Flatlay Photography has been gaining popularity in the last few years. Especially now that social media platforms like Instagram have a pivotal role in building a brand’s identity, flatlays are being used more than before.
This post is for you if you are a small business owner wanting to learn what backdrops can be used for flatlay pictures of your products or if you’re an individual passionate about photography.
There are different kinds of backdrops for flatlays and each of them looks great in the theme it belongs to.
We’re going to be looking what are some backdrops you can use, some that you might already have, and some that you can invest in.
Before we begin, I just want to clarify that not every backdrop works for every flatlay. You need to be mindful about the styling and see if that particular backdrop makes sense with the product you’re shooting.
Since a backdrop can have a huge impact on the results & the message you want to convey through your flatlay.
Table Of Contents
10 Kinds of backdrops for flatlays that you should have
1. FABRIC
Different types of fabric can be used for flatlays. They look amazing when paired with natural light from a window.
Fabric can be a great addition to texture in your flat lays. To make sure that your fabric is in focus along with the rest of the props used, shoot at an aperture of above 9.
2. TILES
You can buy actual tiles and use them as a backdrop for flatlays. Yes, you can get a printed tiled backdrop as well but a real tile has a texture and shine that can’t be compared with a printed backdrop.
Buy smaller tiles that aren’t too heavy.
Also Read: 5 Secrets Behind Flatlay Photos
3. LINEN
Grab all of your good-looking linens such as bedsheets, tablecloths, cushions, etc.
You can style them in your flatlay setup to add a cozy vibe to them. Repurpose the linen around your house as backdrops for flatlays.
A white bedsheet works perfectly for a breakfast spread’s flatlay.
4. MARBLE FLOOR OR TABLETOP
If you have got a marble floor or a tabletop, you already have a free backdrop available. Just make sure you’re placing your flatlay somewhere you get natural light, that is if you’re not shooting with artificial light.
5. CHARTPAPER
Chart paper is an affordable backdrop that you can find at any nearby stationery store.
Store them spread out flat instead of rolled up so that it’s easier to create a setup on it. It won’t get wrinkled this way.
6. TRAYS
Wooden trays, mirror trays, marble trays!
Create a whimsical flatlay by placing props like a cup of coffee, flowers, autumn leaves, etc, in and around the tray to style an aesthetic flatlay.
You might already have a tray in your cupboard, look for different shapes and materials.
7. RUGS
This white rug that you can see in the picture above is one of the most commonly used types of rug in flatlays.
Who knew rugs could double up as a backdrop too?
While selecting a rug, make sure it matches the props too. Don’t use a too-dark or a rug with too much of a busy pattern on it.
8. TEXTURED BACKDROP
A textured backdrop like the one in the flatlay above can be either a countertop in your kitchen or poly printed photography backdrop like this one. Use my code ‘GARIMABHASKAR’ to get 10% off.
9. COLORFUL VINYL BACKDROPS
Bored of solid-colored backdrops for flatlays? Get yourself some unique vibrant and colorful vinyl backdrops. They’re striking and will surely grab attention on Instagram.
Check out this Galaxy Wonders Packs – Backdrops. Use my code ‘GARIMABHASKAR’ to get 20% off your purchase.
10. WOODEN BOARDS
You can use old wooden boards as backdrops for a rustic look in your flatlays. With the right kind of subtle moody color grading, it can be the perfect flatlay!
Similarly, wooden tabletops and stools can double-up as backdrops for flatlays too.
