The Best Looking Ice Cream Websites to Check Out
January 5, 2024
The Best Museum Website Design You Can See Today
January 6, 2024Think about your website menu as the welcome mat to your online space. It's way more than just a bunch of links. This is where the magic starts. If the menu looks dodgy, nobody's going to want to explore further, no matter how cool your content is.
Your menu is like a guide, helping users find their way around. It's the star of the show in navigation. And guess what? Nailing that website menu design is crucial.
We're gonna walk through different styles of navigation. These aren't just any styles; they're the ones that amp up the user experience and make your visitors feel right at home. Ready to jump in?
Mars Branding
Mars Branding is all about that sleek, modern vibe. Their website's a real eye-catcher with a menu that’s a total showstopper. Picture this: each page chilling on the side, popping out when you give it a click. It's the epitome of minimalist menu design.
Silvia Bianchi
Silvia Bianchi’s space is a treasure trove of interior design wonders. Since 2005, they've been blending meticulous detail with user-friendly navigation. Their menu? A journey through design elegance.
Julia Johnson
Julia Johnson mixes old-school charm with new-school interactivity. Her site screams retro aesthetics. The menu? Bold as can be, with a dash of Helvetica and a sprinkle of responsive design.
Bepolitics3
Partake
Partake’s not just about tasty treats. Their menu’s a visual feast, too. Each product gets its own picture, making it super easy for customers to see what’s cooking. It's accessibility in menus at its finest.
Wok Culture
Get ready to groove with Colorful Night. It's all about nailing those dance moves and lighting up the night. Seriously, it's a blast!
The Legend of Zelda
Wok Culture’s journey from small beginnings to a big-time online presence is epic. They’ve got a feature-rich site that’s a dream for online shoppers. Their eCommerce store navigation? Top-notch.
NKI
NKI’s all about that full-screen action. Visitors scroll and the screen changes - like magic! It's a unique twist that matches their creative vibe, pulling you into their world of animation and CGI.
Mostly Serious
Mostly Serious keeps it cool with a sidebar menu. Hit the hamburger icon and boom – a simple, elegant menu appears, letting them share their story without clutter. It’s website structure and organization done right.
Bebarbeque
REAL ESTATE 3D INTERACTIVE MAP
Picture this: a 3D map experience where you're exploring Brazilian lands like you're actually there. It's not just a map; it's a journey through different regions. And the menu? It's your trusty guide, showing you the way, highlighting site navigation patterns that make sense. It's all about the user experience, making sure you find that perfect spot without getting lost in the virtual world.
Sjöstrand Coffee
Sjöstrand Coffee is more than just beans and machines. They've got a top menu main navigation that's pure art. Dropdowns? Check. Beautiful fonts? Absolutely. It's not just a menu; it's a showcase of responsive design, making your coffee browsing as smooth as your morning espresso.
Solaria
This one's for the creatives. The Bézier Game teaches you the ins and outs of the pen tool, turning a tricky task into an engaging game. It's like taking a design class, but way more fun.
Apex Legends
Solaria takes you on a space ride! Their website is a cosmic trip, showing off our solar system in style. The menu here is like a user-friendly navigation system through the stars. You're not just browsing; you're exploring the universe with a minimalist menu design that's out of this world.
M&Csaatchi Abel
M&Csaatchi Abel is all about sophistication. They've got a top horizontal main navigation that's sleek and professional. Hover over it, and you'll see a touch of elegance. It's a perfect blend of modern interactive web design elements and hover effects in menus, making the whole experience feel upscale.
Bebistro5
Beauty Bakerie
Beauty Bakerie knows how to make you look. Their navigation highlights products in such a way that you can't help but find what you need. It's all about visual website navigation examples, where each click is a step closer to beauty.
Patagonia
Patagonia’s menu is like a treasure chest. With a mega menu approach, you've got a world of options at your fingertips. Just hover over the Shop, and bam! You’re diving into a sea of choices, all neatly organized and easy to navigate.
