A New Month, A Fresh Canvas
May is approaching, which means it's time to refresh our screens with a new set of desktop wallpapers. As has been a monthly tradition at Smashing Magazine for over 14 years, artists and designers from around the world have contributed their creative work. These designs are made freely available for the community, offering a simple way to spark inspiration during a busy day.
The artists have been given full creative freedom, resulting in a diverse collection of artworks. You can click on each preview image to see a larger version. Each wallpaper comes in multiple resolutions, available both with and without a calendar for the month. As always, we are grateful to the artists who have shared their work and encourage others who are interested to submit their own designs for future posts.
Squeeze The Day
Celebrating the spirit of National Lemonade Day, this vibrant design encourages you to enjoy life's simple pleasures. Whether you prefer your lemonade sweet, tart, or sparkling, the artwork celebrates the summer feeling. It's a reminder to support local stands or create your own refreshing drink, embracing boldness and brightness in a glass.
Wallpaper downloads:
- Preview: PNG
- With calendar for May 2025
- Without calendar
My Crazy Thoughts
Design Studio from India shares an introspective piece called "My Crazy Thoughts." The illustration expresses a personal desire to reconnect with nature and oneself. It reflects on the peace found in quiet moments, such as watching rain from a window or observing changing clouds. The artist comments on how modern life often leaves people busy and disconnected from these simple, grounding experiences.
Wallpaper downloads:
- Preview: PNG
- With calendar for May 2025
- Without calendar
Papercraft Blooms and a Galaxy Far, Far Away
For May, designer Caroline Boire turns to a papercraft recreation of the Lily of the Valley. The artwork is built entirely from paper in the traditional style, with no glue used at all.
Downloads are available with and without a calendar. All standard sizes from mobile (320x480) up to widescreen desktop (2560x1440) are included.
Charcoal Robots for Spring
Meanwhile, Chloe Mills combines two of her interests—Star Wars and spring—in a minimalist design. The artwork depicts C3PO and R2D2, created with charcoal brushes in the Procreate app.
Both the cal and nocal variants are offered in a range of resolutions, covering common smartphone, tablet, and laptop displays.
Art Deco Elegance
"Ladies And Gentlemen" brings a touch of classic Art Deco glamour to your desktop. The design, crafted by Spain-based Ricardo Gimenes, offers a stylish alternative for May's wallpaper collection.
The visual is available in two complete sets to suit your preference. One version includes the May calendar for a functional touch, while the other keeps the artwork clean without any date overlay.
Both the calendar and no-calendar iterations come in a comprehensive range of resolutions, from standard desktop sizes up to 4K:
- Standard displays:
640x480,800x480,800x600,1024x768,1152x864,1280x720,1280x800,1280x960,1280x1024,1366x768,1400x1050 - Widescreen and larger monitors:
1440x900,1600x1200,1680x1050,1680x1200,1920x1080,1920x1200,1920x1440 - High-resolution and 4K displays:
2560x1440and3840x2160
For a complete list of available sizes and to download the file that matches your screen, use the preview link to see the design, then select from either the calendar or no-calendar download folders.
Windows Into Another Season
Nature reclaiming an old structure is the theme of LibraFire’s contribution from Serbia. The scene looks out through a broken castle window where plant life has worked its way back in, with a white house, green trees, and soft skies beyond. It’s intended to offer a peaceful intersection of history and renewal. Downloads are available with and without a calendar overlay.
Resolutions available:
- preview
- With calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, and 2560x1440.
- Without calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, and 2560x1440.
Small Town Summer Nights
From Ricardo Gimenes in Spain comes a warmer, more playful image. It paints an outdoor celebration centered around crayfish, a subject that wouldn't be out of place at a traditional summer gathering. The design carries a festive tone, suggesting a lighter side of the season as the days warm up.
Resolutions available:
- preview
- With calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, and 3840x2160.
- Without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, and 3840x2160.
Flower Moon Reverie
Ginger IT Solutions from Serbia contributes a serene scene titled under the Flower Moon. The artwork captures two ladybugs resting on a flower as the moon rises, with the accompanying note: “Two ladybugs sat quietly on a flower, watching the Flower Moon rise high above. It was May, the time when blossoms wake and the moon whispers of new beginnings. Together, they listened.”
- preview
- with calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440
- without calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440
May Day Labor Tribute
Design Studio from India offers a wallpaper marking International Labour Day on May 1. The design celebrates worker contributions and achievements worldwide.
