For years, WordPress themes were the cornerstone of any website built on the world’s most popular CMS. They defined not only the look and feel of a site, but also much of its functionality and layout. But with the rise of visual page builders like Elementor, Bricks, Beaver Builder, and others, the web design landscape has changed dramatically. Many now wonder: Do WordPress themes still matter? Or are we entering a post-theme era?
The Rise of the Page Builder
Elementor, perhaps the most popular page builder for WordPress, allows users to design pixel-perfect websites using a simple drag-and-drop interface — no coding required. With tools like global styles, custom headers and footers, theme builders, dynamic content, and responsive editing, Elementor has effectively replaced the need for many traditional theme features.
You can start with a blank canvas or use a lightweight theme like Hello (developed by Elementor itself) and build every part of your website visually. This flexibility is incredibly empowering for both beginners and professionals.
So, Are Themes Obsolete?
Not quite. While page builders have significantly reduced the dependency on themes, they haven’t entirely eliminated their relevance — at least not yet. Here’s why themes still have a role:
1. Performance and Optimization
A well-coded theme can still offer performance advantages over a heavily customized site built entirely with a page builder. Themes like Astra, GeneratePress, or Blocksy are optimized for speed, SEO, and accessibility, while many builder-based sites can become bloated with unnecessary code.
2. Design Consistency and Speed of Development
Pre-built themes offer ready-made layouts, styles, and templates that can speed up the design process, especially for users who don’t want to start from scratch. They’re ideal for small businesses or individuals who need a good-looking site fast without hiring a designer.
3. Built-in Functionality
Many themes come with built-in features like custom post types, layout options, and WooCommerce support. While page builders can replicate many of these features, having them integrated at the theme level can reduce plugin dependency and improve maintainability.
4. Client Work and Templates
For agencies and freelancers working with multiple clients, themes provide a foundation that can be reused and customized efficiently. Even if a builder like Elementor is used, a base theme helps maintain structure and manage updates more reliably.
The Future: Themes Will Evolve
Themes are not disappearing — they’re evolving. The trend is shifting toward minimal, builder-friendly starter themes or block-based themes that integrate tightly with the WordPress Site Editor (Gutenberg). Instead of dictating the entire design, themes now act more like frameworks or containers that support customization.
Moreover, hybrid models are emerging. Themes are being built with native block support, and page builders are becoming more lightweight and integrated. The line between “theme” and “builder” is blurring.
Conclusion
The classic theme market may be shrinking, but WordPress themes still have a future — just a different one. As the ecosystem moves toward more flexible, user-driven design workflows, themes will adapt to serve as performance-optimized foundations, compatibility layers, and development accelerators.
In a world dominated by visual builders, themes are no longer the star of the show — but they’re still part of the cast.