One-third of mobile users keep their devices in dark mode, per Nielsen Norman Group research. Among tech-focused audiences, that number jumps to 81.9% based on Android Authority polling. Dark mode websites have moved from design trend to user expectation, particularly for products targeting developers, creatives, and tech-savvy professionals.
This guide breaks down 10 dark mode websites that nail the execution, not just to admire them, but to understand what makes each approach work.
What Is Dark Mode?
Dark mode is a display setting where websites use dark backgrounds (typically black or dark gray) with light-colored text and interface elements, inverting the traditional light background and dark text combination. Originally popularized by code editors and developer tools, dark mode has become a standard feature across operating systems, applications, and websites.
The approach creates high contrast while reducing overall screen brightness, which can reduce eye strain in low-light environments and save battery life on OLED displays. Modern dark mode implementations go beyond simple color inversion: they use carefully calibrated color palettes, adjusted contrast ratios, and modified typography to maintain readability while creating visual hierarchy.
1. Isabel Moranta: Editorial Minimalism That Puts Work First
Strategic typography choices on dark backgrounds can tell a designer's complete professional story.
The opportunity: Portfolio sites need dark mode to create gallery-like drama that elevates projects as the visual hero.
How it works: Isabel Moranta's portfolio (Awwwards Site of the Day, 7.84/10 score) uses intentional dual typography: monospaced fonts for professional precision, serif fonts for personal expression. The dark background transforms browsing into a museum-like experience, with each project emerging from darkness like artwork on gallery walls. Navigation remains minimal and unobtrusive, letting visual work command attention without competing interface elements.
Key considerations: Typography tells your brand story. For creative portfolios, darkness becomes a narrative device, creating mood that celebrates the creative journey.
2. Qase: Space-Themed Dark Mode for Technical Credibility
Cosmic visual metaphors can position a technical product as technically sophisticated while remaining approachable.
The opportunity: SaaS products can use dark mode to signal technical credibility while maintaining approachability.
How it works: Qase, a QA testing platform, fills its website with deep space colors and starry-like glow effects. The galactic-inspired design evokes innovation and technical depth. The space theme reinforces Qase's core messaging: QA teams exploring edge cases like astronauts navigating uncharted territory, testing the boundaries of software reliability. Deep navy backgrounds suggest depth and thoroughness, while luminous accent elements highlight key features and calls-to-action.
Key considerations: Visual metaphors (space, cosmic imagery) effectively communicate brand positioning when applied systematically.
3. Spotify: Music Platform Dark Mode
Spotify's dark theme showcases album covers and music controls with maximum visual impact.
The opportunity: Media platforms need dark backgrounds that make visual content pop while reducing screen glare during extended use.
How it works: Spotify uses black and deep green tones to create a smooth and rich visual experience. The dark background makes album artwork, playlist covers, and artist photos stand out with vibrant contrast. Interface elements use carefully selected green accents that align with brand identity while maintaining readability. The platform prioritizes content over chrome, with controls and navigation receding into the dark background until needed.
Key considerations: Dark backgrounds make colorful media content the hero. Reserve brand colors for interactive elements and key actions.
4. Discord: Community Platform Dark Mode
Discord's dark theme creates a cozy, relaxing environment perfect for long chat sessions and gaming communities.
The opportunity: Communication platforms benefit from dark mode that reduces eye strain during extended conversations.
How it works: Discord uses a carefully calibrated dark gray background that feels comfortable for hours of use. Text, emojis, and media appear sharp against the dark layout. The platform uses subtle color coding for different channel types and user roles, with just enough contrast to maintain clarity without overwhelming users. The dark theme also helps reduce screen glare during gaming sessions or late-night chats.
Key considerations: Communication platforms need dark backgrounds that work for extended sessions. Test readability across different content types: text, images, and embedded media.
5. Cosmos Studio: Scroll-Triggered Animation as Experience Design
Progressive scroll-triggered animations transform passive browsing into active exploration.
The opportunity: Creative agencies need portfolios that demonstrate capabilities through the site itself.
How it works: Cosmos Studio features systematic animation staging triggered by scrolling. The site opens with "SELECT YOUR DESTINATION..." complete with geographic coordinates and environmental metrics framing the experience as spacecraft simulation. The progressive disclosure approach reveals content in stages: each scroll increment unlocks new visual elements, creating anticipation and reward cycles. WebGL enables smooth 60fps animations without blocking the main thread, ensuring the experience feels responsive despite visual complexity.
Key considerations: Scroll-triggered animations create progressive discovery. A minimal two-color palette prevents overwhelming users while maintaining impact.
6. Netflix: Streaming Platform Dark Mode
Netflix's dark interface prioritizes content while minimizing UI distractions.
The opportunity: Video streaming platforms need dark backgrounds that create a theater-like viewing experience.
How it works: Netflix uses near-black backgrounds that disappear during video playback, creating a cinematic experience. Movie and show thumbnails pop against the dark background with maximum contrast. The platform uses red accents sparingly for branding and calls-to-action. Typography remains clean and readable with white text on dark backgrounds, while subtle gray tones differentiate UI sections without adding visual clutter.
