Some love it, some hate it.
I’m talking about white space. You know — those layouts where there’s a whole lot of nothing going on in big areas of the page. Some scrappers look at that and think, “Ooh, so elegant!” while others feel like they’re wasting perfectly good space that could be crammed with photos, papers, and elements.
But here’s the thing: white space can be one of the most powerful tools in your scrapbooking design toolbox — and it doesn’t even have to be white.
What is White Space, Anyway?
In the design world, “white space” just means the empty space between and around your page elements. It gives your layout breathing room, creates balance, and directs the eye straight to your focal point.
It’s not about leaving your page unfinished — it’s about using space intentionally to create impact.
Why Use White Space?
- Draws Attention to the Story – By leaving open areas, you naturally guide the viewer’s eyes toward your photos or journaling.
- Creates a Sense of Calm – White space gives your page a more relaxed, uncluttered feel, which can be perfect for certain moods or themes.
- Adds Drama and Focus – The more open the space around your focal point, the more that focal point pops.
- Helps Your Layout “Breathe” – Ever looked at a page so busy you didn’t know where to look first? White space fixes that.
“White” Doesn’t Have to Be White
Here’s the fun part — white space doesn’t literally have to be white. It can be:
- A soft watercolor wash
- A textured kraft paper
- A subtle patterned background
- Even a deep, moody color
The key is that it stays quiet enough so your main design still takes center stage.
Examples in Action
You’ll find lots of examples of effective use of white space in my Designer Gallery, but here are three that illustrate the concept well.
On the Road by Marijke using Ticket to Anywhere. This page is the perfect example of how a large expanse of subtle background can set the stage for a single, stunning photo. The muted, handwritten texture keeps it from feeling empty, while the clustered embellishments add just enough interest without stealing focus. Your eye immediately lands on that gorgeous scenic view — mission accomplished.
Life by Svanderhaegen using Teachable Moments. This one shows how white space doesn’t have to be blank. The lined paper background, faint green brushwork, and subtle stamped text create a backdrop that’s full of texture but still reads as open space. All that breathing room around the photo makes his quiet coffee moment feel even more intimate.
Autumn by Mimes1 using Autumn Love. Here, the top third of the page is a feast of texture and color, but the rest is pure breathing space. The stitched border frames the whole thing so it doesn’t feel like “half a layout” — it feels intentional and artistic. The result? A layout that’s both serene and visually rich.
Tips for Working with White Space
- Start with a background that has subtle texture or pattern so it feels “finished” even in large areas.
- Cluster your photo(s) and embellishments in one area instead of spreading them across the page.
- Use borders, stitching, or edge treatments to “contain” your design.
- Zoom out to check if the page feels overwhelming or peaceful.
Remember …
Intentional space is different from empty space — give it purpose. Redefine white space as “breathing space” — it doesn’t have to be white, just uncluttered. It’s used to guide the viewer’s eye toward the focal point.
White space is like the pause in a piece of music — it’s what makes the rest of the notes shine. Whether you love it or hate it, give it a try on your next page. You might be surprised at how powerful it can be.
So what do you say? White space — yea or nay? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
I think I will create a layout with plenty of “white space” and then, before I can stop myself, I’m finding all kinds of great stuff in my stash and adding those in b/c they are relevant to the theme. So, I have produced my usual “cluttered” look which I have to pare down. Hopeless case here. I really admire the minimalist look.
definitely love the white space – i find it directs the eye to what i consider important and tends to relax the viewer as there isn’t too much busy-ness going on
Thanks — and I agree, Sharon. It gives the eye somewhere to “rest”.
For me, I value white space because it helps the layout to feel less like a catalog crammed full of posed shots and more like an intimate story with images carefully curated to allow the viewer to see that story, to share an emotion, or to take part in an experience.
I don’t want an overly simplistic page with little that is visually interesting. But also don’t enjoy a visual cacophony where there’s so much going on that it’s hard to actually “see” anything at all.
I guess it’s kind of like food.
Sometimes breathing room allows for a depth of richness that would be overwhelming in larger quantities – like a good hors d’oeuvre. It’s intended as a explosion of flavor in one bite, but a whole meal of it? Too much.
But at other times it’s a good salad – full of tasty, healthy ingredients and you can eat as much as you want. Each bite is deeply flavorful, balanced, and light enough to allow you to eat as much as you need.
Gosh, Stephanie! You said that so well! I bet your pages are full of beautiful prose? Are you a writer?
I depends on what I am making. I definitely prefer white space if I am telling a story with photos. I admire those who fill the entire page with all kinds of stuff but for me, if you want people to really see the photo, which for me is the point of the page, less is better. If I’m just messing around, I do like to see what I can come up with that doesn’t necessarily involve personal photos, then yes, I will stuff a page with embellishments. Photography is probably my #1 hobby so I do lean to showing off my photos more. You definitely cannot tell that if you look at all the kits on my computer!!
Hi Linda! Yep, I totally get it! Most of the time the story is more important to me than how the page is decorated. Thanks for commenting!
I love designs with white space but tend to fill my pages. I have many stories to be told both in heritage and yearly books. It is my hope that one day I will be able to showcase my best photo of an event using white space as elegantly as the examples above.
Hi Karen! Thanks for your comments! It does take a bit of restraint to use fewer elements on a page, but as long as the story you need to tell is there, that’s the most important thing!
personally, i do use “white space” sometimes but i’m such a huge fan of vibrant colors and elements that continue the story the photos tell. since my pages are usually of my young grandkidlets, i tend to follow that smack you in the face with color option. however, it really depends on the photos and what they are saying to me. i’ve definitely used white space (and yes, like you say .. not all white but more of a minimalist kind of thing) but i’m more of a big and bold kind of scrapper
You made me chuckle, with your “smack you in the face with color” comment, Lisa! I have to admit I find that very appealing, especially with photos of “grandkidlets”. Thanks so much for your comments.
NAY! The most important part of the page for me is the photo, the image… or images….That is what I want people to see..No a lot of white space..
Thanks for your comments, Jean! As long as your story is being told the way you want – that’s the most important thing!