When it’s time to select the right background for your new web design project, take a look through this list of 32 sites filled with patterns, textures, seamless backgrounds, and high resolution photo textures. Adding visual interest to a website header or page background has never been easier.

You’ll be relieved to know I didn’t add seamless background sites from the 1990’s and early 2000’s. A few of these sites listed are a bit outdated however if they are listed it’s because I found some categories that I felt were timeless and useful. The rest of the resources provide current options for today’s sophisticated designers. Bookmark this article for future use.

Please keep in mind these sites offer their free resources for commercial use. However some have specific terms of use that must be followed.

3Quarks
A rather small selection of backgrounds that include categories such as paper, canvas, wallpaper, cardboard and Japanese papers. Very soft colors.

Absolute Background Textures Archive
Archive is a great term since it houses 5740 different textures. Don’t let that amount of textures overwhelm you. You can search by either color or by pattern. And if you want to preview a background, select it and watch the page background change.

All Free Backgrounds
Nice selection. Search by color or pattern and preview the background for more detail.

Amazing Textures
88 free photo textures.

Amurai Shizoo
This site has spectacular backgrounds. The only downside is you can’t get a good view of them without downloading. But I think you’ll find it worth the effort.

Auto FX Software
Excellent selection of seamless textures and backgrounds. You will need to sign up for an account but membership is free.

Background City
Search this site for backgrounds by either groups or themes.

Bravenet

CG Textures
Photo textures with many unique categories. The selection is large and impressive and easy to look through since the site has a nice menu tree that is well labeled.

Citrus Moon Patterns
This site has a fairly large selection. The nice thing is that you can search by color which often helps in reducing the browsing time.

COLOURlovers
One of the more recent additions to this site is their category of patterns. The variety is growing daily so this is a site that you must check out.

Createsk8
If you are a user of Illustrator you must see these patterns and textures. These contemporary textures will give your designs the current backdrops we are looking for. There are a few packs that are available for PhotoShop users as well. Be sure to checkout the “textures” category as well.

Creative Website Design
Some nice selections here.

Dinpattern
This was a recent find that I have to check each and every time I start a new project. The selection is growing everyday and the quality is fantastic.

Dr. Web
Free photo textures that Dr. Web calls “dirty”. Graffiti, sand, stone and more!

Everyday Icons

What a fun selection of backgrounds. Click on one of the tiny tiles. Each tile comes in many colors. If you want to add some real interest to your website, see these backgrounds.
Gallerie1
A non-English site but you don’t need to know the language to search the textures.

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