Are there any disadvantages (aside from muddier code) to using empty elements on a page simply for styling purposes?
For instance, using some empty <div>s with different texture background images to lie fixed behind page content.
The obvious one is that you’re technically blurring the separation between structure and presentation layers. If I’m ok with that aspect of it, I’m just wondering if this poses any SEO, performance, or other issues.
Any links or evidence that point me in either direction would be great! Thanks!
Semantically speaking, I would think not. If only it is a few empty elements. But instead of using empty DIVs to sport multiple backgrounds, why not just use CSS3’s Backgrounds and Borders Module? In this level 3 module, you can specify multiple backgrounds for one element, and I assume in your case the body element.
You can learn more about these here: http://www.sitepoint.com/mastering-css3-multiple-backgrounds/
For more information regarding the DIV element and it’s correlation with SEO, check out this link: http://blog.ucvhost.com/advantages-of-div-tag-from-seo-prospective