Media decoration

Media decoration is the system that defines the global visual style of your images, buttons, form fields, and cards (surfaces). With a single setting, you apply a consistent visual treatment across your entire store. It is one of the most powerful tools in Scale Theme for building a memorable and distinctive visual identity.

How it works

The system operates in 4 layers, each with its own preset:

Each layer can be configured independently. For example, you can pair "Retro" images with "Classic" buttons and "Glass" surfaces.

Image presets

The image preset has the greatest visual impact. It changes the appearance of every image in your store: product images, collection images, banner images, editorial images, and more.

None

No decoration. Images are displayed as-is, with only the border-radius defined by the theme. This is the most minimalist option.

Feel: Clean, modern, unadorned Best for: Minimalist stores, tech brands, products that speak for themselves

displayed without any decoration. White or very light gray background, no border, no shadow, no effect. The image is raw and crisp.)

Outlined

Adds a thin border around each image. The border uses the decoration color you have selected (Accent 1, Accent 2, or Foreground).

Feel: Elegant, defined, structured Best for: Fashion stores, home decor, galleries -- anywhere images benefit from clear framing

around the image. The border uses the accent color (e.g., orange or black). The image looks more defined and framed.)

Framed

Adds a visible frame with spacing (padding) between the image and the frame, as if the image were placed inside a photo frame with a mat.

Feel: Museum, gallery, premium, "ready to hang" Best for: Art galleries, photography shops, poster stores, prints, home decor

between the image and the frame, like a photo frame mat. The frame uses the decoration color.)

Lifted

Adds a soft drop shadow that makes the image appear to float above the page. The shadow is diffuse and natural.

Feel: Depth, three-dimensional, modern Best for: Standard e-commerce stores, products that benefit from a sense of depth

Retro

Adds a thick border and a solid offset shadow (not diffuse), creating a cut-out or collage effect. This is the most graphic and distinctive preset.

Feel: Vintage, handmade, graphic, fun Best for: Vintage shops, streetwear, handmade goods, brands with bold personality, food trucks, cafes

in a dark color and a solid offset shadow below and to the right (no blur). The effect makes the image look like a cut-out sticker placed on the page.)

Tape

Adds visual elements that simulate pieces of scotch or washi tape on the corners of the image, as if the image were taped to a wall or scrapbook.

Feel: Handmade, scrapbook, artisan, warm, crafty Best for: Artisan shops, stationery, DIY, scrapbooking, brands going for an "authentic" vibe

Film

Adds an effect evoking a photo film strip: borders reminiscent of film perforations, numbering, and an analog aesthetic.

Feel: Photographic, nostalgic, analog, cinematic Best for: Photography shops, fashion with an analog aesthetic, galleries, vinyl records

Comparing all 7 presets on the same image

showing the SAME product image (e.g., a handbag or shoes) with all 7 presets applied: None, Outlined, Framed, Lifted, Retro, Tape, Film. Each image is labeled with the preset name. The background is neutral so the differences are clearly visible.)

Decoration color

The color used for decorations (borders, frames, offset shadows) is configurable:

, once with Accent 2 (red border and shadow), and once with Foreground (black border and shadow). Each gives a completely different look.)

Per-section override

Every section in Scale Theme includes a Media decoration setting that offers the following options:

Custom mode per section

Custom mode gives you granular control over the media decoration for a specific section:

Button presets

Button decoration presets are applied on top of the standard button system (see the Buttons page). They add an extra layer of visual treatment.

None

Buttons keep their base style as defined in the button settings (colors, radius, border). No additional decoration.

in their default state without any additional decoration.)

Classic

Adds a subtle drop shadow and a border treatment that gives the impression of a physical "raised" button. The effect is refined and professional.

Gradient

The button background becomes a subtle gradient (from lighter at the top to darker at the bottom, or vice versa). This creates a rich, dimensional appearance.

Brick

A bold retro style: thick border + solid offset shadow. The same spirit as the "Retro" image preset, applied to buttons. Highly graphic and distinctive.

in a dark color and a solid offset shadow at the bottom right. The buttons have a cut-out, vintage look.)

Ghost

Buttons become completely transparent with only a visible border. The text and border share the same color. Ideal for a minimalist, clean look.

Bubble

Button corners are very rounded (pill shape) and a diffuse shadow creates a floating "bubble" appearance. The effect is soft and friendly.

, soft diffuse shadow around each button. The look is organic and welcoming.)

Comparing all 5 button presets

with each preset: None, Classic, Gradient, Brick, Ghost, Bubble. 6 buttons on a neutral background.)

Option: Apply to navigation buttons

When enabled, the button preset also applies to slider navigation arrows (previous/next). By default, navigation arrows keep a simple style.

Input presets (form fields)

Input presets apply to all form fields in your store: email fields, password fields, search fields, quantity selectors, promo codes, and more.

None

Standard form fields without decoration. Basic default border.

Outlined

A more visible and defined border around the field. The field is clearly delineated.

Framed

The field appears to sit inside a frame, with a slight gap between the content and the border.

Lifted

A light drop shadow beneath the field, giving the impression it is raised off the page.

Retro

Retro style with a thick border and offset shadow, matching the retro presets for images and buttons.

Comparing all 5 input presets

Surface presets (cards and containers)

Surface presets apply to product cards, testimonial cards, framed areas, content panels, and any surface that is visually distinct from the background.

None

No decoration. Surfaces blend with the background or use the secondary background color from the palette.

Outlined

Adds a thin border around each surface. Provides clear structure and helps visually separate cards.

Shadow

Adds a soft drop shadow. This is a classic effect widely used in modern web design.

Brick

Thick border + solid offset shadow, consistent with the retro style of the image and button presets.

Soft

A very diffuse and very light shadow, almost imperceptible. A minimal treatment that adds just a hint of depth.

Glass (Glassmorphism)

A semi-transparent effect with backdrop blur (backdrop-filter: blur). The frosted glass look is modern and trendy.

. The effect is modern, airy, and premium.)

Comparing all 6 surface presets on product cards

with each surface preset: None, Outlined, Shadow, Brick, Soft, Glass. Each card is labeled with the preset name.)

Creating a cohesive look: preset "families"

The real power of media decoration lies in consistency. When you combine image, button, input, and surface presets from the same "family," you get a unified and distinctive look.

"Retro" family -- Full vintage look

Best for: Vintage shops, streetwear, cafes, restaurants, artisan brands

"Minimal" family -- Clean look

Best for: Luxury stores, tech, premium products, minimalist design

"Classic" family -- Professional look

Best for: Standard e-commerce, general consumer products, multi-brand stores

"Art" family -- Gallery look

Best for: Galleries, poster shops, photography stores, art prints

"Playful" family -- Fun look

Best for: Kids, toys, stationery, DIY, gifts

"Modern" family -- Premium look

Best for: Contemporary fashion, cosmetics, premium tech, startups

Reference tables

Image presets

Button presets

Surface presets

Next steps

• Hover effects -- Hover animations on images
• Animations -- Global theme animations
• Gallery -- Gallery section with filters
• Product cards -- Decorations on product cards