The accompanying description traces the observance to 19th-century labor movements that campaigned for an eight-hour workday. The day underscores fair wages, safe workplaces, and workers' rights, with many countries hosting events, parades, and rallies.
- preview
- with calendar: 640x480, 1024x768, 1280x800, 1400x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440
- without calendar: 640x480, 1024x768, 1280x800, 1400x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440
May's Wallpaper Collection
This month's desktop wallpapers draw inspiration from spring's energy — from the season's natural rhythms to the celebration days that fill the calendar. Designers from different corners of Europe and beyond contributed their visions for May.
PopArt Studio of Serbia opens the collection with Hello May, a piece that leans into the anticipation of warmer days and the festive spirit of the month's observances. The design plays on the idea that May's calendar is packed — International Workers' Day, Cinco de Mayo, Victory Day, and the more playful "May the Fourth" all offer reasons for celebration, alongside dedicated days for turtles, birds, wine, and macarons.
If you prefer the artwork without a date grid, all resolution options are available below the preview — from 320x480 up to 2560x1440 for widescreen setups.
From the Amazon to the Night Sky
Veronica Valenzuela Jimenez of Spain takes a journey into the jungle with Navigating The Amazon. The submission pairs the spring season with the density of the rainforest, giving May a more lush, organic contrast to the holiday-themed graphics elsewhere in the set.
This wallpaper is offered without a calendar in resolutions starting at 640x480 through 2560x1440.
Ricardo Gimenes from Sweden contributes Bat Traffic, a more playful take on nocturnal flight. The piece stands out for its composition and imagination, and it includes the widest range of display sizes in this collection — spanning from 640x480 all the way to 3840x2160 for 4K monitors.
Reflective and Flowered Designs
For those in a more contemplative mood, Igor Izhik of Canada shares Understand Yourself. The artwork pairs May sunsets with a moment of introspection, inviting the viewer to use the season's longer evenings for quiet reflection on where they are and where they're going.
In this resolution set, the no-calendar versions run from 1280x720 up to 2560x1440.
Closing out this selection, Nathalie Ouederni of France brings a burst of color with Poppies Paradise. The grassland bloom scene is a direct nod to the visual richness of May flora and is one of the simpler options here to download — with sizes from 320x480 through 2560x1440.
Every wallpaper in this collection is available in both wide and standard formats, so you can pick the one that fits your particular screen aspect ratio. The calendar options are useful for organizing the workday; the no-calendar variants serve purely as visual space — but if you do want the monthly grid, the preview links take you straight to the full listing of dates.
A Playful Month of Wallpapers
May’s wallpaper collection offers a playful mix of artwork for your desktop. Whether you want to add a pop of color to your daily life or simply enjoy a bit of whimsy, there are plenty of options to choose from. Each wallpaper is available in a wide range of resolutions to fit your screen perfectly.
The Mushroom Band
For a touch of musical charm, this design was inspired by a daughter's request. Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia created a band of mushrooms that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
The wallpaper is available in a wide variety of sizes. You can find a preview image, as well as versions without the calendar, ranging from 800x480 up to 5120x2880.
April Showers Bring Magnolia Flowers
This design captures the beauty of spring and the blooming of magnolia trees. Sarah Masucci from the United States created the piece, noting how the falling petals can look like snow when the wind blows. This selection is a perfect way to welcome the warmer season.
You can download a preview, and multiple resolutions are available without a calendar. Options for this wallpaper span from 320x480 to 2560x1440.
Arrr2-D2
Fans of playful mashups will appreciate this design from Ricardo Gimenes in Sweden. The wallpaper works a pirate twist into a familiar droid silhouette, presenting a fun mix of two different worlds.
Available without a calendar, this wallpaper offer includes a preview and a host of file sizes from 640x480 to 3840x2160.
Add Color To Your Life!
Brighten your workspace with this vibrant concept from Verónica Valenzuela from Spain. Created to celebrate the month of flowers, the design intends to add a bit more color to our daily lives. You can download the wallpaper in a preview or pick a size that best fits your display from a selection that goes up to 2560x1440.
These resolutions are available for this design without a calendar:
800x4801024x7681152x8641280x8001280x9601440x9001680x12001920x10802560x1440
A Painterly May Calendar Set
This month's wallpaper collection continues with designs that range from serene landscapes to playful seasonal tributes. Download each one in a variety of resolutions, all available without a calendar overlay if you prefer a clean desktop.
