How To Change Menu Background Color In WordPress? [in 2023]

Written by: Mark Coleman
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Are you looking to customize your WordPress website and wondering how to change the menu background color? A menu is an essential part of any website, and changing its background color can help enhance its overall look and feel.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of changing the menu background color in WordPress, including using the Inspect Element tool, plugins, theme customizer, and child themes.

We will also discuss why and when you should consider changing the menu background color to align it with your branding, highlight it, create contrast, or make it more seasonal or event-based.

So, let’s dive in and learn how to change the menu background color in WordPress.

If you prefer to watch a video tutorial on how to Change Menu Background Color In WordPress, check out this video tutorial:

How To Change Menu Background Color In WordPress?

Here is how to change the Menu Background Color in WordPress:

  1. Open your WordPress website and right-click anywhere on the page.
  2. Click on “Inspect” from the dropdown menu.
  3. Select the “Tools” option from the top right corner of the Inspect window.
  4. Now, select your menu by clicking on it. You will see the class name of your menu in the highlighted code.
  5. Copy the class name of your menu.
  6. Go back to your WordPress website and click on “Customize” from the top bar.
  7. Click on “Additional CSS” from the left-hand side menu.
  8. Now, paste the class name of your menu with a dot before it in the CSS code section.
  9. Type “background-color” after your class name and give the desired color code or name for the background color. For example, “background-color: white;”
  10. Click on “Publish” to save the changes.
  11. If the background color doesn’t look perfect, you can also change the header and footer color from the “Colors” option in the customize menu.
  12. Once you have made the desired changes, click on “Publish” to save the changes.

That’s it! You have successfully changed the background color of your menu in WordPress.

Can’t Change Menu Background Color In WordPress – How to fix it?

If you’re having trouble changing the background color of your menu in WordPress, there are a few possible solutions to try. Here are some options:

1. Use Inspect Element to Find the Menu Class Name: As shown in the video transcript, you can use the Inspect Element tool to find the class name of your menu. Once you have this, you can add custom CSS code to change the background color. Make sure to add the CSS code to the Additional CSS section in WordPress.

2. Use a Plugin: If you’re not comfortable with coding, you can use a plugin to change the menu background color. There are many free and paid plugins available in the WordPress plugin directory that can help you customize your menu.

3. Use a Theme Customizer: Many WordPress themes come with a built-in customizer that allows you to change the background color of your menu. Check your theme’s documentation to see if this is an option.

4. Use a Child Theme: If you’re comfortable with coding, you can create a child theme and add custom CSS to change the menu background color. This is a good option if you want to make more extensive changes to your website’s design.

Overall, changing the menu background color in WordPress is a relatively simple task, but it may require some technical knowledge or the use of plugins. Experiment with different options to find the solution that works best for you.

Why and when should you Change Menu Background Color In WordPress?

Changing the menu background color in WordPress can be a great way to enhance the overall look and feel of your website. Here are some reasons why and when you should consider changing the menu background color:

  • Branding: If you want to align the menu background color with your brand’s color scheme, changing it can help make your website more cohesive and professional-looking.
  • Highlighting: If you want to draw attention to the menu, changing the background color can help make it stand out and be more noticeable to visitors.
  • Contrast: If your website’s background color is similar to the menu background color, changing it can help create contrast and make the menu more readable and easier to navigate.
  • Seasonal or Event-Based: If you have a seasonal or event-based website, changing the menu background color can help create a festive or themed atmosphere and make your website more engaging for visitors.

Overall, changing the menu background color in WordPress can be a simple yet effective way to improve the appearance and user experience of your website.

Conclusion – Change Menu Background Color In WordPress

Customizing your WordPress website’s menu background color can significantly enhance its overall look and feel.

In this blog post, we have discussed various methods to change the menu background color, including using the Inspect Element tool, plugins, theme customizer, and child themes.

We have also highlighted why and when you should consider changing the menu background color, such as aligning it with your branding, highlighting it, creating contrast, or making it more seasonal or event-based.

Remember to experiment with different options to find the solution that works best for you.

Changing the menu background color in WordPress is a simple yet effective way to improve the appearance and user experience of your website.

Mark Coleman - HowTOBuildWebsites
Written by Mark Coleman


Mark Coleman is the founder of HowToBuildWebsites.org, which provides comprehensive tutorials on website builders like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, and Shopify. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a business degree, developing an interest in web design's changing landscape and website builders' potential.

Mark enjoys experimenting with new web technologies, refining his web development skills, and actively participating in web design and development communities.

Learn more about him and read his articles here on HowToBuildWebsites.org.

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