9+ Subtle Patterns
Contrary to popular belief, subtle patterns can also express something unique or innovative when used appropriately and with good taste. As the popular saying goes “Simplicity is beauty,” subtle visual elements are as, if not, more effective. Designers need not be extreme when trying to make any design into a certain look—be it rugged, sweet, cool, or even futuristic. Excessive use of design trends often results in its inability to communicate information and losing its visual appeal.
Just like the Photoshop Patterns we have compiled on this page, you can incorporate these to any design task in order to create a stunning visual image that screams simplicity at its finest.
Subtle Dark Pattern
Subtle Vector Pattern
Subtle Pixel Patterns
Geometric Subtle Pattern
Grunge Subtle Pattern
When to Use Subtle Patterns
Subtle patterns can be a great tool create stunning designs and images. They are easy to use as well as apply in your design or any creative work. They have certain characteristics, but they can be used for a variety of purposes and occasions.
- On designs that need an oomph. Although they are simple in nature, a little bit of grey and subtle color will give your design a little edge than any plain and solid image. These patterns are also creative and original.
- On website backgrounds. Like Vintage Photoshop Patterns, these kind of patterns is great for backgrounds of webpages as they do not steal the spotlight from the important elements of your personal blog or business website.
- On designs with texts. Aside from using a solid color for your background that compliments the color of your text, why not use a subtle pattern to put a quote into a text image that is more sophisticated and trustworthy?
- On other design practices. These subtle patterns can be used as great alternatives to textures, gradients, and filters. They can be used as an overlay to any image, elements, or shapes to achieve a desired effect.
Subtle Light Pattern
Subtle Noise Pattern
Subtle Patterns
Subtle Web Pattern
Subtle Wall Pattern
Why You Should Use Subtle Patterns
- To avoid empty space. Choosing and putting a background on any creative work can be a pain in the neck. You don’t want to leave your object to appear floating in nowhere and or its environment have an empty feeling. A subtle pattern can definitely do the job.
- To create a polished look. An empty background could give your page’s visitor an impression of an unfinished job. A background with subtle patterns can make them feel that the page their viewing was done with thought thus valuable.
- To create a minimalist design. Minimalist designs generate more retention and better understanding of the information presented by visual tools. Excessive design elements turns off viewers but not with subtle patterns.
- To make your design look professional. While most loud patterns and colors create a fun and energetic atmosphere, subtle patterns conveys a laid-back but still interesting mood especially when used in business collateral.
- To generate a larger image. Most subtle patterns are tileable; therefore, it lets you create patterns, backgrounds, or images in larger sizes. So they are not only used as website backgrounds but also on flyers and billboards.
The patterns found here can be downloaded for free and comes in high-resolution PSD, PNG, and Vector EPS formats that you can choose from, depending on what you need and how you are going to use them. Don’t forget to check out our Hi-Qty Patterns, too!
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