I read a great Smashing Magazine article today about the use of textures in web design. I think they can add a lot to the overall feel of a website and are a good solution to get rid of that flat effect that websites tend to get. Since it is a Smashing Magazine article there are a lot (read: list) of good examples. Some of which I’ve shown below.

Since design is the planned process of solving a problem you have to ask yourself how adding texture will help achieve your design goal. In most cases I think it will be best used minimally and not in on overpowering way. It should only provide subtle information about the site, it’s personality, and it’s purpose.