20 Attractive Websites That Make Background Patterns Work
When you mention patterned/tiled backgrounds, people immediately think of horrid MySpace pages and web designs circa-1990’s. It is therefore a worthy achievement when an artist is able to use this technique to make a website look stunning and attractive. An effective background design pattern can leave a memorable and positive feeling on the people who view these works of art.
by Ben Ostrowsky
Here I’ve compiled 20 beautiful and artistic websites that use tiled patterns to set their web page apart from the ordinary.
- Enlighten Designs
- DNA
- Sideshow
- We Do The Web
- Impressive Work
- Hotel Belwether
- David Loop
- Olly Hite
- OnTrack
- Elitist Snob
- Imagined Creative
- THE SIDES
- Tanya Merone
- kesone.de
- Jen Gordon
- Viget Labs
- variable.nz
- Robert Beerworth Blog Australia
- MAKAO
- Saint Augustine Bed and Breakfast
These are all designs I feel have truly achieved a unique look by using a background pattern instead of going the safe route with a solid color.
Do you have any other websites to add to the list? Did I miss a website that belongs here? Be sure to leave the links in your comments.
The Art of the Subtle Pattern
While bold, attention-grabbing patterns can certainly make a statement, the true artistry often lies in the subtle application of background patterns. These are the designs that don't immediately scream for attention but rather enhance the overall aesthetic and user experience without overwhelming the eye. A well-chosen subtle pattern can add depth, texture, and a touch of sophistication that a flat, solid color simply cannot achieve.
Consider the role of a pattern in guiding the user's eye, subtly reinforcing branding, or simply adding a tactile quality to the digital space. For instance, a very light, almost imperceptible texture can mimic the feel of paper or fabric, making the content feel more tangible and inviting. Geometric patterns, when used with low contrast and transparency, can create a sense of order and structure without being distracting.
The key to making subtle patterns work is understanding restraint. The pattern should complement the foreground content, not compete with it. It should be an element that enriches the design when noticed, but doesn't detract when overlooked. This approach often involves careful consideration of color palettes, scale, and repetition. By employing a less-is-more philosophy, designers can harness the power of background patterns to create truly elegant and memorable web experiences.
Optimizing Performance with Background Patterns
When implementing background patterns, several considerations come into play beyond mere aesthetics. Performance is paramount; large, complex patterns can significantly increase page load times, leading to a poor user experience and higher bounce rates. Optimizing image files for web use, utilizing CSS for simpler patterns, and considering lazy loading techniques can mitigate these issues.
Responsive Design for Patterned Backgrounds
Responsiveness is another critical factor. A pattern that looks striking on a desktop monitor might appear cluttered or lose its intended effect on a smaller mobile screen. Designers must ensure patterns adapt gracefully to different screen sizes, perhaps by scaling, repeating differently, or even disappearing entirely on very small displays to maintain readability and visual hierarchy.
Ensuring Accessibility with Patterns
Accessibility also plays a crucial role. While patterns add visual interest, they should not compromise the legibility of foreground text or interactive elements. High contrast between text and background, even with a pattern, is essential. Designers should test their patterned backgrounds with various text colors and font sizes to ensure content remains easily readable for all users, including those with visual impairments. Furthermore, for users who might be sensitive to busy backgrounds, providing an option to disable or reduce the pattern's intensity can significantly improve the user experience.
Strategic Branding Through Background Patterns
Finally, the strategic integration of background patterns extends to their role in conveying brand identity and messaging. A well-chosen pattern can subtly communicate a company's values, industry, or even the feeling it wants to evoke. For instance, a tech company might use a subtle circuit board-like pattern to hint at innovation, while a luxury brand might opt for a delicate, intricate motif to suggest sophistication. The pattern becomes an extension of the brand's visual language, reinforcing its presence without being overtly promotional.
The Holistic Approach to Pattern Design
Therefore, the selection and application of background patterns should be a thoughtful process, balancing artistic vision with technical considerations and strategic branding objectives to create a truly impactful and memorable web presence. It's about moving beyond just visual appeal to consider the full user journey, from loading times to accessibility and brand reinforcement.
Beyond the Background: Integrating Patterns with Content
While background patterns are powerful, their true potential is realized when they harmoniously integrate with the foreground content. This isn't just about avoiding visual conflict; it's about creating a unified design language where the pattern complements the information it frames. Consider how the lines or shapes within a pattern can subtly guide the user's eye towards key elements, or how a pattern's texture can underscore the theme of the content—a rustic texture for a handmade goods website, or a clean, geometric pattern for a tech startup.
Effective integration often involves careful layering and transparency. The pattern might peek through semi-transparent content blocks, or its intensity could be reduced in areas where text is dense. This creates depth without sacrificing readability. Furthermore, patterns can be used to define distinct content sections, providing visual cues that help users navigate and understand the page's structure. By viewing background patterns not as isolated design elements but as integral parts of the overall content presentation, designers can elevate the user experience from merely functional to truly immersive and memorable.
