Ah, the good old HTML tables. What was once a superstar in web design is now nothing more than a throwback that leaves today’s developers shaking their heads and saying, “Not anymore.”
For anyone who remembers the early days of the internet, the desk was everything. They’re not just for data; they’re also for data. They are the tool of choice for web designers, like duct tape or a blank canvas.
Nested tables? This is where the real fun (or chaos) begins. Let’s take a trip down memory lane, pay homage to these unsung heroes, and take a look at some truly wild HTML table layouts. Guess what? No CSS required!
Quickly dive into HTML tables
While CSS Grid and Flexbox are the dream of the future, tables are the answer to it all. Want a column? Use a table. Need everything to line up perfectly? table. Feeling brave and want to nest tables together? Oh boy, you really want to do that! Here’s some background to appreciate the table’s glory:
- Introduced in HTML 3.2 (around 1997): Tables are more than just a nice add-on – they’re a game changer. Web designers can now design complex layouts instantly.
- Overused for layout: Tables don’t just display data; they become the Swiss Army Knife of web design.
- nesting bonanza: Developers nest tables like dolls to create complex designs. The result? Amazing, but HTML is also confusing.
Of course, the advent of modern marvels like Flexbox and CSS Grid saved us from chaos, but today we’re here to celebrate the charm and flexibility of these old-fashioned wonders.
Why the table still rocks
Before you roll your eyes at tables, let’s remember why they should still hold a special place in your heart (and maybe in your coding):
- Universal compatibility: Tables work in all browsers, even ones that haven’t been updated since dial-up. 🚫🎮
- Versatility: They are OG layout tools. Headers, footers, sidebars – you name it, tables can do it.
- Survivors of cyber chaos: When everything goes wrong, the table is there, ready to bring order to the chaos.
Now, let’s get to the exciting part: some jaw-dropping table designs that will overturn everything you thought you knew about HTML.
15 Exciting HTML Table Layouts You Must See
1. Round table layout
This table achieves a rounded appearance through clever blending rowspan and colspan.
2. Interleaved step table
A table that looks like a staircase without any CSS.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
3. Diamond layout
Diamond table using strategically placed blank cells.
Top
Left
Right
Bottom Left
Center
Bottom Right
4.Zigzag layout
A table with alternating left and right cells.
5. Pyramid layout
Pyramid table use rowspan and colspan Strategically.
6. Checkerboard layout
Table that resembles a checkerboard pattern.
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
7.Hourglass Layout
A table shaped like an hourglass.
Top
Middle Left
Middle Right
Bottom Left
Bottom Right
8. Wave layout
Wave pattern formed by offset cells.
Wave
Wave
Wave
Wave
Wave
Wave
9. Tetris block table
Blocks arranged like a Tetris game.
10. Star layout
Use star pattern colspan and rowspan.
11. Arrow layout
Downward arrow shape.
12. Bullseye layout
A target-like pattern with concentric rows.
Outer
Middle
Middle
Center
13. Cross layout
A cross-shaped table.
Top
Center
Left
Center
Middle
Center
Right
14. Maze layout
Mini maze-like table structure.
15. Fishbone layout
Fishbone shaped table.
Head
Top Fin
Body
Bottom Fin
Tail
Body
Tail
demonstration
You can find a CodePen demo of my experiment below.
Step by Step: Create Your Own Wild Table Layout
Ready to start creating your own table masterpiece? Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
-
Plan your layout: Jot down your design on paper or a digital tool. figure out where to use
rowspanandcolspan. -
Start with a basic form: Start working with simple settings using rows and cells.
-
play
colspanandrowspan: Merge cells horizontallycolspanand perpendicular torowspan. -
Adjust borders and alignment: Borders make your design pop and help you see what’s going on. use
alignandvalignProperties to locate things. - Iterate and improve: Adjust cell sizes, merge points, and placement of content until everything looks just right.
-
play
hint: Don’t shy away from experimenting! Tables are quite forgiving when you want to try new things.
A love letter to tables: why they still matter
Tables may not be in sync with modern design, but they definitely won’t go out of style. Here’s why we should appreciate them:
- Simple: For small, structured layouts or rapid prototyping, tables are unbeatable.
- Data presentation: Tables reign supreme when it comes to organizing data, from financial reports to sports statistics.
- Accessibility: Screen readers and assistive technologies do a great job with tables, ensuring everyone can access the information.
- Legacy compatibility: Dealing with old systems? A table is usually your best option.
To all the tables that organize our information, build our designs, and test our patience: we salute you. ❤️