Free and Premium Shopify themes to start using

For making sales online, digital marketing and great design are two of the most important aspects of the success of your venture online. In this article, we will focus on the graphical design of your online shop and how you can improve it with Shopify themes.

You should first consider choosing the right eCommerce platform to base your business on, and then making the most of it by producing great design.

A lot of online stores use Shopify as their platform for building their store website. It can be quite an intimidating task to get everything right and manage the platform from the get-go, but once you start to understand and really master the platform, you can start to customize it and the profits will increase. There is a large variety of Shopify themes out there that you can use for your assistance.

Although Shopify does take care of some of the aspects of managing the platform, there are still some important ones that you will have to do yourself, like managing the homepage, producing meta descriptions that will keep the customers coming, using external tools for analytics, conducting analytics, adding top-quality content and much more.

But Shopify is a great tool that you can use as a platform for your online store, and there are many Shopify themes to help you get going.

What is the best Shopify theme for Your Store?

When it comes to the most important tasks of starting an online store, there is one that we will focus on in this article, and that is Shopify themes. Which one to choose to suit your project best? What are some of the most important aspects?

Your Shopify theme should look familiar and easily recognizable

There are some conventions and basic things that all Shopify themes have to follow, even the free ones. These themes also have to follow some design principles that are set in order to make them work for your project. The next step for you will be to choose where to put the cart and the checkout buttons to make them more visible.

Most Shopify themes are made in such a way that help you boost your conversion rates on your website and help attract even more potential buyers. This is one of the most important aspects of Shopify themes – how it is built, does it look familiar and is the outline and the positioning of the important buttons in the right place?

How much money are you willing to spend on a theme?

Before you start your online project, you have to ask yourself how much money and time are you willing to invest in the project, and consequently, in Shopify themes for it. Also, how much are you willing to invest in images and graphical content and design, because these two factors are one of the most important ones for new sites.

It might be wise to spend more time and money on producing the best possible graphical design and there are plenty of good Shopify themes for high-quality design on the market. But don’t worry, if you are not willing to invest too much of your resources into this, there are also plenty of free Shopify themes out there that can do the job just as good as the premium ones.

Those free themes are good if you want to focus on the products instead of on design. Of course, you do not have to spend an awful lot of money to make a website look good – the design should just fit the theme of the site.

The most important feature for Shopify eCommerce themes

Now that you know some of the basic things, let us take a look at which features you should pay attention to when choosing the theme for you. Firstly, the theme should, of course, follow the whole package that your site offers – it should be in style.

Some other features are 1. It should be clean, modern, and highly customizable. 2. It should be SEO friendly, usable in different browsers, responsive design, and good coding. 3. Customizable with custom settings attached. 4. Should support Shopify sections – this one is a bonus.

Look for lightweight versions of themes

The Shopify themes you choose should be free of the unimportant and needless extra features, such as busy loaders or animations that are not usable.

Best Shopify themes (free and premium)

Supply

If you have a large store with a big inventory, then this one is for you. Supply makes it easy to browse through the large inventories and manage them. It also features multiple homepage designs, sidebar filtering, great navigation and easy integration with the product reviews app.

Basel – Responsive eCommerce Shopify Theme

This one is a premium. It has recently been updated to 3.0 version, and it one of those Shopify themes that are good for many different uses, and allows you to use classic-looking storefronts. There are also many different customization options with this theme, which is obviously a big plus. It is compatible with Nitro Apps, and it also allows you to upload your own logo.

Universe

This theme is a multi-purpose theme that comes in two different variations – the light (Earth) and the dark (Mars) variations, both of these themes will make your store look like a very sophisticated and modern store. There is also a unique Universe mode, which allows you to customize and use whichever version and put it all together to suit your needs best.

This theme supports video backgrounds, interactive product carousels and the ability to integrate Google Maps and Youtube.

There is much to like about this theme, and with some specific tools for your sites such as elements zooming, slide-out shopping cart display and the ability to display related products, this Shopify template is one of the best and complete packages out there.

Cosmetics Store

Cosmetics store is a perfect template for health, beauty, and other similar themed web stores. This theme is a carefully-designed one that has many useful features for you and for any graphical designer out there.

It is a responsive theme and will adjust to many different screen sizes – from small to large. It has 6 different layouts for a homepage and plenty other page designs. It has a newsletter popup, a mega menu that you can shape and more product pages. Overall, this is a good theme.

Snowdevil

The snowdevil Shopify theme is one for ski and snow enthusiasts. It is perfect for snowboarding, skiing and winter sports equipment stores, and other related pages, especially the Venture version of the snowdevil theme. There is a slideshow option for the homepage of your store, promotional widgets, menu navigations, and plenty of customization options and menus.

