--- title: "Level Up Newsletter Design With Custom Backgrounds" subtitle: "Wow Your Audience by Adding the Perfect Background Image " authors: ["Lenore Sterner", "Nicola Vaughan"] published: 2023-01-22 --- # Level Up Newsletter Design With Custom Backgrounds _This article has been updated to maintain its accuracy and relevance._ When creating your newsletter, what’s easily the most overlooked [element](/blog/mastering-newsletter-elements-2024-guide)? Not surprisingly, it’s the background.  The background easily gets lost behind the main stars of the show: your Call to Action (CTA) or the punchy first paragraph. An attractive background image will transform your newsletter, making it more eye-catching while allowing you to integrate more effective, visually engaging CTAs in your communications.  Adding a background image can involve using a bit of code or building out an image in a graphic design software like Canva, but the results speak for themselves. When done right, a background image will take your newsletter to the next level and wow your audience.  Today, let’s talk about background images – why you should use them, how to add them, and plenty of examples to inspire you for your next newsletter send.  ## Table of Contents - [Email Newsletter Background Image (Why Do They Matter?)](#email-newsletter-background-image-w) - [Eye Catching](#eye-catching) - [Visually Textured](#visually-textured) - [Professional](#professional) - [1\. Reinforcing Your Brand Identity](#1-reinforcing-your-brand-identity) - [2\. Improving CTA Visibility](#2-improving-cta-visibility) - [3\. Turning Your Email Into a Story](#3-turning-your-email-into-a-story) - [Background Image Email Newsletter (Getting Started)](#background-image-email-newsletter-g) - [Long Email Newsletter Background Image (Writing HTML Code)](#long-email-newsletter-background-im) - [Tables](#tables) - [Attributes](#attributes) - [Size](#size) - [Best Practices for Background Images in 2025](#best-practices-for-background-image) - [1\. Use Subtle, Not Overwhelming Images](#1-use-subtle-not-overwhelming-image) - [2\. Keep File Sizes Small](#2-keep-file-sizes-small) - [3\. Maintain Text Contrast](#3-maintain-text-contrast) - [4\. Always Include a Fallback Color](#4-always-include-a-fallback-color) - [Modern Background Trends](#modern-background-trends) - [1\. Soft Grain & Film Texture](#1-soft-grain-film-texture) - [2\. Minimalistic Gradients](#2-minimalistic-gradients) - [3\. Abstract Shapes & Blobs](#3-abstract-shapes-blobs) - [4\. Cinematic Blurs](#4-cinematic-blurs) - [5\. Branded Patterns](#5-branded-patterns) - [Email Newsletter Background Image Size (Using a Platform)](#email-newsletter-background-image-s) - [How To Add a Background Image to Your beehiiv Newsletter](#how-to-add-a-background-image-to-yo) - [Growing Your Newsletter With beehiiv](#growing-your-newsletter-with-beehii) - [Common Mistakes to Avoid](#common-mistakes-to-avoid) - [Avoid These Background Image Mistakes](#avoid-these-background-image-mistak) ## Email Newsletter Background Image (Why Do They Matter?) ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7e9d22dc-a722-4579-ba7a-89c18f12e80b/image31.png?t=1723134704) So you’ve started creating your email newsletter… but why should you consider using a background image? Well, if you want to engage your readers, background images can have subtle, but powerful effects.  Using a high-quality background image will make your newsletter more eye catching, visually textured, and professional looking. ### Eye Catching There’s no doubt about it. Email newsletters with background images are more eye-catching than those with boring white backgrounds.  You can use color or animation to catch subscribers’ attention and keep them reading your newsletter rather than navigating back to their inbox. ### Visually Textured Using a background image to create layers in your emails will provide texture and make your emails more interesting. You could overlay CTA buttons or text over your background image or have a seasonal background image with elements on top. Creating layers and texture in your emails will improve the visual effect and allow you to implement better CTAs and content for your subscribers. Done well, it can also improve readability. ### Professional ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/2271ce33-b1db-496e-8e37-395ca465c406/image11.png?t=1723134736) It’s undeniable that emails with beautiful backgrounds look far more professional than those without them.  You don’t need to be an email expert to create a professional-looking email if you have a range of beautiful background images in your wheelhouse. Your email newsletter will look more slick and will show that you clearly care about how your subscribers perceive your brand.  