Might not be super subtle, but quite original in its form.
Source Alex Smith
To get the tile this is based on select the rectangle in Inkscape and use shift-alt-i
Source Firkin
From a drawing in 'Sun Pictures of the Norfolk Broads', Ernest Suffling, 1892.
Source Firkin
Prismatic Groovy Concentric Background
Source GDJ
Formed by distorting a JPG from PublicDomainPictures
Source Firkin
We have some linen patterns here, but none that are stressed. Until now.
Source Jordan Pittman
Looks like an old rug or a computer chip.
Source Patutin Sergey
Used correctly, this could be nice. Used in a bad way, all hell will break loose.
Source Atle Mo
Inspired by a pattern found in 'A General History of Hampshire, or the County of Southampton, including the Isle of Wight', Bernard Woodwood, 1861
Source Firkin
Three shades of gray makes this pattern look like a small carbon fiber surface. Great readability even for small fonts.
Source Atle Mo
Seamless pattern the tile for which can be had by using shift-alt-I on the selected rectangle in Inkscape.
Source Firkin
Here's a new paper-like background for free use on personal and commercial projects (this applies to all background patterns here).
Source V. Hartikainen
That’s what it is, a dark dot. Or sort of carbon looking.
Source Tsvetelin Nikolov
A version without colours blended together to give a different look.
Source Firkin
This is the remix of "blue wave-seigaiha".The image depicts a seamless pattern of the front upper part of Japanese five yen coin which is used currently.This design represents a rice with ripe golden ears.
Source Yamachem
Remixed from a drawing in 'Paul's Sister', Frances Peard, 1889.
Source Firkin
Seamless SVG vector and JPG backgrounds with faded diagonal stripes. The colors are editable.
Source V. Hartikainen
This makes me wanna shoot some pool! Sweet green pool table pattern.
Source Caveman
This one takes you back to math class. Classic mathematic board underlay.
Source Josh Green
A pattern formed from a photograph of a 16th century ceramic tile.
Source Firkin
A dark metal plate with an embossed grid pattern and a bit of rust. Here's a dark metal plate texture for use as a tiled background on web pages.
Source V. Hartikainen