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45 Subtle, Thoughtful Pattern Backgrounds (2023 Update)

45 Subtle, Thoughtful Pattern Backgrounds (2023 Update)

Patterns for Backgrounds

Subtle patterns add texture and depth to a background without drawing attention away from the rest of the design.

As the great Frank Herbert said, “There is in all things a pattern that is part of our universe.” Now, I’m not one to get all philosophical, but I think patterns are cool. And if you have a subtle pattern background in your designs or projects, it can add just enough texture without distracting from the true point of interest.

Unlike Frank Herbert, I’m going to keep this short. If you’re looking for a few thoughtful pattern backgrounds, check out our list of free and premium options below!

Hand Drawn Japanese Patterns - $5

There are 15 gorgeous, premium Japanese-inspired patterns in this pack. The seamless patterns are perfect for print, digital designs, and (our favorite!) textiles!

Aesthetic Hand Drawn Vector Patterns - $5

With 15 gorgeous, simple pattern backgrounds, these premium patterns are perfect for textiles or websites.

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Abstract Brushed Vector Patterns - $5

With slight, but powerful brush marks, this background pattern is a quick favorite. And in its simplicity is the ability to be used for so many design projects. There are 20 seamless patterns in this pack.

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3D Geometric Backgrounds - $5

Just because a background is subtle doesn't mean it has to be boring! The 8 3D pattern backgrounds you get in this premium pack are ideal for branding or print, blending into your designs perfectly.

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Classic Tiles Vector Patterns - $5

For those of us dreaming of airy kitchens and gorgeous backsplashes, this is the dream pack. There are 15 vector patterns in this pack, each coming in outlined or filled options. So, you'll have tiles for days with this in your resource folder!

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Hand Made Vector Pattern Brushes - $5

With the 20 pattern brushes included in this premium tool, you'll be able to design your own vector patterns. The detailed, high quality shapes are ideal for logos, badges, and invitations.

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Hand Drawn Organic Vector Patterns - $5

These hand drawn, beautifully detailed pattern vectors can be adjusted to any color combination. All 20 are seamless, making them perfect for stationary, packaging, and business cards.

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Hand Drawn Nautical Vector Patterns - $5

These 15 nautical-inspired vector patterns work for all your pattern needs. Want a subtle background? Check! Want to print the cutest shirt or onesie? Check! Want a bold branding statement? Also, check!

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Hand Drawn Dandelions - $5

So much thought was put into these thoughtful hand drawn dandelions. From the seamless patterns to the single dandelion figures, you'll find plenty in this pack to enhance your next design project.

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Hand Drawn Botanic Patterns - $5

Our resident designer has done it again with this pack of subtle, thoughtful botanical-inspired backgrounds. The patterns are gentle and subdued, just what you need for your next design job.

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Hand Drawn Arch Patterns - $5

Diego Sanchez put such thought into these stunning, yet subtle arch graphics. Perfect for packaging, branding, flyers, or textiles, you'll adore all 30 of these hand made archs and 10 ready-to-use patterns.

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Hand Drawn Lines Vector Patterns - $5

Diego Sanchez, one of Medialoot's designers, created this pack of 15 stunning line patterns. The seamless patterns can be used to fill a space, add some texture to your branding, or even be used on textiles! The quality is just that amazing!

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Geometric Pattern Backgrounds

Simple, subtle, seamless, sexy. These 10 carefully designed seamless vectors geometric patterns are some of our favorite in the world of "just right" texture adds. 

Abstract Liquid Marble Background – Free

You may have seen this pattern in our 16 Exquisite, Luxurious Marble Textures post. But, we love it so much we had to use it twice. The liquid-esque pattern is absolutely stunning. And it’s almost calming, in a way.

24 Subtle Polygon Backgrounds - $4

You’ll get 24 very subtle pattern backgrounds with this download. Because they almost look 3D, we love that they can add depth to an otherwise flat design.

Elegant Line Pattern Background - Free

This free elegant background combines minimalism with geometric lines to create the perfect backdrop. We could really see this background being printed on pillows or blankets.

Delicate White Gray Seamless Patterns - Free

Coming with both geometric and floral options, these seamless pattern backgrounds are just subtle enough to be noticed, but not a distraction.

Light Tile Pattern Vol. 4 – Free with Account

Specifically designed for web backgrounds, this set of four tile patterns offer a wide range of options.

Dark Waves Pattern Background - $4

I’m not sure this wave texture is exactly subtle, but it is stunning. You’ll get 10 different backgrounds with this purchase, all of which can be changed in color, hue, and saturation.

Abstract Minimal Line Pattern – Free

Doesn’t this line pattern make you think of the 1920s or The Great Gatsby? Just me? Okay… Still, love the abstract background and want to use it on all the things.