THE STATE OF THE TRANSITION 2023
Breakthrough Energy’s 2023 report is a deep dive into clean energy. And the menu? It’s your compass, guiding you through complex data and insights, making sure you’re always on track in this journey towards net-zero emissions.
Baillat Studio
Baillat Studio’s menu is like a secret waiting to be discovered. Tucked away behind an icon, it opens up to a fullscreen menu that’s spacious and clean. It’s a prime example of interactive text in menus, where every click reveals something new and exciting.
BeBiker4
Sam Goddard
Sam Goddard’s site turns the whole idea of a menu on its head. The whole page is a menu, but it's not overwhelming. It's streamlined, with just a few options like "Works," "About," and "Let's Collaborate." It's website structure and organization at its most creative, where navigation becomes an integral part of the experience.
LUNI
Luni's site isn’t just about showcasing projects. It’s a portal, inviting talents to dive into their universe. Imagine a user-friendly navigation system that's not just a menu but a journey through Luni's world. It’s about making a killer first impression and saying, “Hey, join us in this cool adventure.”
Brandon Blackwood
Redesigning Brandon Blackwood's Shopify Plus store was like crafting a fashion runway. The website menu here? It’s the spotlight. Big dropdown menus that are not just functional but fashionable. They ensure that every visitor, like a shopper, finds exactly what they need without getting lost in the glam.
LVMH Prize
The LVMH Prize website is a walk down a high-fashion runway. The full-screen menu with dropdown options is like a designer’s sketchbook, revealing each year's winner in style. It’s a mix of elegance and interactive web design elements, all while keeping the navigation as chic as their brand.
SOLAR JOURNEY
Embark on a laid-back tour of the solar system with SOLAR JOURNEY. The site isn’t just informative; it’s a visual treat. The menu acts as your space guide, leading you through the stars and galaxies in an interactive and fun way. It’s like holding a map of the universe in your hands.
Befurniturestore2
Verholy Relax Park
Verholy Relax Park’s website is a blend of sophistication and minimalism. The menu, tucked in the upper left-hand corner, unfolds like a storybook, offering a fullscreen layout that’s a perfect mix of elegance and function. It's about creating an inviting digital lobby for their guests.
Nevo
Nevo's website is a canvas for creative minds. It’s not just about showcasing work; it’s about creating an experience. The menu is a gateway to their world of creativity, designed to be as visually stunning as it is functional, making every click a discovery of their talents.
BITKRAFT
Italy’s first consumer protection association, Consumatori, revamped their site to be more than just informative. The sidebar navigation with custom icons is like a visual guide, each link a chapter in their story of consumer advocacy. It’s all about making complex information accessible and engaging.
Pipe
Pipe’s menu design is a lesson in simplicity. Their straightforward navigation is clean, direct, and without frills. It’s like a breath of fresh air in a world cluttered with complex designs, proving that sometimes, less is truly more.
Craie Craie
Craie Craie’s website is a statement in design. The full-screen menu that sweeps up from the bottom in a vibrant red is not just a menu; it’s a bold expression of their architectural elegance. It’s a reminder that menus can be as much a part of the design narrative as any other element.
STUDIO RUEDA
Studio Rueda’s website is a ticket to a cinematic experience. The single-page portfolio with bold, dynamically adapting type treatments is like a film reel unfolding. It’s a blend of analog film themes and modern design, where the menu itself is part of the storytelling.
Karl Tatler
Over at Karl Tatler, they're not just selling houses; they're crafting a digital journey. Their headless website approach brings a whole new level of sleekness. The top navigation, with its dropdown menu, is a perfect blend of classic corporate style and modern functionality. It's all about giving users easy access to every nook and cranny of their site, from property searches to custom features.