Background images are available from a range of websites including [Freepik](https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/newsletter-background?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds), [Shutterstock](https://www.shutterstock.com/search/email-background?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds), and [Campaign Monitor](https://backgrounds.cm?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds). Here’s an example of how [Pottery Barn](https://www.potterybarn.com/?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds) uses images for their background:  ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/8480a37f-1122-4276-b9ed-2b3979b8aa67/image29.png?t=1723134783) The image allows them to advertise their design services by showing a completed interior design.  Email design has gotten more sophisticated, and subscribers expect a polished, branded experience. Background images help you achieve that by: ### **1\. Reinforcing Your Brand Identity** Your background can subtly reinforce brand colors, themes, or mood. Think of it as your newsletter's “stage”—every message sits on top of it. - Minimal brands may use soft gradients - Creative brands may use bold patterns - Lifestyle brands may use light textures or photography ### **2\. Improving CTA Visibility** Buttons and CTA sections often pop more when placed on top of: - A muted color - A blurred background - A textured pattern - A soft gradient or vignette This helps guide the reader visually, increasing click-through rates. ### **3\. Turning Your Email Into a Story** Background images help set a tone: - Cozy winter themes - Summer travel aesthetics - Fitness or lifestyle photography - Subtle illustrations matching your topic Rather than being decorative, your background becomes part of your narrative flow. ## Background Image Email Newsletter (Getting Started) ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/50f531c5-ef92-45d0-9d99-6016e4ba680e/image22.png?t=1723134805) So how do you get started with a background image for your next email newsletter? The best place to start is by researching some brands and going through your own emails to see how other companies have implemented background images. Here’s a few examples: [Priceline](https://www.priceline.com/?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds) uses layers (a photo over an illustrated blue swoop) to create visual interest and draw your eye. ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/d10c7d3f-5c4e-46f5-b749-f9062f918a2f/image8.png?t=1723134837) [Honey’s](https://www.joinhoney.com/?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds) background has a bunch of subtle illustrations behind their main graphic design, creating a very cool effect. ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7db683c2-9710-4716-84b3-df45e1246ffa/image19.png?t=1723134856) [David’s Bridal](https://www.davidsbridal.com/?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds) creates a cool vibe with the pop of pink over the background image of a woman modeling an “occasion dress,” showing that they sell more than just bridal dresses. ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/e249918e-b491-4433-bf83-94e5eef77659/image27.png?t=1723134908) [Prose](https://prose.com/?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds) brings the background to the foreground by the placement of the product in the image, creating a cool effect where the words actually look like they’re behind the product. ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/5f22c279-4bb6-4ffd-abbe-b38555763d53/image2.png?t=1723134928) There are so many ways you can do this. For example, choose one of your brand colors that will dictate how your background image will look and keep this consistent across all of your newsletters. Alternatively, choose seasonal backgrounds that will change depending on the holiday.  You could even use animated GIFs to make your emails look more interactive. Whatever you choose as inspiration for your background images, make sure they have a purpose and don’t detract from the main CTAs/focus of your newsletter. ## Long Email Newsletter Background Image (Writing HTML Code) If you’re planning to write your own HTML code for your email background image, there are some important aspects you’ll need to bear in mind. Please note that at this time, you aren’t able to use this specific HTML snippet on beehiiv, but don’t worry. Keep reading for the solution.  ### Tables Using tables when writing in HTML code is the way that you lay out the data for your background. This will consist of columns and rows, and it dictates how the content will be displayed. Here’s an example of how table HTML can look, showing the width, style, and padding relevant to the email. You could also add a background default color that would show in case any images fail to populate. ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/9a67d4b1-c341-42e5-a370-0f836fca7241/image12.png?t=1723134997) ****  **** ### Attributes Attributes in HTML are additional pieces of information that dictate how the content will appear in your email. This could include how you wish to align your background. For example: ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/d47ac2e6-48bc-4d6e-a5d7-1b4337b2b742/image23.png?t=1723135225) **** Alternatively, if you already have an image in mind that you’d like to use as your email background, you could add the link to your HTML like this: ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/441e2824-cef8-4ed5-9807-ff44881c9b56/image33.png?t=1723135254) **** Style is another important attribute to consider. Style is used to decide details of an email background such as color. Here’s an example of how you’d use style to implement a block of powder blue color for the background of an email: ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/10ca8512-bc86-4ddf-829d-15bf87b004f3/image32.png?t=1723135301) ****  ### Size You need to keep size in mind when implementing a background image using HTML. Size is used to decide the height and width of an image, as well as the position it holds in the email. You can also decide if you’d like your image to repeat when writing a longer email. The following code dictates that the background image will repeat vertically until the parent element is completely populated: ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/4d6250e8-4560-4f81-9ee4-ce1a1c2cdf5c/image21.png?t=1723135352) **** Here’s some other examples of size elements that can be used in HTML: ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/54d41888-9ee9-4c8f-bac8-62518c5922d8/image16.png?t=1723135394) ****  (Keep Background Contained to Original Size) ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/e2858409-7f0d-402f-aac0-e74cb0553391/image28.png?t=1723135433) **example text** (Restrict Image To Specific Size) Using HTML coding for a long email newsletter background image should be easier now, but make sure to pay attention to the [best dimensions](/blog/email-newsletter-dimensions) for your newsletter graphics.  You can also test out your HTML code using [W3Schools](https://www.w3schools.com?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds), so you can see how it will look in your next email. ## **Best Practices for Background Images in 2025** Here are modern email-design best practices you can add: ### **1\. Use Subtle, Not Overwhelming Images** The background shouldn’t compete with your text. Aim for: - Low contrast - Soft focus - Blurred or slightly desaturated images - Simple patterns or gradients ### **2\. Keep File Sizes Small** Large images slow load times and may cause clipping in Gmail. Follow these rules: - Keep background images under **500KB** - Use **JPGs** for photos and **PNGs** only when transparency is needed - When possible, compress and optimize before uploading ### **3\. Maintain Text Contrast** Your content must stay readable no matter what device or inbox client is used. Ways to improve contrast: - Dark overlays on light images - Light gradients on darker images - Semi-transparent boxes behind your text - Bold fonts for key sections ### **4\. Always Include a Fallback Color** Some email clients or privacy settings block images by default. Your fallback color should: - Match your brand palette - Work with your CTA colors - Not clash with the rest of the layout ## **Modern Background Trends** Here are current design trends you can insert as a new section: ### **1\. Soft Grain & Film Texture** A soft grainy texture gives emails a premium, editorial feel. It works especially well for: - Lifestyle newsletters - Creator brands - Wellness & fitness content - Photography-heavy issues ### **2\. Minimalistic Gradients** Gradients are back—subtle ones. Popular options: - Cream → sand - Navy → indigo - Peach → coral - Lavender → soft blue These feel clean, modern, and premium. ### **3\. Abstract Shapes & Blobs** Geometric or organic shapes in the background can help direct attention to your CTA or main section. This style is popular in SaaS, creator, and marketing content. ### **4\. Cinematic Blurs** Blurry backgrounds create depth while keeping text highly readable. Try: - A blurred photo of your office - A blurred version of your hero image - A blurred seasonal scene ### **5\. Branded Patterns** Repeating motifs (icons, shapes, sketches) give your email a signature look. Example: A coffee newsletter might use tiny bean icons; a fitness brand might use line-art dumbbells. ## Email Newsletter Background Image Size (Using a Platform) ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/bb1c4125-ac1c-445b-9ba1-40f0ccff9cec/image13.png?t=1723135466) When using a platform to implement a background image, you’ll need to carefully consider the size of the background image you’re going to use.  