Block themes are a new type of WordPress theme built entirely with blocks, allowing users to design every part of their site—including headers, footers, and page templates—using the Site Editor. Unlike classic themes, block themes remove the need for custom code, making full site editing accessible to anyone.
The Rise of Block Themes and Full-Site Editing
WordPress has always been about making publishing accessible to everyone — and now, it’s allowing users to design with the same freedom. With the rise of block themes and full-site editing (FSE), the barriers between content and design are breaking down. It’s an exciting time for DIY site builders. But even with all this power at your fingertips, building a site that’s effective, optimized, and strategically designed still takes expertise.
What Are Block Themes, really?
Block themes are a new sort of WordPress theme built entirely around the block editor (a.k.a. Gutenberg). Unlike classic themes that rely heavily on PHP templates and Customizer settings, block themes use blocks just like the ones you use when writing a blog post—to build everything.
And when we say everything, it includes everything: headers, footers, sidebars, page templates, even 404 pages.
The power lies in WordPress’s Site Editor, a full site editing experience that lets you visually tweak your entire site from top to bottom. No more digging through code, No more tracking down obscure theme settings. If you can drag and drop a block, you can build a website.
Why It Matters
For years, building a website in WordPress was a two-way process. Content lived in the editor, but the structure and style were buried in theme files, CSS, and custom code. Full-site editing brings it all together in one unified interface.
This shift doesn’t just make things easier—it’s fundamentally changing who gets to design websites. Small business owners, content creators, and freelancers can now customize their entire site without writing a single line of code.
But here’s the thing: ease of use doesn’t guarantee effectiveness.
The Value of a Designer in a Block-First World
At first glance, the rise of full-site editing might seem like it replaces the need for web designers. But, in reality, it elevates what professionals can offer.
Just because anyone can design a website doesn’t mean every site will succeed. That’s where working with a pro makes all the difference. A skilled designer brings:
- Strategic layout and user experience design
- Brand consistency across pages and devices
- Mobile responsiveness and accessibility
- SEO best practices baked into your design
- Performance optimization and clean code
- A custom look that doesn’t scream “template”
With block themes, designers can hand off a site that’s modular and editable—so clients can make changes confidently without breaking anything.
The Power of Patterns (Used Well)
One of the coolest features of block themes is pattern-designed layouts. These include key elements like testimonials, pricing tables, and call-to-action sections. They’re quick to drop in, and easy to customize.
But just because the layout is pre-built doesn’t mean it’s the right fit out of the box. Patterns are a great starting point, but they still need a designer’s eye to make them work beautifully and strategically. Without thoughtful customization, your site can end up looking generic—or worse, confusing to visitors.
We use patterns intentionally—modifying each one to match your branding, messaging, and business goals—so your site doesn’t just look professional, it performs that way too.
Why Work with Us?
This new era of WordPress is about flexibility and freedom—and that’s exactly what we offer.
We’re a team of professional designers who specialize in WordPress. We embrace full-site editing because it helps us deliver high-quality, easy-to-update websites for our clients. We stay ahead of the curve, so you don’t have to.
So yes—take a block theme for a spin. See what’s possible. And when you’re ready to take your site from template to customized webiste, we’re here to help.