Empreinte
Empreinte's site? It's like a deck of cards, but for navigation. Click a card, and bam – you're whisked away to another part of their digital world. Each card's an anchor link, transforming as you scroll. It’s a playful twist on user-friendly navigation, breaking the mold of traditional menus.
Le Puzz
Le Puzz brings the 70s and 80s back but with a slick modern twist. Their header menu is a grid of coolness – tidy sections that make finding your perfect puzzle a breeze. It’s a nod to the past with a foot firmly in the present, offering simplicity and ease in website structure and organization.
TANINI HOME
At Tanini Home, they're all about blurring the lines between the physical and digital realms. They’ve cooked up a fresh e-commerce platform that’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination. It’s a seamless dance between their brick-and-mortar store and online presence, enriching the overall value of their products.
SercoPointWeb
First glance at SercoPointWeb, and you might think, "Where's the menu?" But hit that modern hamburger icon, and whoa – a full-page, two-column menu unfolds like a map. It’s a hidden treasure, a sleek and contemporary twist on the classic menu design.
Apple
Apple's website is a lesson in breadcrumb navigation. Dive into their site, and you'll find a sub-navigation menu that lays out all related products in a category, clear as day. It's not just about selling products; it's about guiding you through their world, making sure you find exactly what you need without getting lost.
C2 Montréal
C2 Montréal’s website is like a digital canvas, showcasing Canada’s creative-business scene. With Single-Page Application (SPA) functionality, it offers a seamless browsing experience. The creative sidebar on the right? It’s your quick link to all the cool stuff they've got to offer.
UN7
Hop onto UN7.com, and you're stepping into the future. This 360 software development & design studio’s website is a testament to their tech brilliance. It’s about engaging, forward-thinking digital solutions that capture the imagination.
Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission, and their menu design mirrors their innovative spirit. Placed in a grid with geometric sections and the crisp NB International Mono typography, it speaks of knowledge and the future of energy. It's a blend of simplicity and cutting-edge design, just like their approach to fusion energy.
Municipal
For Municipal's eCommerce redesign, it's all about rocking that mobile-first vibe. We're talking a slick hamburger menu for all the deep dive stuff, paired with a top horizontal navigation for quick grabs. This combo? It's the secret sauce for a smooth, no-fuss experience on phones and tablets.
LUTZ
Lutz is crafting more than houses; they're building dreams out of top-notch wood. With 65 years under their belt, they're not just about tradition; they're about creating a healthy, organic living space. Their website? A digital reflection of this ethos, welcoming and warm.
William LaChance
William LaChance is flipping the script on navigation. His site? It's like a canvas where the menu is the star. Think sidebar menu meets homepage, with visuals that pop as you scroll. It's not just about clicking links; it's an interactive art show.
Alannn - Creative Developer
Alannn's not just coding; he's painting digital landscapes. Specializing in UI-UX Design and web animations, he's the maestro behind both the visuals and the nuts and bolts of the site. It's like watching a tech artist at work.
Calvin Pausania
Calvin Pausania's taking his photography game to the next level with a menu that does double duty. Imagine a full-page menu that not only guides you but also showcases a rotating gallery of his work. It's navigation meets exhibition.
Aroz Jewelry
Over at Aroz Jewelry, it's all about the clean lines and precision. They're using grid lines in web design to keep things neat and tidy. Hover over a menu item, and boom - a mega menu pops up, all crisp and clear against a solid white backdrop. It's about making sure every click is a journey in clarity.
Michal Zalobny - Portfolio
Michal Zalobny is mixing it up with animations, performance, and killer design. His portfolio? It's a personal touch in a digital form, a showcase of his knack for blending form and function in the most eye-catching ways.
Last Light
Last Light isn't just selling home goods; they're creating heirlooms. Their site? A tapestry of editorial storytelling, wrapped around customized functionality. It's about crafting a narrative of memory and return, one click at a time.
