When creating your website's backgrounds, there are a few things to consider: readability, image contrast, and branding. Think carefully about these three items altogether, and this will help you decide whether dark or light mode is best for your website.
1. Readability
According to rxoptical.com, black text on a white background is best because the white text on black background makes the eye strain harder except in low light-light conditions where it is reversed. How much text do you plan to have on your website? If it is a lot, stick to the traditional black text on a white background (light mode). If it is minimal text, try white text on a black background (dark mode) to see if it stands out. Also, think about where people are viewing your website are. Are they inside an office with bright fluorescent lights, or are they in their homes with dim lights? Play around with the lighting in your work environment to see what feels pleasant to the eye.
2. Image Contrast
What type of photos are you using? Are they high or low quality? Do they have light or dark backgrounds? The lighting of the images determines which mode will make the photo look elegant. For example, some art galleries' websites with classical art might use dark mode because it feels like the physical gallery and brings out the luminescent paint colors. Another example is tool shop websites. They use light mode to see the product shot clearly to contrast the usually dark metallic tools. Think about your client's mindset. Are they thinking practically? If so, you might want to stick with light mode. If they are trying to relax and be entertained, apply dark mode.
3. Branding
You want to keep the backgrounds consistent with your brand. Light backgrounds give a cleaner, optimistic feeling, while dark mode gives off a more relaxed mysterious feeling. Think of your website as a book. Does the cover match what the story is about? What is the feeling you want your audience to feel when looking at your brand? Are other materials used to promote your brand have white or color backgrounds? Do you want the website to contrast or blend in with your other promotional item? You want your audience to know it is you when they visit your website. If possible, ask the designer to show 2 versions of the website: one in light mode and one in the dark.
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