Modern Seamless Pattern Background - Free

The rhombuses in this pattern repeat to create a very thoughtful and textured feeling, making it the perfect background option.

10 Soft Light Patterns – Free

Working with light and a hint of grey, these 10 patterned backgrounds are ideal for print, like posters, cards, and brochures.

30 Pattern Backgrounds - $5

You won’t run out of options with this huge set of 30 backgrounds. The patterns may not be very subtle, but when adjusted right, they’ll add movement to a design without being a distraction.

Minimal Lines Pattern Background - Free

The subtle, minimal pattern created by the dotted lines of this background bring to mind blueprints or really fancy graph paper. Either way, it’s super modern and minimalistic.

Seamless Stripes Pattern Background – Free

This pattern takes subtle to an extreme, being very light and easy to miss. It’s called a stripe pattern, but it looks more like windmills to me.

10 Color Grunge Backgrounds - $4

The gorgeous variations in these grunge backgrounds make them ideal for print, like banners and posters, as well as for website backgrounds.

Subtle Paper Tile Pattern – Free

Look close, there actual is a pattern background here. It’s just super subtle, which is what makes it so great!

Clean Vector Pattern Background – Free

Modern and geometric seem to go hand in hand. This pattern effortlessly blends the two to make a clean, elegant background.

Subtle Pyramidal Backgrounds - $4

The pyramids in this background add a depth to backgrounds that might be missing otherwise. And with this set, you’ll get 20 different variations, which is perfect for those who crave variety.

Abstract Geometric Pattern – Free

While a lot of these patterns were designed with print or online design in mind, I think this pattern is perfect for textiles. One skirt in this style, please and thank you!

Dark Pattern Backgrounds – Free

The four dark patterns included in this set provide an almost wood-like texture to backgrounds which is ideal for those subtle statements.

25 Light and Subtle Background Textures - $6

Greyscale, anyone? The 25 background textures included in this pack come with a variety of patterns which are perfect for print and web.

8 Old Paper Texture Backgrounds - $4

If you’re like me and enjoy parchment looking paper, you’ll adore these backgrounds. They give an old-world feel to otherwise modern designs.

Modern Seamless Pattern - Free

How cute is this seamless pattern? The light, airy colors can be adjusted, but with its clean, abstract design, why change anything?

10 High Definition Texture Backgrounds - $3

This set definitely focuses on textured backgrounds more than patterned backgrounds, but they’re still perfect for labels, logos, or product and web backgrounds.

9 Seamless Pattern Vectors – Free

If the one pattern above wasn’t enough for you, here’s a whole set of similar options! Use these for invitations, posters, or decorations.

11 Textured Backgrounds - $2

The 11 backgrounds included in this mix come with 11 different colors, making it perfect for those who want easily changeable options.

Blank Concrete Wall Background – Free

Sometimes the best things are the simplest. This clean, greyscale background has just enough texture to add depth, but it won’t distract from designs.

12 Subtle Paper Texture Backgrounds - $4

You can never go wrong with paper textures! The 12 patterns in this set vary in texture, so you’ll have plenty to work with.

White Rhombus Pattern Vector – Free

I adore these rhombuses (rhombi?) in this pattern! The smooth, clean design have an almost 3D look without being too flashy.

Shiny Geometric Patterns – Free

Or, you can be very flashy with these gold geometric patterns. Another background that brings to mind the 1920s and The Great Gatsby.

Woven Texture Backgrounds - $3

The earthy, organic feel of these woven textures are ideal for your more down to earth designs.

Abstract Colorful Geometric Pattern – Free

We’ve moved a bit away from subtle with this design. But, it’s awesome and it kind of looks like DNA, so there you go.

10 Gold Marble Backgrounds - $4

You can find this background in our 16 Exquisite, Luxurious Marble Textures post, as well. But it’s so beautiful, we had to include it twice.

Collection of Pattern Backgrounds – Free

This collection of free backgrounds perfectly combine modern simplicity with fun colors to create a beautiful blend of textures.

Thoughtful Thai Backgrounds – Free

The intricacies of these backgrounds make them some of the most thoughtful patterns on this list. I want to see them in print, on textiles, and online.

Subtle Abstract Grid Texture – Free

We’ll go back to our subtlety roots for this one. The light and grey add movement to the background pattern, but with a delicateness that doesn’t distract.

Blueprint Textures

These 10 patterns come with their own unique own spacing, contrast, and theme, so you’ll have more than enough variety.

Even though this is quite an exhaustive list, if you want to keep browsing for more subtle pattern backgrounds, we have a few extra resources. We love Toptal and The Pattern Library and think you can find some awesome backgrounds there!


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