Lupo
Lupo Pizza is serving up more than just slices. Their website is a street art gallery, with hand-drawn illustrations that pull you into their world. The top menu, nestled in the corner, is your guide through this graffiti-inspired digital feast.
Glenn Catteeuw
Glenn Catteeuw’s portfolio is a monochromatic masterpiece. We're talking static noise, grids, and a whole lot of style. The menu? It's geometric, precise, and understated, yet it packs a punch. It's like a minimalist's dream, where less is definitely more.
Studio Curva
Studio Curva, hailing from Brazil, isn’t just any creative agency. Their website? It’s like a digital art gallery. It puts their fantastic work front and center, making sure every visitor gets a front-row seat to their creative genius. It’s all about spotlighting their talents through intuitive and stylish website menu design.
Curious & Company
Curious & Company says it loud: they’re all about unlocking the power of the mind and the mysteries of the stars. Their website is a universe of creativity. With a sub-navigation menu that's super handy, getting to their 'About' page is like a journey through creative cosmos.
Ashland University
Ashland University’s website is like a digital campus. They’ve packed their mega menu with all sorts of categories and subcategories. It’s a one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about the university, making the user experience as enriching as their campus life.
Temperley London
Temperley London blends British eccentricity with a bohemian spirit. Their website reflects this unique blend. It’s not just an online store; it’s a digital expression of their iconic style and ethos, inviting visitors into their world of fashion muses and heritage.
Bertch Capital
Bertch Capital’s website isn’t just about showcasing ventures. It’s about immersing visitors in their world of real estate, timberland, and ranchland. It’s a digital journey into the long-term, with a focus on creating an engaging user experience that mirrors their business philosophy.
Postulatum Studio
Postulatum Studio is all about delivering high-quality visual solutions. Their website is a canvas, showcasing their ability to tailor unique digital narratives for each project. It’s a portfolio and a testament to their commitment to excellence in design.
Victor Adeniji
Victor Adeniji’s portfolio is a playground of digital design. Specializing in interactive websites, his hamburger menu is a standout feature. Positioned on the bottom bar, it expands upwards, unfolding his portfolio like a story, each link an invitation to explore his world of front-end development.
Matignon
Matignon’s redesigned website is a leap forward in digital healthcare. It’s not just about a fresh look; it’s about providing an enhanced user experience. The integration of a fully-fledged e-commerce platform and online booking system makes accessing healthcare services as seamless as browsing your favorite online store.
Namesak3
Namesak3’s platform is a window into Taiwanese fashion. Their website boasts a futuristic design with a focus on full-screen interactive navigation. It’s more than just a shopping site; it’s an immersive experience that showcases impressive design skills and invites users into a world of style and innovation.
Lacoste
At Lacoste, they're not just selling clothes; they're crafting an experience. Their eCommerce store uses breadcrumbs navigation, making shopping a breeze. Imagine walking through a digital mall, each breadcrumb a signpost, guiding you from polos to sneakers. It's like a map that shows you exactly where you are and how to get back to where you started.
JR Atelier
JR Atelier, straight out of Lyon, France, is more than just a creative studio. They're visual storytellers. Their website? A digital canvas showcasing their artistry and direction. It's a window into their world of creativity, a peek into the heart of French artistic flair.
Uhaina
Uhaina is stirring things up in the brewery game. Their website is a visual explosion - think vibrant colors and full-screen menus that pop. It's not just about beer; it's about creating a sensory experience, where each click in the menu adds to the story of their craft brews.
HAFH
HAFH is redefining travel discovery. Their site? It's like your digital travel buddy. With a classic hamburger menu in the top right corner, it's all about giving you the keys to explore. Easy, accessible, and ready for adventure - that's HAFH's digital promise.
HTM
HTM is all business when it comes to flight operations. Their website mirrors this with a focus on functionality. Think full-screen global navigation that’s as efficient as their flights. It’s all about getting you where you need to be, no fuss, no muss.