Lake Deck
Australian designer Mike Healy brings a large-scale, painterly vista to your screen, featuring mountains and a deck. It's a scenic, immersive scene for those looking to add some depth to their workspace.
Tentacles
Julie Lapointe from Canada offers an underwater, slightly surreal design with "Tentacles". The artwork is a creative departure from typical seasonal themes.
Today, Yesterday, or Tomorrow
Designer Alma Hoffmann from the United States contributes a conceptual piece with the title "Today, Yesterday, or Tomorrow," inviting a moment of reflection on time.
- preview
- without calendar: 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1440x900, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 2560x1440
The Monolith
Swedish designer Ricardo Gimenes adds a minimalist sci-fi or architectural feel with "The Monolith," available in a wide range of resolutions including 4K.
- preview
- without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160
Asparagus Say Hi!
Elaine Chen from Toronto captures the start of the local growing season. "In my part of the world, May marks the start of seasonal produce, starting with asparagus," she notes, celebrating the arrival of spring.
- preview
- without calendar: 320x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440
Wallpapers Without Calendars
For those who prefer a cleaner look, every wallpaper in this collection is also available without a calendar. Simply follow the links below to download the version that fits your screen.
Spring Gracefulness
“We don’t usually count the breaths we take, but observing nature in May, we can’t count our breaths being taken away.” — Designed by Ana Masnikosa from Belgrade, Serbia.
- preview
- without calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440
Blooming May
“In spring, especially in May, we all want bright colors and lightness, which was not there in winter.” — Designed by MasterBundles from Ukraine.
- preview
- without calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440
Enjoy May!
“Springtime, especially May, is my favorite time of the year. And I like popsicles — so it’s obvious isn’t it?” — Designed by Steffen Weiß from Germany.
- preview
- without calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440
Geo
Designed by Amanda Focht from the United States.
- preview
- without calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440
Pedal Power for the Month Ahead
May marks National Bike Month, and designer Karen Frolo from the United States offers a wallpaper that encourages swapping four wheels for two. The design celebrates bike-friendly communities and the simple idea that cycling to work, school, or the store can often be the quicker — and greener — option. It promotes both environmental benefits and the value of regular exercise.
A Quirky Visitor
For a more playful take on the month, illustrator Madeline Scott from the United States presents a wallpaper featuring a duck. This design offers a whimsical, character-driven alternative to the typical landscape or abstract May imagery.
Taking to the Skies
The team at Monk Software from Italy found creative inspiration in a workplace relocation to a windier locale. Their submission captures the concept of floating freely in the air, a response to their new surroundings that translates into a wallpaper depicting flight and movement.
A Splash of Vibrant Color
Finally, designers at MasterBundles from Ukraine offer a calendar filled with juicy, saturated hues meant to brighten the desktop. As the creators note, May should be as colorful as the calendar itself, making this a visually energetic choice for the month.
Toast, Wishes, and Spring Whimsy
Seasonal wallpapers can add a light touch to a desktop, and this May collection leans into playful, spring-inspired designs. The first is “Popping Into Spring,” a cheerful illustration by Stephanie Klemick from Emmaus, Pennsylvania, showing toast springing from a colorful toaster.
Klemick’s wallpaper is available in a version without a calendar, sized from 320x480 up to 2560x1440. A preview image is also provided for a quick look before downloading.
From Wishes to Woodland Creatures
Julia Versinina, based in Chicago, contributed “Make A Wish,” a design that brings a touch of fantasy to the screen. The wallpaper comes without a calendar and can be downloaded in sizes from 320x480 through 2560x1440 in JPG format.
Pedro Rolo from Portugal offers a different take with “The Green Bear,” a woodland-themed illustration. This design is available without a calendar in a more limited set of resolutions, starting at 1024x768 and going up to 2560x1440.
A Nod to Birds and Simple Joys
May 4th is known as “Bird Day,” one of the first holidays in the United States dedicated to celebrating birds. The team at Clarity Creative Group in Orlando, Florida, drew inspiration from this little-known observance for their “Birds Of May” wallpaper, which features a range of feathered friends. This design is offered in a broad selection of sizes, from 320x480 to 2560x1440, without a calendar.
Belgian designer Elise Vanoorbeek contributed “Beautiful Things,” a design that highlights life’s simple pleasures. It is available without a calendar in standard desktop resolutions ranging from 1280x720 to 2560x1440.
How to Get Them
Each wallpaper is offered as a free download. Be sure to check the provided preview links to see the full designs before committing to one for your desktop.