If an image is too big, it may not load, leaving your email looking bare and bland. If the image is too small, on the other hand, it may look stretched or pixelated when trying to fit the size of the column in your email.  Plus, email newsletter background image size is a big factor in deliverability. Email weight, made up of file sizes in your email, determines whether or not your email can be delivered the way you intend it.  It’s always worth including a default background color on your emails just in case an image fails to load. This ensures that your email background won’t default to white if the image doesn’t appear.  Some users don’t automatically download images via emails, so a background color is useful in ensuring that all subscribers see an eye-catching background. ## How To Add a Background Image to Your [beehiiv Newsletter](/blog/email-newsletter-templates-html) At this time, beehiiv doesn’t allow you to use HTML to add a background image to your newsletter, but that doesn’t mean that your [newsletter](/blog/2022-email-newsletter-roundup) can’t look world-class. And don’t worry, I got you with a simple work around.  For example, [Creator Spotlight](https://www.creatorspotlight.com/?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds) uses a cream background, not an image. What they do use is a subtle cursor gif to let the black and orange take center stage visually: ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7a39bcd7-5643-475d-966a-5c6036cb32e7/image5.gif?t=1723135503) The result is eye-catching, interesting, and _classy_.  Instead of using HTML to add a background as custom code, create a background image in [Canva](https://www.canva.com/?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds) or [Figma](https://www.figma.com/?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds) and add your text directly to the graphic. You can then [directly embed the image](/blog/embedding-images-in-email) into your newsletter. What’s great about this option is the amount of creative control you have using a graphic design tool. You can go beyond the limitations of the platform and your coding options and even use [fonts that aren’t considered to be email safe](/blog/best-font-for-business-emails). Just make sure to keep [email template dimensions](/blog/email-newsletter-dimensions) in mind and make sure that your email weight (the combined file sizes) isn’t too large, as that may affect your deliverability or cause your email to be clipped in Gmail.  ![How To Level Up Your Newsletter Design With a Custom Background Image ](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/1b850bcc-391a-4a48-887c-dfc587d8d4d8/image1.png?t=1723135536) ## Growing Your Newsletter With beehiiv It’s no secret that beehiiv is the newsletter platform built for growth with amazing monetization opportunities like the [beehiiv Ad Network](https://www.beehiiv.com/features/ad-network?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds) and [Boosts](https://www.beehiiv.com/features/boosts?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds) – putting you in the driver’s seat to [make money](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_pv2de-3uw&utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds) creating the content you love.  The best part is that beehiiv offers a [free trial](https://app.beehiiv.com/signup?plan=scale&trial=true&utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds) with no credit card required to try out all of the features and see if it’s a great fit for you. Get started with your free trial today.   [![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/b3aac496-02ae-4d94-8645-e38adbc31845/image.png?t=1766876792)](https://app.beehiiv.com/?utm_source=beehiivblog.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=level-up-newsletter-design-with-custom-backgrounds) ## **Common Mistakes to Avoid** Here’s a practical section you can add to improve clarity: ### **Avoid These Background Image Mistakes** - **Using overly busy images** that make text unreadable - **High-contrast edges** behind paragraphs - **Centering key content over unpredictable areas** of the image - **Using images too small** (leading to pixelation or stretching) - **Not optimizing file size**, causing slow loading - **Ignoring dark mode**, which may overlay unexpected colors - **Not testing on mobile**, where 70–80% of opens occur A good rule of thumb: **If your text doesn't read clearly at first glance, change the image or lower its intensity.**