In Defense of White Space

Every designer has faced this moment. You’re meeting with a client, presenting a clean, well-balanced layout, and they pause. They like it overall, but their eyes go straight to the logo at the top. “Shouldn’t there be something next to it?” they ask.

That’s when the conversation begins.

I recently had this experience while designing a one-pager for an organization. The client liked the design, but she was troubled by the logo appearing to float alone at the top. I tried to explain that, from a branding standpoint, that space isn’t empty … it’s intentional. The logo requires ample breathing room to naturally guide the eye down the page, thereby establishing visual hierarchy and flow.

This becomes even more important when an organization is just beginning to define its visual identity. Early-stage brands need consistency and clarity. Crowding the logo with extra elements only dilutes its strength and confuses the viewer’s eye.

So where does this fear of white space come from? I think it stems from the idea that empty space equals wasted space. Many clients believe that if every inch of a page isn’t filled, they’re not getting their money’s worth. It’s our job as designers to reframe that thinking; to show that negative space is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal.

White space isn’t wasted; it’s what gives design its rhythm and structure. It helps guide attention, creates contrast, and prevents the viewer from feeling overwhelmed. It’s the silence between the notes that makes the music work.

When we establish a clear visual hierarchy, the main message stands out effortlessly. Without that space, everything competes for attention … and nothing wins.

Unfortunately, unless designers can clearly articulate why white space matters, clients will continue to see “more content” as “more value.” That’s why it’s so important for us to keep advocating for it, and stand firm in our principles as much as we possibly can.

Good design isn’t about how much you can add; it’s about how much you know to leave out.