REI
REI isn't just an outdoor gear shop; it's a launchpad for adventures. Their website's mega menu is like a trail guide. Whether you're looking for a tent or a trail runner, the mega menu’s got you covered. It's quick, it’s detailed, and it’s all about getting you prepped for the great outdoors.
FAQ On Website Menu Design
What’s the Best Position for a Website Menu?
Top horizontal navigation is the go-to for many. It’s like prime real estate for your menu - everyone sees it right away. But hey, don’t forget about the trusty sidebar or even the bottom bar. They can be neat for creative or minimalist sites. It’s all about what fits your site’s vibe.
Should Menus Be Sticky or Static?
Sticky menus, they just hang around as you scroll. Super handy for easy navigation, especially on long pages. But static? They have their charm too, giving a clean look. If your page isn't the endless-scroll kind, a static menu can keep things tidy.
How Many Items Should a Menu Have?
Seven is the sweet spot. More than that, and it’s like a crowded party where no one knows what to do. Keep it simple. Each item should be clear and direct. Think of it as a map; too many roads and you’re lost, too few and you miss the good stuff.
Dropdown Menus: When to Use Them?
Dropdowns are great when you've got subcategories. Like, if you're running a clothing store, you can break it down – men’s, women’s, accessories. They keep your main menu uncluttered. But use them sparingly. You don’t want users to play hide and seek with your content.
What’s the Deal with Hamburger Menus?
Hamburger menus are those three little lines that hide your menu until clicked. They’re super cool for mobile sites or when you want a clean, minimal look. But remember, not everyone loves searching for the menu. Sometimes, it’s good to have everything out in the open.
How Important is Mobile-Friendly Menu Design?
In today’s world, it’s everything. More people browse on their phones than ever. If your menu’s a mess on mobile, you’re losing a big chunk of your audience. Responsive design is key – your menu should look and work great on any device.
Should Menus Include Search Functions?
Absolutely, especially for eCommerce or content-heavy sites. It’s like having a shortcut to what you need. But for smaller sites, it might be overkill. If you’ve only got a few pages, a search bar might just take up space without much benefit.
What Role Do Colors and Typography Play in Menu Design?
Huge! Colors and fonts set the mood. Bright and bold? You’re fun and outgoing. Sleek and simple? You’re all about sophistication. Your menu’s style should match your brand’s personality. It’s not just what you say; it’s how you look when you say it.
How Can Accessibility Be Incorporated into Menu Design?
Think about everyone. Use clear, readable fonts and good color contrast. Menus should be navigable by keyboard, not just mouse clicks. Include screen reader-friendly elements. It’s about making sure anyone and everyone can use your site with ease.
What’s the Latest Trend in Website Menu Design?
Minimalism is in. Simplified menus with fewer items, more space, and clean lines. But there’s also a rise in creative, interactive menus that break the mold.
Animations, unique layouts, unexpected positions. It’s all about balancing functionality with personality. Make your menu an experience, not just a tool.
Conclusion
Website navigation? It's like the heartbeat of a site. Seriously, it can make or break how people feel about your online space.
On this digital road trip, we've seen all sorts of menus. Big ones, small ones, flashy ones, simple ones. But here's the real deal: there's no one-size-fits-all magic formula for website menu design.
You've got to think about the big picture. The menu isn’t just a bunch of links - it’s the gateway to the soul of your website. It should vibe with your content, not just sit there like an afterthought.
And oh boy, the devil is in the details. Colors that pop, typography that speaks, animations that dazzle - mix these with a user journey that’s smooth as silk, and you've got yourself a winning menu. It's about crafting an experience that draws people in and keeps them coming back.
If you enjoyed reading this article on Website Menu Design, you should check out this one about best startup websites.
We also wrote about a few related subjects like list of trippy websites best interactive websites, time wasting websites to avoid burnout, the best political campaign websites, best restaurant websites, best agency websites, the coolest black websites, the best relaxing websites and the best weird websites.
