You’re often able to implement unique backgrounds with the help of custom CSS or plugins (or both). We show you both methods in this article.

Here are some background styles to consider:

• Standard Background Images: These are static images (PNG, JPG, and other image formats) that stretch over most website space and sit behind the primary content. Their benefits include simplicity, options for high-resolution photos, and default support by the WordPress Core. Downsides range from their tendency to mess with foreground elements’ visibility to a large, high-resolution image slowing down your site.
• Solid Color Backgrounds: The solid color background image comes in handy when you want to add some vibrance to your site but don’t have an image that fits your brand or one that looks good as a background. The color background also presents a cleaner, more professional image, and they don’t take long to implement. They’re great for matching your branding without needing custom code or a plugin.
• Gradient Backgrounds: A gradient background transitions from one color to another. It’s more visually appealing than a solid color, doesn’t take much time to add, and you can add one with many plugins. The main downside is that a foreground may show up well on one end of the gradient but not on the other.
• Pattern or Texture Backgrounds: All pattern and texture backgrounds are photos, yet they focus on repetitive items in the image or a close-up texture, like a wooden panel or a patch of grass. The good part about a pattern or texture is that it works wonders as a background, seeing how you can stretch it out, and most people won’t notice if there’s a break in the pattern when the image isn’t quite big enough.
• Image Slideshow Backgrounds: An image slideshow background empowers site owners to share multiple types of designs or photos in the background, boosting efforts to adjust the mood when a customer scrolls through your site. However, slideshows could come off as distracting or slow down your site.
• Video Backgrounds: Video backgrounds are engaging, fun to watch, and easy to portray the nature of your brand. However, they also lead to performance issues if not done correctly and could take your sales funnel’s attention away. Also, background videos must be the perfect dimensions and play at the right times. They can also get expensive to make unless you opt for free stock videos.

Best Practices for Using WordPress Background Images

Setting a custom background image seems like an easy task. Just upload the image in the right spot and watch it appear on the frontend, right?

Most of the time, that’s the case, but other times you’ll find that the background image can be a bit troublesome. That’s why we recommend following the best practices for WordPress background images to eliminate as many problems as possible.

You’re often able to implement unique backgrounds with the help of custom CSS or plugins (or both). We show you both methods in this article.

Here are some background styles to consider:

• Standard Background Images: These are static images (PNG, JPG, and other image formats) that stretch over most website space and sit behind the primary content. Their benefits include simplicity, options for high-resolution photos, and default support by the WordPress Core. Downsides range from their tendency to mess with foreground elements’ visibility to a large, high-resolution image slowing down your site.
• Solid Color Backgrounds: The solid color background image comes in handy when you want to add some vibrance to your site but don’t have an image that fits your brand or one that looks good as a background. The color background also presents a cleaner, more professional image, and they don’t take long to implement. They’re great for matching your branding without needing custom code or a plugin.
• Gradient Backgrounds: A gradient background transitions from one color to another. It’s more visually appealing than a solid color, doesn’t take much time to add, and you can add one with many plugins. The main downside is that a foreground may show up well on one end of the gradient but not on the other.
• Pattern or Texture Backgrounds: All pattern and texture backgrounds are photos, yet they focus on repetitive items in the image or a close-up texture, like a wooden panel or a patch of grass. The good part about a pattern or texture is that it works wonders as a background, seeing how you can stretch it out, and most people won’t notice if there’s a break in the pattern when the image isn’t quite big enough.
• Image Slideshow Backgrounds: An image slideshow background empowers site owners to share multiple types of designs or photos in the background, boosting efforts to adjust the mood when a customer scrolls through your site. However, slideshows could come off as distracting or slow down your site.
• Video Backgrounds: Video backgrounds are engaging, fun to watch, and easy to portray the nature of your brand. However, they also lead to performance issues if not done correctly and could take your sales funnel’s attention away. Also, background videos must be the perfect dimensions and play at the right times. They can also get expensive to make unless you opt for free stock videos.