Title: Free WordPress Theme or Custom?
Last modified: August 20, 2016

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# Free WordPress Theme or Custom?

 *  [rodrigodominguez](https://wordpress.org/support/users/rodrigodominguez/)
 * (@rodrigodominguez)
 * [13 years, 9 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/free-wordpress-theme-or-custom/)
 * Can I buy a domain and hosting and still use one of the free themes provided 
   by wordpress on the wordpress site? I want a self-hosted site, but I’ve noticed
   a lot of problems with premium wordpress theme companies. Basically, I don’t 
   need such a flashy theme, as my site is mostly writing based, so I don’t want
   to shell out the extra cash for a fancy premium theme. So, then, is my best option
   just self-hosting a wordpress site and using one of the free themes provided 
   in their database? I just want something clean and minimalist that highlights
   the writing. Also, if I do use a free wordpress theme, I will still be able to
   include other plugins and stuff, right?

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)

 *  [Christine Rondeau](https://wordpress.org/support/users/crondeau/)
 * (@crondeau)
 * [13 years, 9 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/free-wordpress-theme-or-custom/#post-2946025)
 * If you set up your own WordPress installation at your hosting provider, you can
   install any themes from the [ WordPress theme repo](http://wordpress.org/extend/themes/)
   here.
    There’s no need to purchase a theme and yes you can install any plugin.
 * Once you’ve installed WordPress you can even search for themes and plugins within
   your admin.
 *  Thread Starter [rodrigodominguez](https://wordpress.org/support/users/rodrigodominguez/)
 * (@rodrigodominguez)
 * [13 years, 9 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/free-wordpress-theme-or-custom/#post-2946027)
 * Thanks, Christine. Anyway, would you recommend going this route (a free theme
   from the wordpress archives)? I’m asking because I’ve seen that most people who
   are self-hosted go with a custom/premium wordpress theme. Is there something 
   lacking with the free wordpress themes? Or are they just less flashy than what’s
   available if one goes the premium route?
 * I’ve noticed that a lot of premium themes seem to have different problems, bugs,
   etc, so are the themes provided on the wordpress site mostly bug free? Sorry 
   for all the questions, but I’m trying to get as much information as possible 
   before I make a decision. Others, also, feel free to chime in. Thanks.
 *  [PremiumWP](https://wordpress.org/support/users/premiumwp/)
 * (@premiumwp)
 * [13 years, 9 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/free-wordpress-theme-or-custom/#post-2946029)
 * There is nothing wrong with using a free theme from a reputable place like the
   official themes directory. Themes like twenty ten and twenty eleven are really
   very good and probably a good option to start with. On the other hand there are
   many dodgy free themes floating around on the web, so you should be very careful
   what free themes you use.
 * Not sure where you are reading about the problems with premium themes. But that’s
   generally not the case. If you buy from a reputable premium theme shop you will
   get a high quality product.
 * The main reason people choose a premium theme is the more unique designs, the
   features, the quality, the support and updates.
 *  [Christine Rondeau](https://wordpress.org/support/users/crondeau/)
 * (@crondeau)
 * [13 years, 9 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/free-wordpress-theme-or-custom/#post-2946030)
 * The free themes in the WordPress repo go through very rigorous testing. Most 
   premium themes would never make it. In fact, there’s nothing premium about them,
   they are commercial themes.
 *  Thread Starter [rodrigodominguez](https://wordpress.org/support/users/rodrigodominguez/)
 * (@rodrigodominguez)
 * [13 years, 9 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/free-wordpress-theme-or-custom/#post-2946033)
 * The premium theme business seems to be exactly that: a business. Of course, I’ve
   seen some very good premium themes, but most of the time what I see is a lot 
   of flash. I need something nice and clean, like the Coraline theme, etc. The 
   premium theme companies are very concerned with outdoing one another, which worries
   someone like me, who is looking for reliability.
 *  Thread Starter [rodrigodominguez](https://wordpress.org/support/users/rodrigodominguez/)
 * (@rodrigodominguez)
 * [13 years, 9 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/free-wordpress-theme-or-custom/#post-2946036)
 * Any other thoughts?

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)

The topic ‘Free WordPress Theme or Custom?’ is closed to new replies.

 * 6 replies
 * 3 participants
 * Last reply from: [rodrigodominguez](https://wordpress.org/support/users/rodrigodominguez/)
 * Last activity: [13 years, 9 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/free-wordpress-theme-or-custom/#post-2946036)
 * Status: not resolved

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