It’s kind of common on the Internet where – if we fail to get what we are looking for on a website, we resort to searching. Search box has always been an essential part of a website. If you run a content-intensive website, it’s even more inevitable. They are usually placed in the following areas: header, top navigation menu or sidebar (upper-fold). Sometimes we may also throw in another one in footer to make searching more convenient for the users.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

We came a long way since Web 1.0; searching on the web is no longer limited to enter keyword and hit search. Developers strive to make searching a better experience for their visitors by revamping and adding more functions, says, search filtering to get more targeted results, providing search keywords or search histories as you type.

In today’s post, we showcase some beautiful search boxes with promising features we’ve come to know. Whether you are looking to revamp your website or simply seeking inspiration for a better search box, this post is for you. Full list after jump!

PlaylistNow

Starting with the prefix of "I am", this search module attempts to intelligently match and list the results matching your query as you type.

Scroll Search Module

Suggested by designer Nico Nuzzaci, this creative search box allows you to search by typing or by scrolling the alphabetical panel.

TextboxList

This search module has a combination of few functions: it wraps your search queries in tags format, and allows you to delete a specific search tag. It also comes with auto-complete. Looks familiar? It’s similar to Facebook tagging module!

Remember The Milk

Similar to the YouTube search, the search box here tells you instantly if something matches your result. Yet another intelligent example of auto-suggestion feature.

Authentic Jobs

I think Authentic Jobs already had their search with instant results up and running before Google.

Kontain

Kontain’s search box allows users to do a general search or filter down the search results to only "updates" or "user".

New York Magazine

Similar to Kontain, NY Magazine’s search allows deeper filtering.

ThemeForest

Yet another example of filtering in search module to help visitors get what they want within minimal time.

Search, Sort & Filter

Brian’s search box looks like an advance search module done in a beautiful way; you customize how you want results to look like before hitting the search button.

Tumblr

Subtle and small search module on the sidebar – neat!

MenuPages

If you are looking for a complete search module and yet space is a constraint, this approach may come in handy.

Quotezuki

Search module right after the logo, it’s really hard to miss.

C Spire Wireless

A big fat search box that only appears upon hovering the search tab; another good way to make use of space.

Spokeo

Selective searching with filtering done beautifully.

VoucherCodes

Looking at its business nature, smacking the search box upper fold and right in the center is probably the best idea.

iStockPhoto

Similar to other sites, iStockPhoto offers massive amount of resources for its readers, so filtering in search is definitely essential.

TasteBook

Simple looking yet awesome search box.

Grooveshark

Grooveshark allows you to listen and share music online; the first page consists of nothing but just a search box for you to search the music you want. It totally makes sense.

Gamers with Jobs

Nice example of how Google Custom Search is customized.

David Torondel

Nice dark search box that blends well with the site design.

More

• Creating A Rocking CSS3 Search Box (Hongkiat)
• Designing The Holy Search Box: Examples And Best Practices (Smashing Magazine)
• Theming The Search Submit Button (My Drupal Blog)
• Beautiful CSS3 Search Form Tutorial (Web Designer Wall)