18 Prop and Background Ideas For Your Photos

Hi pretties! Two things that can make or break a photo are props and backgrounds. Sometimes, it can be tricky to perfect the coveted blog flatlay. You know the photos: the ones with pretty marble backgrounds, surrounded by flowers and the like. If you are a blogger, here are 20 prop and background ideas for your photos. Even if you’re a Pinterest junkie, an Instagram flatly creator, or a UGC creator, these ideas will help!

Background ideas

You can start with some background ideas for your prop. There are so many things you can use in your photos.

Fabric

I use a lot of different fabrics in my photos. For example, my plush backgrounds from PropClub, which I got in pink and white. I also use the silk backdrop from them as well, which I got in pink, light pink, and champagne.

You don’t need to buy props from this specific store though. You can use any old fur or silky surface. For example, before I got my plush backgrounds, I would often use one of my pink furry rugs. This one was the prime rug that I used in all my backdrops. I would also use my pink bedsheets or my white fluffy throw blanket from Marshall’s. I also have a roll of pink tulle that I use occasionally. Recently, I got two tulle sheets: one light pink one and another light pink one adorned with pearls from Shein. Some people also love to use beautiful pieces of clothing. For example, pieces that have lacy hems, or even pieces of lingerie.

Example of the pink fluffy backdrop being used.

Example of the pink silk backdrop being used.

Posterboard

If you’re looking for a simple, minimalistic background, the answer comes in no more than a single piece of pasteboard. Posterboard is what I consider the ultimate background because it’s very cheap and can be used multiple ways. I often use pasteboard as a makeshift reflector. This is especially true if I’m taking photos at night with my soft box. Posterboard can be used for those clean styled images. I love seeing minimalistic photos of products, but there are very strong shadows in the background. You can even use different colored pasteboard to spice up the background of your photos as well.

Desk

Of course, the most obvious backdrop is your desk! You can clear off a little space on your desk to make a flatly. Most desks these days come in white, or a natural wood color. White is great for those minimalistic backgrounds, while natural wood colors are great for those rustic vibes.

Rugs

If you have a unique rug or any type of rug, they make perfect backdrops. I’m talking about that pretty Persian style rug that you think looks lovely in your living room. Even that beautiful patterned floor runner down your hallway can make a great backdrop.

Countertops and floors

If you’re one of the lucky ones to have marble countertops, those make excellent backdrops. Beautiful wooden floors are also great options. Even if you don’t have those, there are always fake backdrops. I’ve have a marble backdrop from Replica Surfaces for years that I use on occasion. I’ve also been eyeing this Vanilla Wood backdrop from them as well. I have noticed that Replica Surfaces are quite pricey for backdrops. A cheaper choice is to grab a sample from a hardware store.

Props

Moving onto the props, you can be much more flexible with props than with backgrounds. Among all the ideas, I prefer props. Various items can serve as props in your photos.

Pearls

I recently discovered using pearls as props in my photos, and they are indeed a game changer. They can fill up small spaces. You can even add them to enhance an image. I buy my pearls from Amazon, Shein, and Temu, but my favorite have been these faux champagne and pink pearls.

An example picture of my Ted Baker perfumes with pearls as props.

Bows

I also love using bows in my photos. My favorites are these satin bows with pearls in the center. I also enjoy using these pearl bows as well. I feel like adding bows gives that coquette touch to your photos, and it’s even better with pearl bows.

A photo using the satin bows. I took this photo for Instagram highlighting my favorite pink Bath and Body Works scents.

Confetti

Out of all my prop and background ideas, I love confetti the most. It adds that bit of sparkle and spice. My favorite is definitely these star shaped confetti pieces. I’m also hunting for some heart shaped and butterfly shaped confetti. One of my favorite photos using confetti is in the picture with the three Bath and Body Works scents. I used small silver, gold, and pink stars, and it turned out wonderful! The only drawback is that the smaller star confetti is more difficult to clean up. Yet, it looks lovely in photos.

Ribbon

Occasionally, I’ll use the odd pink ribbon as a photo prop. Ribbons add that bit of elegance in every photo. They are a great choice when I don’t have my bows on hand.

Notebooks and planners

I love using notebooks and planners as photo props. I usually put other objects on top of them, like pens or other pieces of stationery.

Example photo using a notebook as a photo prop. I stacked two fake peonies, a beautiful pink pen, and fake baby’s breath.

Flowers (real and artificial)

I love using flowers, whether real or fake, in my photos. For me, I prefer artificial flowers. Real flowers unfortunately attract a lot of ants; a lesson I learned the hard way. Despite this, I still enjoy using the occasional real flower here and there. One of my favorite photo props are flower boxes. Not only do they brighten up a room, they also add a feminine touch to all your photos. Out of all my prop and background ideas, flowers are one of my favorites.

An example photo of my Simply Gilded cardholder on my everlasting roses from Amazon. My pearl bear from Lovely Flowers by Vianey peeks over them.

Plushies

I recently got into the idea of using small plushies as props. They add that adorable touch, and add a unique spin to any photo. I love the idea of using unique items like small plushies as prop ideas.

This is an example photo of an adorable ballerina bear. I got this bear from Rhode Island. There is also an adorable ballerina cat in the photo. I got this cat from Ottawa.

Books

Books, especially coffee table books, are great props to use in your photos. I own a couple of coffee table books just for this purpose. For example, I own Kate Spade’s All in Good Taste because it matches my photography aesthetic. London in Bloom by Georgianna Lane is also a beautiful coffee table book to use. One final book I love is The Astrology of You and Me by Gary Goldscheider.

Example photo of The Little Book of Dior by Karen Homer as a prop under my Dior Lip Glow, Lip Glow Maximizer, and Lip Glow Oil

Makeup

For a long time, I was afraid of using multiple makeup products in one photo. I specifically thought that the only makeup product allowed in your photos was the one you were focusing on. I quickly learned that you can include other makeup products. Just make sure the main focus is the star of your post. I quite like using my Too Faced Diamond Light highlighter as a prop, alongside my YSL Candy Glow balms.

Luxury shopping boxes and bags

You know how beautiful the boxes and bags are if you’ve ever bought anything from the likes of Chanel. The same goes for Dior. You can use those boxes and bags as photo props. I’ve used my Victoria’s Secret shopping bags as props one too many times.

Wall art, posters, etc.

If you have a piece of wall art you really love, you can use it in your photos. Place it in the background. Back in the day when I was blogging a lot more, I used to use wall art in the background. The same goes for posters and the like.

Electronics

The most surprising photo prop is probably one you use every day. You guessed it, it’s your electronics. Your phone can be a blog prop if it has a beautiful wallpaper. Your tablet can show Youtube or your blog. Even your MacBook is useful. Electronics can be used as blog props. Just be careful when it comes to liquids around your electronics, like that fancy morning latte.

Clothing

Clothing items can be used as props too, not just backgrounds. If you have a pair of shoes that you absolutely adore, add them to a photo as a prop. I love using things like slippers, purses, and even shoes I never wear as props.

What are your favorite types of photo props to use?

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