Default HTML, but calmer
A classless stylesheet inspired by Safari Reader Mode — built for content first.
This page is intentionally plain. It exists to test a minimal classless CSS file: spacing, typography, links, tables, code, media, and form controls — without components or utility classes.
If anything feels “styled,” it’s probably too much. The goal is the opposite: gentle defaults that let the content read like an article.
Typography & rhythm
Reader-like layouts are mostly about line length, font choice, and vertical rhythm. Paragraphs should feel evenly spaced and headings should introduce sections without shouting.
“The best interface is the one you stop noticing.”
Inline code such as color-mix(), :has(), and
:focus-visible should remain understated — readable, but not
visually loud.
Lists
Unordered and ordered lists should stay simple and airy:
- Comfortable line height
- Understated headings
- Hairline rules and borders
- Native-first form controls
- Start close to browser defaults
- Fix the sharp edges
- Avoid adding “a theme”
Code
A code block should feel like paper with a faint outline — not like a UI panel.
/* beignet: a reader-ish baseline */
:root {
--measure: 68ch;
--line: color-mix(in oklab, CanvasText 8%, transparent);
}
article { max-width: var(--measure); margin-inline: auto; }Tables
Tables should feel editorial: mostly horizontal separators, minimal chrome, no zebra stripes.
| Element | Goal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| <p> | Long-form reading | Generous line-height, comfortable spacing |
| <h1>–<h3> | Editorial hierarchy | Weight + spacing over size |
| <pre> / <code> | Readable snippets | Quiet borders, no heavy background |
| <form> | Native-first UX | Transparent controls, calm focus ring |
Media
Figures should have subtle rounding and calm captions.
Forms
Forms are where most “minimal” frameworks accidentally become stylized. This demo keeps controls native, transparent, and readable.
Odds & ends
A few inline elements: strong, emphasis, and a link brings nostalgia: back to the top.
If this page feels calm and almost unstyled, the stylesheet is doing its job.