Using background or header images

Color is not the only way to introduce visual interest to your template: you can also use textures, patterns, or images in the background of the page or canvas. Using a subtle background texture or pattern can really help make your site feel more alive, but be careful not to overdo it with anything too distracting. Some templates also allow you to use a texture, pattern, or image in the header (banner) area.

Om template, with a banner image and subtle background texture

Squarespace has settings that can repeat (or tile) a pattern or texture vertically and horizontally so that it fills the entire space of the screen. If you choose this approach, make sure you use an image that is designed for seamless tiling/repeating. The edges of these images match up and blend smoothly, so you'll see a continuous texture rather than a bunch of square blocks. Some of my favorite resources for textures and patterns are:

• SubtlePatterns (http://subtlepatterns.com/): This contains...