Website backgrounds are an often overlooked yet vital element in web design. They are most effective when they communicate your website's concept at a glance and create a lasting impression in your visitors. In 2009, website backgrounds have become bolder and more prominent parts of the overall marketing strategy. Here's a look at some of the website design trends of 2009.

Realistic Textures

Textures are always popular design elements, whether they're a focal point or a subtle clue to the site's identity. When used properly, texture adds a sense of depth and can become a significant feature of your design. Interposing multiple textures can pull a design together into a complete look or make important elements more visually interesting. Realistic and recognizable elements can also give a site a more personal feel.

Designfabrika

Grow Media

Diaper Cakes Mall

Redeemed Ministries

Marchand de Trucs

Lighting Effects

Any photographer will tell you that lighting is key. Simple shading and subdued bursts of light can draw the eye to important areas of your site. Bolder light effects create the impression of vitality and energy. While too much lighting can overwhelm the eye, used judiciously, visitors will appreciate your eye for detail.

Positive Hype

Vuu Media

Formoda

Unuidesign

Design Spartan

Photoshop Landscapes

Whether real or imagined, landscapes are popular header choices for 2009. Illustrations are taking up more design space than ever before. Clever designs can create an immediate and strong association for your visitors. Landscapes can be comforting, powerful or whimsical making this approach easy to tie in to your brand image.

Morphix Design Studio

Flourish

Pixel Blog

Design19

Durwaigh Studios

Dark Patterns or Brushes

High contrast sites are easy to read and hard to forget; images and text practically leap of the page for your visitors. The darker, more subdued backgrounds draw the eye toward more important site elements. Even when the site background isn't the main focus, subtle patterns can give the site a classy and polished feel.

New Look Media

Friendly Duck

Creative Soapbox

Canvas

Efingo

Bold Typography

Strong or unique fonts create an immediate impression on your visitors. Used correctly typography is as much a design element as a conveyance for content. Large text lets your visitors know you have something important to say and conveys a sense of confidence about your message.

72 Ave

Quality Peoples

Fran Fernandez

Get Back to Work

Be That Change

What are some of your favorite design trends for 2009?