Do you ever see the perfect Instagram flat lay? Your eye just loves it and you can’t help yourself from double tapping! Well I have a secret for you, it all has to do with the backdrop! This is the foundation for your photo or the canvas for your art. I know that sounds like a bunch of pressure, but guess what? This is something you can make yourself, even on a budget!
Here are some of my favorite Instagram backgrounds-
Inspiration Images via 1 / 2 / 3
I love marble, faux fur, and pink for backgrounds! Did you know that images on Instagram get more likes if they are light and bright? I like that these ideas achieve that goal. I also think that your background should never be too busy that it takes away from the subject matter- the goal is that it should add interest, but the viewer shouldn’t actually notice it. Here are a few other ideas for Instagram backdrops:
So I headed to the hardware store for shopping! I figured you could use wood flooring, but they are $40 a box and that was more than I was thinking about spending. This is a GREAT option though and I am sure you can get some on sale.
I loved the idea of using contact paper, but I couldn’t find the marble one that I wanted (I really wanted grey marble and this one was beige and purple. Though it is available on Amazon here). Contact paper comes in a bunch of different looks, so there might be an option that works for you. What I love about contact paper is that you can roll it up and it stores nicely when not in use. To find contact paper in a store, go down their kitchen aisle.
Instead of contact paper, I used peel and stick tiles that were $2.70 each (I got two). Each one is 12″x24.” If marble isn’t your look, these peel and stick tiles are so cheap and come in a ton of different looks! Wood, granite, white. These are located in your home improvement stores by the flooring.
I wanted a board to mount the tile to, so I got a 2’x2′ board for $3.72. I think a 2 foot square board is perfect for an Instagram backdrop! It is big enough you can get a larger scene, but small enough to store easily. So I’d definitely recommend that size.
I headed home and painted one side of the board pink (I had the paint on hand from my bedroom door project– I used Pink Booties by Olympic). What I love about this project is how customizable it is! You can choose whatever color works best for your feed. And if you get sick of it, you can repaint it down the road.
I decided to try it out!
instax camera / coconut hand cream / watch (no longer available) / gold nail polish / pink nail polish / sunglasses / screen protector
screen protector / book / plate (no longer available) / flat wear (no longer available) / tray
Love! The pink is very subtle and I love what it adds to the photos! On the back side of the board, I put the peel and stick tiles on the board. I don’t love that there’s a line down the middle, but I think it still works-
headphones (no longer available) / domino book / screen protector
How cute is that little chubby hand?! And I love how current the marble feels- and for less than $10! Don’t you love how easy these are? And inexpensive?!
The last backdrop I tried is a faux fur pillow cover (you could also use the Ikea rug for a cheaper option that will still photograph great). I really appreciate the texture and softness it gave this photo:
watch (no longer available) / dress (no longer available) / perfume (no longer available) / fur backdrop (no longer available)
So here’s my question for you- would you try any of these Instagram backdrops? They are easy to make (you can’t beat a pre-cut board and peel and stick tiles), very inexpensive- less than $10 for two, and customizable to fit your color scheme. Remember, the background of your photo is what will pull the while image together so you’ll want something that is a good color for your feed and bonus points if it adds some texture! If you use any of these ideas, tag me @athomewithashley, I’d love to see your gorgeous creations!
p.s. want more information on how to style a flat lay? Click here for a free ebook!
p.p.s if you are new to Instagram, I have a free 5 day Instagram challenge that will get you started on the right foot. I’d love for you to join me!
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amy says
Thanks Ashley for the great idea. I had never thought of buying the peel and stick tiles for my instagram back drop and I have been eyeing them lately at our local Home Depot store. You will be seeing a change in my Instagram feed. So excited…
[email protected] says
Hi Amy! I am so glad you liked the idea! Make sure to tag me so I can see- I’m sure it’ll be gorgeous!
Lisa Smith says
Great thanks Ashley for your secret idea for us. I love your all ideas and will implement as soon as possible. All the backgrounds eye catching. Yes, am agree with you that images on Instagram get more likes if they are light and bright.