White space is important in contemporary web design because it aids the reader in understanding the content provided and provides a means to break up the structure of the website.

What is White Space Exactly?

White space is the distance between elements. Although it doesn’t have to be white, the background colour of the web page will show through around the elements of the design. For example, the area above and below the paragraphs as elements of white space.

Why is it important?

White space helps optimise the design and allows your content to stand out. It also also help create structure to your content, allowing the visitor to clearly see which elements are visually linked and which aren’t.

For example, the sidebar is separate from the main body content which white space between them to denote a natural boundary of the two elements.

It also provides the reader with something to “rest” their eyes when reading elements of the web page.

When used carefully, it can really make the all-important Call to Action stand out.

There is research to suggest that white space is important in building trust, and makes it more appealing to customers and buyers.