HTML Table Dark Border Color Step-by-Step Beginner Guide

Introduction: Why Table Border Color Matters

Table borders help users see rows and columns clearly.
Using a dark border color improves readability, especially for:

  • Student mark sheets

  • Reports

  • Admin dashboards

  • Data tables

As a beginner, you should know that HTML alone is not used to control colors.
Modern websites use CSS to style table borders properly.

Important Rule

Do not use old HTML attributes like bordercolor
Always use CSS to set table border color

Step 1: Create a Basic HTML Table

 
<table>
  <tr>
    <th>Name</th>
    <th>Marks</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Ravi</td>
    <td>85</td>
  </tr>
</table>

Step 2: Add Dark Border Using CSS (Recommended Method)

CSS

table {
  border-collapse: collapse;
}

table, th, td {
  border: 2px solid #000; /* dark black border */
}

 Result

  • Dark black borders

  • Clean professional look

Step 3: Use Dark Gray Border (Better for Eyes)

Instead of pure black, many professionals prefer dark gray.

table, th, td {
  border: 1px solid #333;
}

👉 Dark gray looks softer and modern.

Step 4: Complete Working Example

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
table {
  border-collapse: collapse;
  width: 60%;
}

th, td {
  border: 2px solid #000;
  padding: 10px;
  text-align: center;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>

<table>
  <tr>
    <th>Subject</th>
    <th>Marks</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Math</td>
    <td>92</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Science</td>
    <td>88</td>
  </tr>
</table>

</body>
</html>

Optional: Dark Border Only for Table Header

th {
  border: 2px solid #000;
}

Optional: Dark Outer Border Only

table {
  border: 3px solid #000;
}

th, td {
  border: 1px solid #999;
}

👉 Creates a bold outer border with lighter inner lines.

 Old HTML Method (Not Recommended)

 
<table border="1" bordercolor="black">
  • Deprecated
  • Poor browser support
  • Bad practice

Common Beginner Mistakes

  • Using bordercolor attribute
  •  Forgetting border-collapse
  • Styling only <table> but not <td>
  •  Using very thick borders everywhere

Best Practices (Industry Standard)

  • Always use CSS
  • Use border-collapse: collapse
  •  Prefer dark gray (#333)
  •  Keep borders consistent
  • Avoid inline styles in real projects

FAQs: HTML Table Dark Border

How do I make table borders dark in HTML?

Use CSS:

table, th, td { border: 2px solid #000; }

Is bordercolor still supported?

No, it is outdated and not recommended.

Can I use different border colors?

Yes, CSS allows full color control.

Which border color is best?

Dark gray (#333) is often best for readability.