Images are one of the most powerful visual elements on a WordPress website. They grab attention, guide the reader’s eye, and help communicate your message instantly. But sometimes, sharp rectangular edges can feel rigid or outdated. Adding curved edges to your images is a simple design tweak that can make your site feel more modern, friendly, and polished.
TLDR: Curved edges can instantly make your WordPress images look softer and more modern. You can add them using built-in block editor settings, custom CSS, page builders, or plugins. The method you choose depends on your theme, design needs, and technical comfort level. With just a few clicks—or a few lines of CSS—you can dramatically improve your site’s visual appeal.
Why Curved Edges Improve Your Website Design
Design trends constantly evolve, but rounded corners have remained popular for years because they feel natural and approachable. Sharp corners can appear rigid, while curved edges visually “soften” an interface.
Here’s why adding rounded corners works so well:
- Improves aesthetics by creating a modern, minimalist feel.
- Enhances user experience with smoother visual transitions.
- Matches modern UI trends used by major platforms and apps.
- Highlights important content when combined with shadows or borders.
Even subtle rounding—like 10px or 15px—can make a noticeable difference.
Method 1: Using the WordPress Block Editor (No Code)
If you’re using the default Gutenberg Block Editor, you may not need any additional tools. Many modern themes support border radius adjustments directly within the editor.
To add curved edges using the block editor:
- Open a post or page in WordPress.
- Select the image block.
- Go to the Block settings panel on the right.
- Look for Border settings.
- Adjust the Radius slider to your preferred curve.
If your theme supports it, you’ll instantly see rounded corners applied to your image.
Pro Tip: Start small. Try 10px to 20px for a subtle effect. For circular images (like profile photos), set the border radius to 50%.
Method 2: Adding Curved Edges with Custom CSS
If your theme doesn’t offer built-in border settings, don’t worry. A small snippet of CSS can solve the problem.
Step 1: Add a Custom Class to Your Image
Click on the image block and go to Advanced settings. In the Additional CSS Class field, add:
rounded-imageStep 2: Add CSS Code
Go to Appearance → Customize → Additional CSS, and add:
.rounded-image img {
border-radius: 20px;
}Click Publish, and your images will now have curved edges.
You can adjust the value:
- 10px for slight rounding
- 25px for moderate curves
- 50% for perfect circles
This method is flexible and works on virtually any WordPress theme.
Method 3: Using Page Builders (Elementor, Divi, WPBakery)
If you use a page builder, adding curved edges becomes even easier. Most builders have built-in styling options.
Elementor
- Select the image widget.
- Go to the Style tab.
- Find Border Radius.
- Adjust the slider or enter pixel values.
Divi
- Open the Image module.
- Go to Design → Border.
- Set your desired radius value.
Most builders even allow you to customize each corner individually, creating unique shapes for creative designs.
Method 4: Using a Plugin
If you prefer not to deal with CSS or manual settings, plugins can help. Several image styling plugins allow easy border customization.
Popular options include:
- Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg
- Image Hover Effects
- Envira Gallery
- Spectra
These tools often include additional features such as shadows, hover effects, and animations.
Comparison of Curved Image Methods
| Method | Ease of Use | Customization Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block Editor Settings | Very Easy | Basic | Beginners |
| Custom CSS | Moderate | High | Advanced Users |
| Page Builders | Easy | Very High | Design-Focused Sites |
| Plugins | Easy | Medium to High | Feature-Rich Websites |
Advanced Design Techniques with Curved Images
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can take things further.
1. Add Shadows for Depth
Pair rounded corners with subtle shadows:
.rounded-image img {
border-radius: 20px;
box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
}This creates a floating card effect.
2. Create Circular Profile Images
Perfect for team pages or testimonials:
.profile-image img {
border-radius: 50%;
}
3. Apply Radius to Image Galleries
If you’re using a gallery block, apply CSS globally:
.wp-block-gallery img {
border-radius: 15px;
}This ensures all gallery images maintain consistent styling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While rounding corners is simple, there are a few pitfalls:
- Over-rounding large images, which can look cartoonish.
- Inconsistent radius values across different images.
- Forgetting mobile responsiveness.
- Applying radius without overflow hidden in advanced layouts.
Consistency is key. Use the same border radius value across similar design elements to maintain visual harmony.
How Much Border Radius Should You Use?
The perfect amount depends on your website style:
- Corporate sites: 5px–15px for subtle polish.
- Creative portfolios: 20px–30px for visual personality.
- Playful or startup brands: Larger curves for friendliness.
If your theme already uses rounded buttons or cards, match those values for consistency.
Does Border Radius Affect Performance?
Good news: No significant impact.
Border radius is a lightweight CSS property that modern browsers handle effortlessly. It won’t slow your site or impact loading times. However, avoid excessive reliance on heavy image editing effects inside bulky plugins.
Final Thoughts
Adding curved edges to images in WordPress is one of the simplest ways to elevate your website’s design. Whether you use built-in block settings, custom CSS, page builders, or helpful plugins, the process is quick and accessible.
Design is often about subtle details. Rounded corners might seem small, but they influence how visitors perceive your brand—modern, polished, and user-friendly.
Start small. Experiment with subtle curves. Pair them with soft shadows or consistent spacing. Soon you’ll notice your site feeling smoother and more cohesive without any major redesign.
Sometimes, the smallest design adjustments create the biggest visual impact.