The free theme options for straight-up WordPress blog sites (one’s whose primary function is listing blog posts) is virtually endless, just thumb through the huge selection over at WordPress.org.

Finding a free theme to build a small business CMS-style website with can be a bit trickier though. You probably want something with a static home page, a nice (possibly rotating) banner and some easy options for customization.

Find out whether you should be considering a free theme or a paid theme.

Here’s a list of the best looking, easiest to use, free WordPress themes that offer an ideal starting point for your small business website!

 1. Swatch – WooThemes

Easily my favorite free theme currently available. Nothing matches WooTheme’s framework which offers amazing customization options, a custom CSS file for tweaks, a sidebar manager, painless updates and so much more. Simply the most powerful and easy-to-use free WordPress theme I’ve ever seen. Truly an amazing theme for both non-developers and developers alike!

Preview: http://demo.woothemes.com/?name=swatch

Download: http://www.woothemes.com/2011/08/swatch/

 2. Hector – Web2Feel

Just an attractive, clean & solid WordPress theme from Web2Feel. Nothing super-fancy on the back end, but looks and works great “out of the box!”

Preview: http://jinsonathemes.com/fabs/?themedemo=Hector

Download: http://www.web2feel.com/downloads/Hector.zip

3. Platform (free version) – PageLines

A great starting point for any website, Platform offers drag & drop functionality, super clean design/layout and more back end options than most free themes.

Preview: http://www.pagelines.com/demos/platformpro/

Download: http://wordpress.org/extend/themes/download/platform.1.3.9.zip

4. Academica – WPZOOM

Strikingly crisp and professional looking theme with advanced options panel, automatic image resizing, custom backgrounds & more!

Preview: http://demo.wpzoom.com/?theme=academica

Download: http://www.wpzoom.com/themes/academica/#buy

5. Corporattica – Pengbo’s

Sharp & eye-popping. Simple back end with minimal configuration needed.

Preview: http://demo.pengbos.com/corporattica

Download: http://pengbos.com/?download=corporattica-v0.2

6. Zinicous – Padd

Gorgeous theme with lots of options. Everything needed to make your business look slick and professional.

Preview: http://www.paddsolutions.com/wpmag/zincious

Download: http://www.paddsolutions.com/wp-content/plugins/download-monitor/download.php?id=154