A texture background refers to a background image that contains a textured pattern rather than a solid color. Texture backgrounds add visual interest and depth to a design. There are many different types of textures that can be used for backgrounds, such as fabric textures, nature textures, abstract textures, etc. Using texture backgrounds is a great way to make a design look more dynamic and layered.
Types of Texture Backgrounds
Here are some of the main types of texture backgrounds:
- Fabric textures: These include textures like canvas, burlap, denim, wool, etc. Fabric textures add a natural, organic feel to designs.
- Nature textures: These include textures found in nature like wood, stone, foliage, sand, water, etc. Nature textures bring a natural vibe and warmth.
- Abstract textures: These feature geometric patterns, shapes, lines, etc. Abstract textures create visual energy and movement.
- Grunge textures: Grunge textures are gritty and distressed, like peeling paint, old paper, scratches, etc. They convey ruggedness.
- Liquid textures: These capture the fluidity of liquids like water, ink, paint, etc. They inject fluidity and motion.
Within these broad categories there are countless specific texture types like brushed metal, weathered wood, crushed velvet, pebbled leather, cracked concrete, bubble wrap, tree bark, animal fur, and so much more. The possibilities are endless!
Benefits of Using Texture Backgrounds
Here are some of the benefits that texture backgrounds provide:
- Visual interest: Texture backgrounds are far more visually engaging than flat, solid color backgrounds. The patterns add depth and dimension.
- Directs focus: Textures can direct attention towards or away from certain elements. For example, softer textures recede while coarser textures come forward.
- Sets a mood: Different textures evoke different vibes. For example, burlap can feel earthy and rustic while a grunge texture can feel edgy.
- Establishes unity: Repeating a texture across elements creates cohesion and harmony in a design.
- Versatility: There are so many texture types to choose from, allowing for endless design possibilities.
- Accessibility: Textures are easy to create and widely available both online and offline.
Overall, texture backgrounds are a powerful design tool that both enhances aesthetics and communicates deeper meaning. With the right texture choice, you can take any flat design to the next level.
How to Add Texture Backgrounds
Here are some tips for effectively implementing texture backgrounds in your designs:
- Select a texture that aligns with your overall visual style and brand identity.
- Make sure the texture resolution is high enough to prevent pixilation when enlarged.
- Use texture selectively rather than going overboard with complex patterns.
- Adjust opacity levels to soften loud textures or make subtle ones more prominent.
- Layer textures for added depth by blending a subtle texture over a prominent one.
- Tie your design together with a cohesive color palette across foreground and background.
- For printed materials, consider how your texture will look on the final medium.
- Mask out portions of your texture to reveal colors or other textures beneath.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can seamlessly integrate texture backgrounds into any design for polished, professional results.
Sourcing Texture Backgrounds
Finding high-quality texture backgrounds is easy thanks to many online resources. Here are some top places to source texture backgrounds:
- Stock photo sites: iStock, Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Getty Images,Depositphotos, Unsplash etc. offer thousands of texture photos.
- Online texture libraries: Lost & Taken, Texturebox, TextureKing, Goodfreephotos offer curated texture collections.
- Etsy: You can purchase original handmade textures from textile artists on Etsy.
- Design blogs/forums: Many design blogs like Design Week, AIGA Eye on Design, Dribbble etc. feature textures.
- Online marketplaces: Creative Market, TextureX, Design Cuts sell individual texture packs.
- Physical stores: Retailers like craft stores, home décor shops, thrift stores all offer real-world textures.
When sourcing textures online, pay close attention to licensing terms. Reputable stock sites offer clear usage guidelines for their textures. Original handmade textures often come with custom licenses.
Texture Background Design Tips
Here are some useful tips for designing with texture backgrounds:
- Match textures to your subject matter. For example, burlap suits farmhouse visuals well while a sandstone texture complements wilderness scenes.
- Combine complementary textures for more complexity. Layer a wicker front texture over a linen background one.
- Use contrasting scale to create separation. Pair a subtle tiled pattern with an up-close coarse texture.
- Repeat textures across elements for unity. Use the same wood texture on buttons, banners, frames etc.
- Incorporate empty space to let textures shine. Don’t clutter the composition too much.
- Adjust opacity rather than completely hiding a texture. This retains its essence.
- Match your color palette to the colors within your focal texture. Pull accent colors from the texture itself.
- Pay attention to how light interacts with the texture for realism. Use shadows, reflections etc.
With a good grasp of basic texture design principles, you can let your creativity run wild. Trust your instincts when combining and manipulating textures for backgrounds. There are endless possibilities!
Textures vs. Patterns
Texture backgrounds are sometimes confused with pattern backgrounds. But they are not one and the same. Here’s how the two differ:
| Textures | Patterns |
| – Appear organic, irregular, natural | – Appear geometric, uniform, repetitive |
| – Gritty, distressed, imperfect | – Clean, precise, perfect |
| – Tactile visual properties | – Flat graphic visual properties |
| – Diffuse composition | – Structured composition |
| – Subtle color variations | – Defined color palette |
That said, textures and patterns can work beautifully together. You can overlay a subtle organic texture on top of a geometric pattern for added dimension. Get creative with mixing and matching!
Textures in Web and App Design
Texture backgrounds are commonly used in web and app design. Here are some tips for working with textures in digital mediums:
- Save textures in non-compressed JPG/PNG formats to retain clarity.
- Keep file sizes small for quick loading. Strike a balance between quality and performance.
- Format textures as repeating tiles for seamless pattern fills.
- Use CSS/SVG texture generation for interactive texturing options.
- Animate textures for added dynamism, like flowing liquids and moving particles.
- Adapt textures across breakpoints for responsive cross-device experiences.
- Allow textures to enhance rather than overwhelm your interface and content.
With careful optimization and implementation, texture backgrounds can bring exciting energy to your digital products without compromising speed or UX.
Print Texture Background Design
For printed projects like business cards, packaging, posters and more, keep these tips in mind when designing with textures:
- Source high resolution textures suitable for print output.
- Understand your printer’s technical capabilities and consider special finishes/treatments.
- Use packaging dummies and prototypes to preview how textures look on the final object.
- Incorporate tangible textures beyond just visuals for multi-sensory appeal.
- Select textures compatible with your printing process. Consider compatibility with spot varnish, foil stamping, embossing etc.
- Adjust your design for special printing effects like thermography which adds thickness to printed textures.
With a deep understanding of materials, printing techniques and a hands-on approach, you can produce stunning print projects with texture. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Texture backgrounds are an endlessly versatile design tool that can enhance any visual composition. From adding intrigue to establishing mood to guiding focus, textures inject life into designs in a way simple color backgrounds cannot. With the massive range of natural and created textures at your fingertips, both online and off, there is an infinite world of possibilities waiting to be explored. Let textures spark your creativity and elevate your work to the next level!
