Avoid these 10 common typeface mistakes that can ruin your website’s design and credibility. Learn how to improve your typography and create a professional user experience.
Typography is one of the most powerful visual tools in web design. While great typeface choices can elevate your website’s professionalism and readability, poor font decisions can do the exact opposite. If you want your website to look polished and trustworthy, avoid these 10 typeface mistakes that many designers (and even developers) still make.
1. Using Too Many Fonts at Once
Overloading your website with multiple typefaces creates visual chaos. Stick to 2-3 complementary fonts max: one for headings, one for body text, and optionally one for accents. Consistency in typography improves brand cohesion and readability.
2. Choosing Decorative Fonts for Body Text
Ornate or script fonts may look artistic, but they’re often hard to read in paragraphs. Use decorative fonts sparingly—ideally only for headers or logos—and stick with clean sans-serif or serif fonts for body content.
3. Poor Font Pairing
Mismatched typefaces can make your site feel unbalanced. Ensure your fonts harmonize in tone and weight. Tools like Google Fonts’ pairing suggestions can help you match typefaces that complement each other.
4. Using Default System Fonts Without Customization
Using system fonts like Times New Roman or Arial without style or hierarchy can make your site look lazy and outdated. Always style your fonts with care—adjust spacing, size, and weight to make it look intentional.
5. Ignoring Readability on Different Devices
If your font looks great on desktop but unreadable on mobile, it’s a problem. Use responsive typography techniques like relative sizing (em/rem) and line spacing adjustments to maintain readability across screen sizes.
6. Using Low Contrast Colors for Text
Light gray text on a white background? A nightmare for users. Always ensure sufficient contrast between text and background to make your content easy to read—even for users with visual impairments.
7. Forgetting About Line Height and Spacing
Crowded text with no breathing room makes reading uncomfortable. Adjust line height (at least 1.5x the font size) and padding to improve flow and clarity.
8. Overusing All Caps
All caps can be useful for emphasis, but when overused, it comes off as shouting. It also reduces readability. Use all caps sparingly for buttons, short headings, or acronyms.
9. Not Embedding Fonts Correctly
If a custom font isn’t embedded properly (or linked via a CDN), users might not see it, resulting in a broken layout. Always embed fonts correctly and test on multiple browsers.
10. Ignoring Brand Personality
Your typeface should reflect your brand’s tone. A law firm using Comic Sans will lose credibility instantly. Choose fonts that match your brand identity—professional, playful, modern, or elegant.
Final Thoughts
Typography isn’t just decoration—it’s a foundational part of your website’s usability and user perception. Avoiding these common typeface mistakes can significantly boost your site’s credibility, readability, and design appeal. The right font choices lead to a smoother user experience and a more professional look.
