Great HTML Table Design Examples You Can Use

Let’s face it: designing HTML tables can be challenging. But they’re more than just structured grids of data. They’re the backbone of many web layouts, and getting them right is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality.

HTML tables can make or break your web design, especially when it comes to responsive design and mobile-friendly layouts. Think about the seamless use of CSS table styles and the finesse of responsive table layouts; it’s an art.

By diving into HTML table design examples, you’ll discover how to balance visual aesthetics with functionality, mastering techniques like zebra-striped tables and interactive table designs.

In this article, you’ll learn the nuances of HTML and CSS integration, achieving clean, dynamic tables that can flex across devices. From basic markup to advanced JavaScript libraries like DataTables, we’ll journey through the essentials and beyond.

Get ready to unlock the secrets of effective HTML table designs that make your site look stunning and perform flawlessly.

HTML Table Design Examples

See the Pen
Simple Responsive Table With Overflow
by Envato Tuts+ (@tutsplus)
on CodePen.

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HTML Table Design
by Asma Zahra (@asma-zahra)
on CodePen.

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Multiplication table for kids
by Max Konoval (@frontendmax)
on CodePen.

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CSS Expanadle Table Rows
by Vincent Van Goggles (@Gogh)
on CodePen.

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Responsive Fujita Scale <table>
by Eat. Sleep. Design (@Eat_Sleep_Design)
on CodePen.

Your beautiful data deserves to be online

wpDataTables can make it that way. There’s a good reason why it’s the #1 WordPress plugin for creating responsive tables and charts.

An actual example of wpDataTables in the wild

And it’s really easy to do something like this:

  1. You provide the table data
  2. Configure and customize it
  3. Publish it in a post or page

And it’s not just pretty, but also practical. You can make large tables with up to millions of rows, or you can use advanced filters and search, or you can go wild and make it editable.

“Yeah, but I just like Excel too much and there’s nothing like that on websites”. Yeah, there is. You can use conditional formatting like in Excel or Google Sheets.

Did I tell you you can create charts too with your data? And that’s only a small part. There are lots of other features for you.

See the Pen
Fixed table header
by Nikhil Krishnan (@nikhil8krishnan)
on CodePen.

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A responsive table
by Joke Gysen (@keukenrolletje)
on CodePen.

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Angular Material Table
by Mickael B. (@jbltx)
on CodePen.

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HTML Table & CSS Table
by Ahmad Awais ⚡️ (@ahmadawais)
on CodePen.

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David Kern HTML5 Table
by David Kern (@DavidKern)
on CodePen.

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Untitled
by Renato Atilio (@renatoat)
on CodePen.

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Dynamic background tiles
by Andrea Mignolo (@pnts)
on CodePen.

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Flat University Timetable
by Mark Murray (@markmurray)
on CodePen.

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Responsive Table
by Geoff Yuen (@geoffyuen)
on CodePen.

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Untitled
by Phelipe M Peres (@phemestre)
on CodePen.

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Responsive Table HTML and CSS Only
by Flor Antara (@florantara)
on CodePen.

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Responsive Table | CSS Grid
by Developer Zahid (@DeveloperZahid)
on CodePen.

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Version comparison ns
by Steven (@gxnzkaiy-the-bold)
on CodePen.

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Responsive Pricing Table, Table Rows in Desktop, Slider in Mobile
by Nguyen Anh Tuan (@nguyenanhtuan)
on CodePen.

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Vue.js + Tailwind Responsive Table
by Shadow Smith (@heyshadowsmith)
on CodePen.

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Responsive table
by Olia (@oliagozha)
on CodePen.

FAQ On HTML Table Design

What is the easiest way to style an HTML table with CSS?

The simplest route is by linking a CSS stylesheet and using table selectors. Define properties like borderpadding, and background colors. CSS table styles like border-collapse and nth-child work wonders for both aesthetics and simplicity.

How can I make my table responsive?

To create a responsive table layout, use CSS media queries and flexible widths like width: 100%. Implement frameworks like Bootstrap or JavaScript libraries to ensure tables adjust fluidly on different screen sizes.

Which HTML elements are essential for table structure?

The backbone of an HTML table includes <table><tr><th>, and <td>. These elements define rows and cells. Structurally, header formatting with <th> tags is vital for accessibility and semantic context.

How do I alternate row colors in a table?

Apply the zebra stripes table using CSS with the nth-child selector. Here’s a snippet:

tr:nth-child(even) {
  background-color: #f2f2f2;
}

Can I integrate JavaScript with HTML tables?

Absolutely. Using JavaScript libraries like jQuery or DataTables enables dynamic functionalities like sorting, pagination, and interactivity. Embed scripts that target table elements for a more user-friendly experience.

How do I align text within table cells?

Text alignment in table cells is controlled by CSS properties. Use text-align for horizontal alignment and vertical-align for vertical positioning. For instance:

td {
  text-align: center;
  vertical-align: middle;
}

What’s the best way to handle large data sets in tables?

Large datasets are best managed with table pagination. Implement JavaScript libraries like DataTables for efficient handling. This approach not only improves usability but also performance on the client side.

How can I export HTML tables to Excel?

Using table export options is straightforward with JavaScript. Libraries like TableExport.js or SheetJS offer robust solutions for downloading tables as Excel files, ensuring data portability.

Is it possible to add hover effects to a table?

Yes, enhance user interaction with table hover effects. CSS allows you to modify the table row’s appearance when hovered:

tr:hover {
  background-color: #e2e2e2;
}

How do I ensure my table design is accessible?

For accessibility, provide alt text for images within tables and use <caption> for table titles. Additionally, integrate ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles and properties, ensuring screen readers can interpret them effectively.

Conclusion

Mastering HTML table design examples is an essential skill for any web designer striving for excellence. It’s not just about arranging data, but rather enhancing user experience and visual appeal.

In this journey through HTML table design, we’ve explored diverse techniques—from CSS table styles and responsive layouts to JavaScript integration and table hover effects. Armed with this knowledge, you can transform static tables into dynamic, responsive elements that adapt seamlessly across devices.

Innovative table designs are pivotal in web development, offering a balance between function and form. Leveraging tools like Bootstrap, DataTables, and CSS frameworks, you can elevate the usability and aesthetics of your web projects.

By now, you should feel empowered to tackle HTML table design with creativity and precision. Keep experimenting, and let your tables stand out as vital components of stellar web design. Whether for data presentation or advanced interactivity, the right table designs are within your grasp.


Milan Jovanovic
Milan Jovanovic

Product Lead

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