Styled-components remain a popular CSS-in-JS solution for React developers, but using them with Next.js — particularly the App Router introduced in Next.js 13 — requires some specific configuration. If you've tried dropping styled-components into a Next.js project and hit hydration errors or flickering styles, this guide explains why and how to fix it.
More importantly, it'll help you decide whether styled-components are still the right choice for your Next.js project in 2026, given the alternatives now available.
What Are Styled Components?
Styled-components is a CSS-in-JS library that lets you write CSS directly inside your JavaScript components. Instead of separate CSS files, you create styled React components with template literals that contain your styles.
The appeal is co-location — your styles live right next to the components they style, making it easier to maintain and refactor. Styled-components also handle dynamic styling elegantly, letting you pass props to change styles based on component state.
Setting Up Styled Components in Next.js (App Router)
The key challenge with styled-components in Next.js is server-side rendering (SSR). Styled-components generate CSS at runtime in the browser by default. Next.js renders pages on the server first. Without proper configuration, styles are missing during the initial server render, causing a flash of unstyled content.
Here's how to set it up correctly:
1. Install the Package
npm install styled-components
2. Configure the Next.js Compiler
In your next.config.js, enable the styled-components compiler option:
const nextConfig = {
compiler: {
styledComponents: true,
},
};
module.exports = nextConfig;
This tells the Next.js SWC compiler to handle styled-components server-side rendering automatically.
3. Create a Style Registry
With the App Router, you need a registry component that collects styles during server rendering. Create a file like lib/registry.tsx:
'use client';
import React, { useState } from 'react';
import { useServerInsertedHTML } from 'next/navigation';
import { ServerStyleSheet, StyleSheetManager } from 'styled-components';
export default function StyledComponentsRegistry({
children,
}: {
children: React.ReactNode;
}) {
const [styledComponentsStyleSheet] = useState(
() => new ServerStyleSheet()
);
useServerInsertedHTML(() => {
const styles = styledComponentsStyleSheet.getStyleTag();
styledComponentsStyleSheet.instance.clearTag();
return <>{styles}</>;
});
if (typeof window !== 'undefined') return <>{children}</>;
return (
<StyleSheetManager sheet={styledComponentsStyleSheet.instance}>
{children}
</StyleSheetManager>
);
}
4. Wrap Your Layout
In your root layout.tsx, wrap the body content with the registry:
import StyledComponentsRegistry from './lib/registry';
export default function RootLayout({
children,
}: {
children: React.ReactNode;
}) {
return (
<html lang="en">
<body>
<StyledComponentsRegistry>
{children}
</StyledComponentsRegistry>
</body>
</html>
);
}
5. Mark Components as Client Components
Styled-components require the browser runtime, so any component using them must include the 'use client' directive at the top of the file:
'use client';
import styled from 'styled-components';
const Button = styled.button`
background: #0070f3;
color: white;
padding: 12px 24px;
border: none;
border-radius: 6px;
cursor: pointer;
`;
This is a significant constraint with the App Router. Server Components — which are the default and offer better performance — cannot use styled-components. You'll need to think carefully about which components need interactivity (and therefore client-side styles) versus which can remain server-rendered.
Should You Use Styled Components in Next.js in 2026?
This is worth asking honestly. Styled-components were the go-to CSS solution for React applications for years. But the landscape has shifted, and several alternatives now offer advantages in a Next.js context.
When Styled Components Make Sense
- Existing projects already using styled-components — migrating away isn't always worth the effort
- Dynamic theming — styled-components' ThemeProvider and prop-based styling are genuinely elegant for complex theme systems
- Teams familiar with the library — developer experience matters, and switching to an unfamiliar tool costs time
When to Consider Alternatives
Tailwind CSS has become the most popular styling approach in the Next.js ecosystem. It works with both Server and Client Components, requires no runtime JavaScript, and produces smaller CSS bundles. If you're starting a new project, Tailwind is worth serious consideration.
CSS Modules are built into Next.js with zero configuration. They provide component-scoped styles, work with Server Components, and have no runtime overhead. For simpler applications, they're the most straightforward option.
Vanilla Extract offers type-safe, zero-runtime CSS-in-TypeScript that works well with the App Router.
The trend in the Next.js ecosystem is moving away from runtime CSS-in-JS solutions (including styled-components) toward zero-runtime alternatives. The Next.js team has flagged that runtime CSS-in-JS libraries have inherent performance trade-offs with Server Components.
Learning More About Next.js Styling
Understanding styling options is just one part of learning Next.js effectively. If you're building your first Next.js applications and want structured guidance, our Software Development Bootcamp covers React and Next.js as part of a comprehensive 12-week full stack curriculum — including modern styling approaches used in production applications.
Funded places are available in Norwich, Hull, Ipswich, Leicester, and Lincoln. Check availability or book a free taster session to get started.
James Adams
James has 8 years with Fortune 200 US firm ITW, experience of managing projects in China, USA, and throughout Europe. James has worked with companies such as Tesco, Vauxhall, ITW, Serco, McDonalds. James has experience in supporting start-up and scale up companies such as Readingmate, Gorilla Juice and Harvest London. James completed his MBA at the University of East Anglia in 2018.
