The idea started when we used Quasar on a clients site and they loved it. It was the best template for the job and it happened to be free. So we started to look for other high quality free Joomla templates. They are out there but can be hard to find. We were surprised to see how many high quality free templates were available.
It took some work but we searched all of the template maker's sites and compiled our list of the Best Free Joomla Templates of 2010. Hope you enjoy the list and if you know of another template that should be added let us know.
Quasar by rockettheme
Demo: http://demo.rockettheme.com/free/quasar/
Info: http://www.rockettheme.com/joomla-templates/quasar
Download: http://www.rockettheme.com/joomla-downloads/club/1226-quasar
A truly minimal template packed with a huge selection of extras. The Quasar template is built on the sophisticated framework making the template "easy to configure, simple to extend and powerful enough to handle anything". It comes with a great selection of icons, typography, colors, module positions and the list goes on. It can even be configured for mobile devices. Quick loading and simple this free template is a must!
Grunge by rockettheme
Demo: http://demo.rockettheme.com/free/grunge/
Info: http://www.rockettheme.com/joomla-templates/grunge
Download: http://www.rockettheme.com/joomla-downloads/club/1496-grunge
It is really amazing to see a leading Joomla template company, build the occasional free GPL templates. Especially when it comes packed with features and a modern professional design. Again this template is based on the Gantry framework and really doesn't skimp on the design or flare, of every object from image borders to the dates; There really is a style to every part of this template. For those with a limited budget and a love for grunge it is truly wonderful.
YouGrids by youjoomla
Demo: http://www.joomla1.5.youjoomla.info/yougrids/
Info: http://www.youjoomla.com/yougrids-free-joomla-template-yjsg-powered.html
Download: http://www.youjoomla.com/free-joomla-downloads-95.html
A nice sleek 2.0 template that comes with adjustable grid sizes and a whopping 51 module positions! The template is super easy to use and modify through the template manager. The menu can be styled in a variety of options, and the full style of the template can be changed from mesh to metal. It also comes with a range of typography and some icons, so you can't go wrong with this free download.
Purewhite by joomspirit
Demo: http://www.joomspirit.com/template-joomla/template_white/
Info: http://www.joomspirit.com/help/template_white/index.html
Download: http://www.joomspirit.com/free-joomla-1.5-templates/template-pure-white.html
A very very simple white based template that would be ideal for someone who wants that super minimalistic feel whilst retaining some elegance. With a very simple use of typography, and the addition of great photography, Purewhite could really put emphasis on a product or service. The template is a tableless design, 7 module positions and loads very fast due to its light weight.
JoomSpirit by joomspirit
Demo: http://www.joomspirit.com/template-joomla/template_18/index.php
Info: http://www.joomspirit.com/help/template_18/manual.html
Download: http://www.joomspirit.com/free-joomla-1.5-templates/template-joomspirit_18.html
Again, another simple template by joomspirit but one that seems to stand out. It's very easy on the eye and therefor makes the images really pop. The homepage comes with a rotating banner module complete with transitions, well rounded typography and a good 16 module positions. I think this template is great for businesses who have a simple message and images to showcase.
Bloq by joomlapraise
Demo: http://demo.joomlapraise.com/?t=bloq
Info: http://www.joomlapraise.com/joomla/templates/free/bloq.php
Download: http://store.pixelpraise.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29871
A compact module that would be great for news based sites, portfolios and blogs. Bloq has a huge 31 module positions and a css3 featured style sheet. Bloq also comes with custom color parameters
and the source artwork is customizable. Eight themes, simple, clean.
Medium by joomlapraise
Demo: http://medium.joomlapraise.com/
Info: http://www.joomlapraise.com/joomla/templates/free/medium.php
Download: http://store.pixelpraise.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29871
A super simple theme that comes with a cooliris plug in for a unique display of images. This quick loading template is light weight whilst at the same time retains it's stylised headers and fonts.
Demi by joomlapraise
Demo: http://demi.joomlapraise.com/
Info: http://www.joomlapraise.com/joomla/templates/free/demi.php
Download: http://store.pixelpraise.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29791
A wonderful template that would be great for bloggers. Everything here is styled and the modules are positioned perfectly. The color palette used on this template is very commendable and works well with the eye. It's nice to see such polished templates on offer free of charge.
Cloudbase by cloudaccess
Demo: http://newbase.cloudaccess.net/
Info: http://www.cloudaccess.net/cloud-base-joomla-template.html
Download: http://www.cloudaccess.net/cloud-base-joomla-template.html
Cloudbase comes with a huge 8 color versions and a bulky 32 module positions making this a truly wonderful free template. It is lightweight and modern, native handheld and iPhone optimization and even right to left language support. With compatibility for almost all platforms Cloudbase is a real competitor in the free template world.
Nova by joomlashack
Demo: http://demotemplates.joomlashack.com/nova/
Info: http://www.joomlashack.com/download-free-joomla-templates/320-js-nova-template
Download: http://www.joomlashack.com/download-free-joomla-templates/320-js-nova-template
A smooth clean template that comes with no hassle and no fuss. Simple positions, simple icons and a even more simple use of color and typography. All these simple features make this template a business must. I can see this being used to sell apps for example.
We hope you found this list helpful. If you know of any other free Joomla Templates that you think should be on the list we would love to hear about them and you can follow us on twitter.
