For instance, you may be designing a website for a client who wants a rustic or natural feel, and finding the right wood or stone textures can be time-consuming and costly. Or, you might be creating social media graphics that need a pop of color or an abstract pattern to make them stand out.

Whatever the situation, having access to free textures can save you time, money, and hassle. In this blog post, we’ll list 5 websites that offer free, high-quality patterns and textures for your web design needs.

1. Subtle Patterns - elegant and subtle patterns for simple aesthetics

Subtle Patterns website homepage

If you’re looking for subtle and seamless patterns to use in your web design projects, Subtle Patterns is an excellent resource. Whether you’re designing a website or creating social media graphics, these patterns will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your work. You can easily download the patterns in a variety of formats, so you can use them in any of your favorite design software.

Check out Subtle Patterns here: www.toptal.com/designers/subtlepatterns

2. Pattern Library - best for bold, unique & vintage patterns

Example of bold pattern available on The Pattern Library website

The Pattern Library is a curated collection of patterns and textures. From geometric shapes to organic patterns, these patterns are available in a variety of formats, including SVG, PNG, and AI, so you can easily download and use them in your preferred software. Whether you’re creating logos, icons, or other visual elements, these patterns are a great way to add style and personality to your designs.

Check out Pattern Library here: www.thepatternlibrary.com

3. Freepik - our favourite for realistic textures like water & stone

selection of texture galleries on Freepik

If you’re looking for free vector patterns to use in your web design projects, Vector Patterns is an excellent resource. You’ll find a huge collection of patterns, from floral designs to abstract shapes, that can add contrast and depth to your work. These patterns are available in AI, EPS, and SVG formats, so you can download and use them in Adobe Illustrator or other vector-based softwares.

Check out Freepik here: www.freepik.com/textures

4. Pixeden - organised texture packs like ‘dirty grunge’ or ‘subtle cardboard’

Pixaden website showing selection of grunge wood textue packs

Pixeden offers a wide range of free design resources, including patterns and textures, that can enhance your web design projects. You’ll find a variety of textures, from subtle to bold, that can add interest and depth to your designs. Whether you’re looking for wood, paper, or fabric textures, Pixeden has got you covered. All the resources are available for personal and commercial use, so you can create stunning designs without breaking the bank.

Check out Pixeden here: www.pixeden.com

5. Pixabay - biggest, most extensive library of patterns and textures 

Pixabay website showing pink leather texture

Pixabay, primarily known as a stock photo site, also boasts an impressive collection of over 600,000+ textures and patterns. From playful cupcake patterns that add a touch of fun and whimsy to vintage-inspired designs that evoke elegance and nostalgia, there’s something for every creative project. The site also includes geometric abstraction patterns, featuring bold lines and abstract shapes for a modern and contemporary look. Nature-inspired textures bring a sense of organic beauty, while grunge and distressed textures create a rugged, weathered aesthetic.

Check out Pixabay here: www.pixabay.com

In conclusion,

understanding how to effectively incorporate textures and patterns into web design projects is crucial for creating visually appealing design work.

Whether you’re creating a website, designing social media graphics, or crafting marketing materials, these free texture resources can help you bring your vision to life.

And if you were worried about any copyright restrictions or licensing considerations when using textures and patterns in web design - you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing these resources are free to use!

Need more hot sources that could save some cash? Check out our blog 5 free websites for web fonts (that aren’t google fonts)