Sidebar + Content Layout

Part of the Practical Frontend section of Coddy's HTML journey — lesson 28 of 35.

The Sidebar + Content layout is a common responsive pattern where you have a main content area and a sidebar for navigation or additional information.

Start with the basic HTML structure:

<div class="container">
  <main class="content">Main content here</main>
  <aside class="sidebar">Sidebar content here</aside>
</div>

Now add the CSS for a mobile-first approach:

.container {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
}

.content {
  padding: 20px;
}

.sidebar {
  padding: 20px;
  background-color: #f5f5f5;
}

Then add a media query to create a side-by-side layout on larger screens:

@media (min-width: 768px) {
  .container {
    flex-direction: row;
  }
  
  .content {
    flex: 3;
  }
  
  .sidebar {
    flex: 1;
  }
}

This creates a responsive layout that stacks on mobile and shows side-by-side on larger screens.

Challenge

Easy

You are given a responsive Sidebar + Content layout styled with a mobile-first approach.

Your task:

Make the sidebar appear on the right side of the content on screens wider than 768px.
On larger screens, give the content area 70% width and the sidebar 30% width.

Cheat sheet

The Sidebar + Content layout uses flexbox to create a responsive pattern with a main content area and sidebar.

Basic HTML structure:

<div class="container">
  <main class="content">Main content here</main>
  <aside class="sidebar">Sidebar content here</aside>
</div>

Mobile-first CSS approach:

.container {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
}

.content {
  padding: 20px;
}

.sidebar {
  padding: 20px;
  background-color: #f5f5f5;
}

Media query for larger screens:

@media (min-width: 768px) {
  .container {
    flex-direction: row;
  }
  
  .content {
    flex: 3;
  }
  
  .sidebar {
    flex: 1;
  }
}

This creates a layout that stacks vertically on mobile and displays side-by-side on larger screens.

Try it yourself

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <title>Sidebar + Content Layout</title>
  <style>
    * {
      box-sizing: border-box;
      margin: 0;
      padding: 0;
    }
    
    body {
      font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif;
      line-height: 1.6;
      background: #f5f7fa;
      color: #333;
    }

    .container {
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      max-width: 1100px;
      margin: 40px auto;
      background: #fff;
      border-radius: 8px;
      overflow: hidden;
      box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
    }
    
    .content {
      padding: 25px;
    }

    .content h2 {
      color: #2a6592;
      margin-bottom: 15px;
    }

    .content p {
      margin-bottom: 1em;
    }
    
    .sidebar {
      padding: 25px;
      background-color: #eaf3fa;
      border-left: 3px solid #2a6592;
    }
    
    .sidebar h3 {
      margin-bottom: 15px;
      color: #2a6592;
    }

    .sidebar ul {
      list-style: none;
      padding-left: 0;
    }

    .sidebar li {
      margin: 10px 0;
    }

    .sidebar a {
      text-decoration: none;
      color: #2a6592;
      font-weight: 500;
      transition: color 0.2s;
    }

    .sidebar a:hover {
      color: #17405d;
    }

    @media (min-width: 768px) {

    }
  </style>
</head>
<body>
  <div class="container">
    <main class="content">
      <h2>Exploring Italy: A Travel Story</h2>
      <p>Italy is a country full of culture, history, and delicious food. From the romantic canals of Venice to the ancient ruins of Rome, every corner tells a story.</p>
      <p>During my trip, I explored Florence’s Renaissance art, enjoyed authentic pizza in Naples, and relaxed on the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Each city offered something unique and unforgettable.</p>
      <p>If you’re planning a trip, I recommend taking the time to explore both big cities and small villages. You’ll find hidden gems, welcoming locals, and memories that last forever.</p>
    </main>
    <aside class="sidebar">
      <h3>More Travel Guides</h3>
      <ul>
        <li><a href="#">Top 10 Things to Do in Rome</a></li>
        <li><a href="#">A Foodie’s Guide to Naples</a></li>
        <li><a href="#">Venice on a Budget</a></li>
        <li><a href="#">Best Beaches of Amalfi Coast</a></li>
      </ul>
    </aside>
  </div>
</body>
</html>