
Your website’s header is one of the first things visitors see when they land on your page. It serves as the digital “first impression” of your site, showcasing your brand’s identity and guiding users through your content. One of the simplest ways to make your site stand out is by customizing the header’s background color.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to easily change the header background color in WordPress. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, we’ll cover multiple methods to help you achieve the perfect look for your site.
Let’s begin!
- Importance of Changing the Header Background Color in WordPress
- Method 1: Change the Header Background Color via the WordPress Customizer
- Method 2: Change the Header Background Color Using CSS
- Method 3: Change the Header Background Color Using a Page Builder (e.g., Elementor)
- Method 4: Using a Theme with Built-in Header Customization Options
- Method 5: Use a Plugin to Change the Header Background Color
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Importance of Changing the Header Background Color in WordPress
Changing the header background color can make your site more visually appealing and help align it with your brand’s identity. Here are a few reasons why you might want to change the header background color:
- Branding: Consistent colors help reinforce your brand identity. Changing the header’s background color ensures it aligns with your logo and other branding elements.
- User Experience: A well-designed header improves the user experience by making your site easier to navigate. It can also make important navigation items stand out.
- Visual Appeal: A simple color change can refresh the overall design of your website without needing a full redesign.
- Focus Attention: You can use a contrasting header color to draw attention to key areas, such as the navigation bar or a call-to-action button.
Now, let’s explore how you can change the header background color in WordPress.
Method 1: Change the Header Background Color via the WordPress Customizer
The WordPress Customizer is an easy-to-use tool that allows you to make live changes to your site, including customizing the header’s background color.

- Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard: Go to your WordPress site’s dashboard by navigating to yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
- Open the Customizer: On the left-hand sidebar, hover over Appearance and click on Customize.
- Find the Header Section: In the Customizer menu, look for the Header or Colors section, depending on your theme. Some themes have a specific “Header” section, while others have a general “Colors” section.
- Select Background Color: In the appropriate section, you should see an option for Header Background Color. Click on this icon to open the color picker. From here, you can either select a color from the palette or input a specific hex code for precise color control.
- Preview and Publish: You can immediately preview the changes on the left-hand side of the screen. Once you’re satisfied with the color, click Publish to apply the changes to your live site.
Method 2: Change the Header Background Color Using CSS
If your theme doesn’t have a built-in option to change the header background color, you can use custom CSS to modify it. Here’s how:

- Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard: Go to yourdomain.com/wp-admin and log in.
- Open the Customizer: Navigate to Appearance > Customize.
- Add Custom CSS: In the Customizer, go to the Additional CSS section. Here, you can add custom CSS to modify the header background color. The CSS code you need will look something like this:
.site-header {
background-color: #FF5733; /* Replace with your desired color */
}
- Save and Publish: Once you add the code, you’ll be able to preview the changes. If everything looks good, click Publish to make the changes live.
Method 3: Change the Header Background Color Using a Page Builder (e.g., Elementor)
If you’re using a page builder like Elementor, you can change the header’s background color directly from the builder interface. Here’s how to do it:

- Launch Elementor: Open the page you want to edit and click Edit with Elementor.
- Select the Header Section: In Elementor’s editor, click on the section that contains your header.
- Change the Background Color: Once the section is selected, go to the Style tab in the left sidebar. Under Background, you’ll find options to adjust the color. Click on the color box and select the color you want for the header’s background.
- Publish the Changes: Once you’re pleased with the color, click the Publish button to apply the changes.
Method 4: Using a Theme with Built-in Header Customization Options
Many WordPress themes come with built-in header customization options, including background color settings. To change the header background color, select a theme that offers these options:

- Access Theme Settings: Navigate to Appearance > Customize and look for a section that mentions the header or site layout.
- Look for Background Color Settings: Some themes allow you to directly change the header background color under a section like Header or Colors.
- Select the Desired Color: Choose the color that best suits your site’s design and branding.
- Save Changes: Click Publish to apply your changes.
Method 5: Use a Plugin to Change the Header Background Color
If you’re not comfortable working with CSS or don’t have customization options in your theme, you can use a plugin to change the header background color. A popular plugin for customizing WordPress headers is WP Add Custom CSS.
- Install the Plugin: Navigate to Plugins > Add New and search for “WP Add Custom CSS.” Install and activate the plugin.
- Add Custom CSS to the header: Once the plugin is activated, go to Appearance > Custom CSS. Add the following CSS:
.header {
background-color: red;
}
- Save Changes: Click Save to apply the CSS and update the header color.
FAQs
Can I change the header background color in any WordPress theme?
Yes, most WordPress themes allow you to change the header background color either through the customizer, custom CSS, or a page builder.
What if my theme doesn’t offer a header color option?
You can use custom CSS to change the header background color manually or use a plugin that adds customization options.
How do I find the right hex code for my color?
Use a color picker tool (such as the one built into your operating system or online tools like Adobe Color) to find the hex code of the color you want.
Will changing the header background color affect my website’s performance?
No, changing the header background color won’t impact your site’s performance unless you’re using overly complex design elements.
Can I change the background color of only one page’s header?
Yes, if you’re using a page builder like Elementor or a custom CSS solution, you can set different header background colors for individual pages.
Conclusion
Changing the header background color in WordPress is a straightforward process that can significantly impact your site’s aesthetics and user experience. Whether you’re using the WordPress Customizer, custom CSS, a page builder like Elementor, or a plugin, you have several options to get the look you want. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can create a unique and branded experience for your visitors.
Remember to preview your changes and ensure they align with your overall site design. A little color change can go a long way in making your site more visually appealing and user-friendly!

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