another one of my favourites.
2. Resolution
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://kopatheme.com/demo/resolution-multi-purpose-wordpress-theme/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
This is also in top 3. The clean menu at the top, and the stunning main menu really makes this theme standout. The new/featured post thumbnails are beautifully fitted together and you can split the front page into sections.
3. Tracks
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://www.competethemes.com/tracks-live-demo/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
This is another one of my favourites, definitely in the top 3. It has a clean design and the post thumbnail completely integrates with the title and excerpt. Highly recommended. The social icons puts the icing on the cake.
4. Portfolio
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://dessign.net/responsiveportfoliotheme/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
Here’s another one which I’m surprised is free. It’s one of my favourites. Each blog post has it’s own little square, with the title and a tiny excerpt. The logo position is perfect to make your brand noticed, and the menu is simple and clean.
5. Adventurous
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://catchthemes.com/demo/adventurous/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
This comes with a large slider to showcase all your best work. This however comes with two menus at the top, perfect for a blog’s navigation. You can have all your categories along the bottom menu, whilst the top can be your contact, about, home etc.
6. Creative
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://dessign.net/unittheme/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
This one also has a large slider on the home page. What I love however is the simplicity. There are no menu outlines so it has a very clean and professional look.
7. Dualshock
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://demo.mythemeshop.com/s/?theme=DualShock” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
I’m surprised this one was free. The posts navigation on the side is perfect for a blog, and the little thumbnail makes it that much better. I love how each section is broken into its own little area, and the sharp square edges make it all pop out.
8. Enigma
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://demo.weblizar.com/enigma-free-theme/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
This is a very basic free theme, but I like the social icons, contact number and icon at the top. Many people don’t notice it, but the layout of the text on the slider looks fantastic, and makes it that much more beautiful.
9. Portal
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://demo.mythemeshop.com/s/?theme=Portal” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
This one comes with a column style homepage, and it looks great with the thumbnails. The menu goes well with the rest of the styling.
10. Editor
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://themes.array.is/browse/?theme=editor” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
Minimalistic style blogs are becoming more and more popular these days, and this theme encompasses just that. If you want a simple home page design with a large thumbnail, this is perfect for you. The menu is a long the side which is something different.
11. Sueva
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://demo.themeinprogress.com/sueva/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
This is another one of my favourites. The simple menu works well with the layout of the articles, and the article thumbnails are nicely integrated into the title and excerpt.
12. Catch Kathmandu
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://catchthemes.com/demo/catch-kathmandu/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
Ideal for a travel blog, or one where pictures will be used a lot. The slider typography beautifully hovers above the background, with the effect boosted by the low opacity box.
13. Illustratr
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://illustratrdemo.wordpress.com/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
I don’t know what draws me to this one, but its stunning. The logo at the top and the menu below it is very minimalist, but fits in very well. I you want a photo blog then this is the perfect home page layout.
14. Sparkling
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://colorlib.com/sparkling/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
The sharp edges make each section pop out and allows for easy navigation. The header is a simple, suitable for any kind of blog. Another favourite part is the read more button, but I can’t pin point why I like it. It’s fresh.
15. Dazzling
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://colorlib.com/dazzling/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
As the name suggests, this theme is very dazzling. It allows for an action in the slider, where if you want to give away an ebook or something similar (building trust) it’s as easy as a click.
16. Radiate
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://demo.themegrill.com/radiate/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
The trend these days with beauty in web design ( in my opinion) is how simple it is. It helps digest the complexity of information overload on the internet, and doesn’t consume you with all kinds of different buttons and distractions. This theme embodies exactly that.
17. Play Book
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://demo.mythemeshop.com/s/?theme=Playbook” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
Here’s another classic blog layout, suitable for any kind of niche. The two column style allows for easy navigation, and the menu bar has a nice accent on the bottom that makes a big difference.
18. Eighties
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://eighties.me/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
The first thing you see when you go onto this theme is the beautiful header and logo. If you want a theme to pop out at your audience, this is it. The navigation is hidden to the left hand side, giving it a minimalist effect yet the excitement is still there.
19. Musica
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://kopatheme.com/demo/musica-free-wordpress-theme/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
A clean, classic blog design. The social icons fit seamlessly along the top, and the menu is clean and easy to read.
20. Minamaze
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://demo.thinkupthemes.com/minamaze-free” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
My favourite part about this theme is the top menu style. It’s perfect for a blog with a lot of categories. You can put all your categories up the top, and the second menu can be used as your site navigation. It also has a bold and simple design.
21. Ribbon
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://demo.mythemeshop.com/s/?theme=Ribbon” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
This is the classic looking blog layout, yet it’s looks very nice. There are dates above each post, which are accented nicely with the red. Each article is split into it’s own section making it very easy to see.
22. Nictitate
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://kopatheme.com/demo/nictitate-is-a-multi-purpose-wordpress-theme/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
What really makes this theme stand out is it’s menu. The icons make all the difference. Coupled with good typography, you have a stunning theme. Another cool feature is the video in the slider, which is uncommon in a free theme like this.
23. Point
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://demo.mythemeshop.com/s/?theme=Point” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
What I love about this theme is the bold navigation, has a fantastic home page for a blog, and is very easy on the eyes. Perfect for any kind of blog.
24. Embr
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”https://wp-themes.com/embr/?TB_iframe=true&width=1315&height=705″ target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
Everything’s perfect about this theme. The header with available action buttons, and shadowed typography just pops out at you. The simple menu and the clean header adds a nice touch.
25. Weblizar
[mks_button size=”small” title=”Demo” style=”squared” url=”http://weblizar.com/preview/#weblizar_lite/” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#000000″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”fa-external-link-square” icon_type=”fa”]
The good thing about this one is that it comes with a large slider on the home page, which can showcase your best work. I like the simplicity of the menu buttons and yet it pops out at you.
