Horizontal Dividers: The "Gotcha" Explained

The "Gotcha": Using a `<div>` with a tiny height (e.g., `h-px`) and a background color (e.g., `bg-gray-300`) is often more flexible for horizontal dividers than just `border-t` on an existing element, especially for controlling spacing *around* the line itself.

Method 1: `border-t` on a Content Element

Some content above the divider.

This content block has a `border-t-2`. The `p-4` adds padding for the content *inside* this box, *after* the border. If you wanted, say, 16px of space strictly above the line and 16px strictly below the line, before this content, it's less direct to achieve with just `border-t` on this block.

With `border-t` on a content-bearing element, the line's spacing is tied to that element's own padding/margin. You can't easily apply margin just to the "line" itself without affecting the content block it's part of.

Method 2 (Recommended for Flexibility): Dedicated `h-px` Divider

Some other content above the divider.

The `div` above is `1px` high (`h-px`) with a background color (`bg-teal-500`). The `my-6` class easily and directly controls the empty space above and below this visible line, independent of content padding.

Some other content below the divider.

This `h-px` and `bg-color` approach for horizontal lines offers much more control over the visual spacing of the divider itself.