Minimal

Don’t let the name fool you. It is a minimalistic design, but the features offered in this package makes it one of the best Shopify themes. It is loaded with some fantastic features that allow you to customize and build your own website as you wish. You have additional layout options, product views, navigation styles and more.

Ella – Responsive Shopify Template (Sections Ready)

This is one of those Shopify themes that are always up to date to the latest trends. It offers frequent updates, which means that there will be a ton of new templates and skins every month, and this will allow you to customize the theme as much as you want. The Ella theme also offers support for Shopify sections, where you can drag and drop blocks of content.

Porto – Premium

The Porto theme has recently been updated to version 2, and it offers some of the best features on the market. This is a premium theme, which means you will have to pay, but there are some awesome features to go with it.

There are countless skins, pre-made headers, and various combinations to choose from, so you will not have to spend too much time on those and you will be able to customize them, too.

There are some amazing features, like RTL support for creating a store in a right-to-left language, AJAX loading for quicker loading and premium experience, a hero slider tool to create great product displays and much, much more.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is one of the best free Shopify themes you can choose. It has a classic and playful style, which will appeal to many people. It is great for modern shops with apparel that want a classic design, but still playful and attractive.

You can choose how many products you want to be displayed on different layouts, and it is a popular theme for eCommerce projects that is very user-friendly. These features will help you save plenty of time and also money, consequently. Besides, it is free, so try it out.

Boundless

Boundless is a great theme for fashion products and for users who want to highlight and make one of the products to stand out specifically. It is a minimalistic, but modern Shopify template that will make your page easy to use and appealing.

It looks great on the mobile version of the site as well. The homepage features a big slideshow where you can promote your most popular and best products that you want to specifically sell. You also will be able to have photos collections.

Startup

As the name suggests, this theme is great for startup companies and stores, and for vendors who focus on quality instead of quantity – sellers who don’t have that many products but still want a great design that will attract users. It is still flexible and good enough to handle bigger catalogs, too.

Gecko – Responsive Shopify Theme

The Gecko theme uses all the essential Shopify features and it incorporates them to make a great, responsive template. There is a vast array of various homepages and different layouts to choose from.

There is a good variety of shortcodes, and a good theme options panel where you will be able to control and customize it easily. It also offers integration with Instagram, which is a great option for those who also focus on social media a lot. Overall, a great theme for the money with many features.

Wokiee

This one is a very versatile theme and one of those Shopify themes that can be used for just about any eCommerce project that you can imagine. It doesn’t matter what kind of design you want or any kind of project you have, you should have a look at Wokiee.

This theme is so versatile and compatible with any project out there, that you should check it out and see for yourself. You will also be able to see it in action with the demo page. The pre-built options and layouts are great and save you plenty of time.

Fastor

Fastor is one of the most popular themes out there, and for a good reason. This professional theme has just about everything you would want from a good theme. The user-friendly features are out of this world.

It has full Oberlo support, 7 Facebook fan page covers, many great banner options, dynamic checkout buttons and the greatly designer cart buttons that will improve conversion rates. You can also track your sales with Fastor. It also has a 360-degree view. Fastor is one of the most complete Shopify themes out there.

There are also 82 different skins to choose from and a fashion demo to see if this theme is right for you. It also includes plenty of tutorials to help you get started with the theme, so get this one if you don’t know which one to get and you are willing to spend some money.

Pop

Pop is a minimalistic template that looks great, and it is made to deal with smaller quantities of products. It is perfect for smaller stores or stores with not so many products, where the quality of exposure is preferred over quantity.

It can be used for a variety of different themes, but especially great for beauty products and stores with such contents. It has sidebar-navigation, making it easier for you to navigate the sidebars. You can customize the colors, which are generally light.

Showcase

This one is great for boutiques and similar startup shops with beauty products. It features the showcase option where you can show the products you want to stand out. It is very versatile and can be used for other needs as well. Showcase, as the name suggests, is perfect for showcasing the products of your store you want to stand out.

Jasper

There are six different layouts in Jasper, each one of them is unique and customizable. You can build your own layouts as well, making Jasper a great option with highly-customizable elements in the theme. The product page options are very good and allow you to make great adjustments according to your needs.

Shella

Shella is a premium Shopify theme and is one of those Shopify themes that are perfect for fashion stores. There is a vast variety of different user-friendly tools that will make it easy to use the theme and customize it to your own needs. The pre-built content in this package is arguably one of the best on the market and is one of the reasons to use this theme over others.

