In the world of web design, the sidebar is a familiar tool, prominently used in websites, web applications, and online tools to improve navigation. In this article, we will explore what a sidebar is, when to use it and look at some examples of best-used sidebars on the web.
What is a Sidebar?
A sidebar is a vertical navigation panel that appears on the left or right side of a webpage. These panels can be either fixed or scrollable, depending on the design. Sidebars usually contain links to key sections within a website or application and remain visible across different pages, making them an efficient guide for users.
When Should You Use a Sidebar?
A sidebar menu is an excellent choice for navigation when you have a large number of menu items that don’t naturally fall into clear categories but still need to be easily accessible. This is especially true for stand-alone pages that share a similar level of importance. Sidebars shine in scenarios where a top navigation bar would feel too crowded or complex, offering a clean and organized alternative for structuring your content.
One common use case is when you need to give users quick access to multiple options or tools without overwhelming them. For example, on a platform like Reddit, sidebar menus often serve as a space to house links that act as dropdowns or accordions, letting users navigate through different communities, subcategories, or tools efficiently.
Beyond functional navigation, sidebars also excel at providing additional contextual information or secondary tools that complement the main content. They are a staple in dashboard designs, where users expect to toggle between various views or functions seamlessly.
Key Features of Sidebars
- Vertical Orientation: Sidebars are typically designed as vertical menus, which makes them visually distinct and easy to follow.
- Visual Appeal: Many sidebars include images, icons, and other design elements next to the menu links to improve usability and contribute to an aesthetically pleasing layout.
- Scalability: A sidebar can accommodate a growing list of items without significantly affecting usability, especially with expandable menu options like accordions.
Top Examples of Sidebar Menu Designs
1. Buttery
Buttery, a growing library of smooth, interface-ready icons updated weekly, incorporates a sidebar that complements their brand identity. The sidebar highlights navigation options with clean, brand-aligned icons, making the experience both visually appealing and intuitive.is a library of smooth icons for interfaces that is updated weekly. This website incorporates the Sidebar element in a visually appealing way by highliting elements with their brand-aligned icons.
2. Raw Materials
The Raw Materials website uses an animated sidebar to engage users as they scroll. This sidebar not only helps users track their progress but also aligns seamlessly with the site’s artistic direction, contributing to an immersive browsing experience.
3. Robin Spielmann
Robin Spielmann’s portfolio website employs a sidebar to enhance navigation and emphasize his unique design style. The sidebar also includes toggles for blue, light, and dark themes, allowing users to personalize their experience. This feature not only distinguishes Spielmann’s work but also offers an interactive and visually distinctive browsing experience.
If you’re looking for more inspiration on how to create user-friendly navigation, check out our Sibar examples for some stunning ideas: Best SideBar Menu Navigation Inspiration Websites.
Conclusion
Sidebars are a powerful navigation tool that enhances website usability by providing a consistent, easy-to-access layout for key content. By following best practices and drawing inspiration from effective examples, you can design a sidebar that not only improves user experience but also supports your brand and site goals effectively.