Key considerations: Video platforms benefit from dark backgrounds that mimic theater environments. Let content dominate the visual hierarchy.
7. Teletech: Electronic Music Event Website with Bold Visual Energy
Event websites can break conventional design rules while achieving professional recognition.
The opportunity: Entertainment sites can use dark mode to amplify the energy of live experiences.
How it works: Teletech features glitchy animated effects serving as visual translations of electronic music production, plus 8-bit typefaces connecting to gaming heritage. The site includes an 80s-styled shooter video game playable directly in the browser. The interactive game element does double duty: entertaining visitors while demonstrating the technical production capabilities that translate to their live events. This transforms the website from a static promotional tool into an experience preview.
Key considerations: Event sites can embrace experimental aesthetics that might feel less appropriate for corporate brands. Interactive elements create engagement beyond static content.
8. GitHub: The Benchmark for Functional Dark Mode Websites
Systematic approaches to theme variants demonstrate that accessibility requires options, not one-size-fits-all solutions.
The opportunity: Dark mode needs systematic design supporting extended work sessions.
How it works: GitHub offers four distinct dark mode variants through the Primer design system: Dark, Dark Dimmed, Dark High Contrast, and colorblind modes. Dark Dimmed serves users who find standard dark mode too harsh for extended coding sessions. Dark High Contrast addresses users with visual impairments who need enhanced distinction between interface elements. This multi-variant approach acknowledges that "dark mode" isn't a single preference: different users have different sensitivity levels, work environments, and visual needs that require distinct solutions. Colorblind modes ensure code diffs remain distinguishable regardless of color vision differences.
The benchmark status comes from methodology: systematic approach, documented design system, tool-driven development. Even industry leaders iterate based on user feedback.
Key considerations: Offer theme variants for different needs. Meeting WCAG Level AA (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text) produces legally compliant experiences.
9. Linear: Project Management Dark Mode
Linear's dark interface combines elegant minimalism with functional clarity for software development teams.
The opportunity: Developer tools benefit from dark mode that reduces eye strain during extended planning and issue tracking sessions.
How it works: Linear uses a sophisticated dark background with carefully calibrated neutral tones. The platform offers customizable themes including multiple dark mode presets and the ability to create custom themes. The interface employs high contrast ratios for text while maintaining visual hierarchy through subtle gray variations. Bold typography and selective use of accent colors for status indicators keep information scannable without overwhelming users. The clean, uncluttered layout combined with dark backgrounds creates a focused environment for managing complex software projects.
Key considerations: Developer-focused tools can embrace darker backgrounds as the default. Offer theme customization while maintaining accessibility standards across all options.
10. Steam: Gaming Platform Dark Mode
Steam's dark interface highlights game covers, deals, and trailers against a professional black background.
The opportunity: Gaming platforms benefit from dark backgrounds that emphasize visual content and create an immersive browsing experience.
How it works: Steam uses black and gray tones that make game imagery and promotional content stand out. The layout remains clean with the dark background providing bold contrast for buttons, prices, and calls-to-action. Text appears crisp and readable while game trailers and screenshots command visual attention. The dark theme creates a modern style that fits gaming culture while improving the shopping experience at any time of day.
Key considerations: Gaming platforms can use pure blacks for maximum contrast. Test readability across game genres with different visual styles.
How to Design Your Own Dark Mode Website
Building an effective dark mode interface requires systematic attention to contrast, color temperature, and typography.
Start with the Right Foundation
Never use pure black (#000000) for most applications. Material Design recommends #121212; Apple Human Interface Guidelines use #1C1C1E to #3A3A3C.
Verify Contrast Ratios
WCAG standards require 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text. Use free contrast checker tools before launching.
Adjust Typography
Light text on dark backgrounds appears optically thinner. Best practices recommend increasing font weight one level, adding 0.01-0.02em letter spacing, and using 1.4-1.5 line height.
Choose 1-2 Accent Colors
Apple's guidance advises applying color sparingly, reserving it for elements that truly need emphasis.
Build Without Code
Use Agent Mode to handle the full build process: describe your dark mode color palette and requirements, then let Lovable generate production-ready code with proper contrast ratios and theme structure. Once your foundation is set, use Visual Edits to fine-tune colors in real-time while verifying WCAG compliance visually. For iterative refinements, Chat Mode lets you request specific adjustments like "increase the contrast on body text" or "warm up the background tone." For creative portfolios, start with Lovable's portfolio templates which include dark-mode-ready foundations you can customize.
Start Building Your Dark Mode Website
The pattern is clear: avoid pure black (use #121212 or #1C1C1E for most applications), maintain strong contrast ratios (4.5:1 for normal text per WCAG), adjust typography, use desaturated accent colors sparingly, and offer theme options when possible.
Describe the dark mode design you want, and start building with Lovable. Use Visual Edits to fine-tune your colors and contrast in real-time, ensuring WCAG AA compliance, no design degree required.