Hebes

Hebes is a futuristic theme that will help you shape the future of your project. There are more than 16 pre-built homepage screens and you can customize those as well, offering you great variety and unlimited options to use this theme.

There are also some very important tools in this package that others just do not use, such as custom content, unlimited custom color, and multiple custom pages. It is also very SEO friendly and very friendly for you to use and master.

Star

Star is one of those Shopify themes that are free but it offers some of the premium benefits as well. This one is out of the box, and it offers a design that is not necessarily seen every day, but if you do not like that you can change it and shape it as you want. It is very versatile and you will be able to use it for just about any project. For a free product, you will get a lot of joy with Star.

Icon

With Icon, you can use and create very unique features to create unique websites for your liking. It is free, and it comes with some great features. You should not miss this one, as it is free.

Banita Shopify Theme

There are ten pre-built homepages in Banita, which allows you to save some time and use those, or if you do not like anyone of those, then you can also build your own.

Lezada

Another premium option that has many useful features.

FAQ on Shopify themes

Can Shopify themes really make a difference to sales?

They sure can, and here’s the kicker—they’re not just window dressing. A crisp, responsive theme optimizes user experience and helps in guiding customers smoothly from browsing to checkout. It’s the silent salesman, working 24/7 to showcase your products in the best light.

How often should I update my Shopify theme?

Think of it like a wardrobe revamp—it should happen whenever there’s a significant change in style, functionality, or user needs. Keep an eye out for updates from theme developers to ensure your site stays snappy and secure.

Are premium themes worth the investment?

No bones about it, premium themes can be a game-changer. They typically offer more bells and whistles like exclusive apps or unparalleled support. If you want your store to stand out in the world of e-commerce, coughing up a little extra can go a long way.

How difficult is it to customize a Shopify theme?

Piece of cake—or at least, it can be. With user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive documentation, even beginners can tweak themes. Want to get fancy with it? Some HTML/CSS knowledge unlocks next-level personalization.

Is it possible to switch themes without losing content?

Absolutely. Shopify’s a smart cookie, keeping your content intact when you switch themes. Just double-check your settings and give everything a once-over to ensure it all looks tight.

How do I make my Shopify theme mobile-friendly?

Start by picking a theme that screams “I’m mobile-optimized!” Then, test the theme with different devices, keeping an eye on how easy it is for users to navigate and buy. Remember, a hiccup there could mean a customer lost forever.

Can I use a free Shopify theme for a professional store?

No shame in the free game. Shopify’s free themes are clean, professional, and up to snuff for many businesses. That being said, as you grow, you might want to scale up to a more unique and feature-rich premium theme.

Does Shopify offer themes that support multiple languages?

Si, oui, and yes. Shopify’s got you covered with themes that cater to a global audience. Say “hello” to themes that support multiple languages out of the box, helping you connect with customers, no matter where they’re from.

What’s the best way to optimize Shopify themes for SEO?

Your theme is your SEO ally—start with something designed with SEO in mind. Pay attention to the fundamentals: snappy loading times, clean codes, social media integration, and a blog for content marketing. They’re SEO’s best friends.

How can I create a unique look with a popular Shopify theme?

Trick out your theme with custom code tweaks or play with the modular design features most offer. Unique fonts, standout colors, or exclusive imagery—they’re your paint; your theme’s the canvas. Now, go make that masterpiece.

Conclusion

Stepping into the world of Shopify themes feels akin to entering a designer’s dreamland. It’s where the practical meets the phenomenal, turning your store into a digital haven consumers love to explore. As we wrap up, remember: picking the right theme is more than a visual choice; it’s the backbone of your online presence.

In our journey, we’ve:

Uncovered customizable options for every style.
Zoned in on SEO-friendly features that drive traffic.
Highlighted the importance of responsive design for every device out there.

With your shop dressed up and ready to dazzle, the only thing left is the grand opening. A well-chosen theme not only turns heads but also holds hands, walking your customers through to purchase with ease. Conversion-optimized, user-friendly, and downright classy—it’s more than a theme; it’s your store’s new best friend.

So, here’s to setting the stage for success. Go forth and let your Shopify shine!

If you enjoyed reading this article about these Shopify themes, you should read these as well:

What’s the best monitor for graphic design? Check out these
The best laptop for graphic design: which one to choose
Moleskine Alternative: What are the best notebooks out there
Gifts for graphic designers – or what to offer your friends on Christmas1

Author
Recent Posts

Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan Sandu, a seasoned designer with 15 years of diverse experience, has been designing websites since 2008.

Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.

His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.