Community Wallpapers for May 2021

It's time for the monthly wallpaper roundup again. This collection is the result of our community challenge, which invites creatives to explore new techniques and personal themes. Each submission is available in multiple resolutions, with or without a May 2021 calendar, ready for desktops and mobile screens. We've gathered a mix of contemporary design and a few archival favorites for you to explore.

Click on any preview image for the full view. Each project is available in a wide range of screen sizes, both with and without the calendar.

  • Click on every image to see a larger preview.
  • Artists have been given full creative freedom; themes are not mandated by us.

Do you have an idea for a wallpaper? The challenge is open, and we welcome all creative talent to participate in upcoming editions.

From Nope To Hope

This concept centers on hope as a driving force, integrally tied to the narratives we build about our futures. It suggests that hope is a constant, universal aspect of human experience.

From Nope To Hope

Design by Hitesh Puri from Delhi, India.

Night Falls In Cairo

An evocative nighttime street scene, capturing the allure of Cairo's roads and pyramids after dark.

Night Falls In Cairo

Design by Veronica Valenzuela from Spain.

Working From Home

This piece captures how remote work over the past year has shaped our identities, blending personal home offices, outdoor areas, and the pets who share those spaces.

Working From Home

Design by Mad Fish Digital from Portland, OR.

Desk Guardians and Spring Textures

PopArt Studio from Serbia contributes a wallpaper that acknowledges the realities of International Workers' Day. Their design, “The Off-Hours Guardian,” is a nod to those who will spend May 1st on the job, to freelancers advocating for their rights, and to anyone finding it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The artwork serves as a reminder that while the holiday celebrates workers' achievements and the push for fair pay and better conditions, many still contend with overtime, stress, and tight deadlines.

The Off-Hours Guardian

Ricardo Gimenes from Sweden offers a distinctly springtime visual with “That's Cracking.” This design plays with the textures and patterns of the season in a way that is both visually engaging and thematically appropriate for May.

That’s Cracking

Food-Inspired Wallpapers

This month's collection continues with playful food-themed designs that bring a lighthearted touch to your desktop. Ricardo Gimenes, a designer from Sweden, contributes two illustrations celebrating different culinary traditions.

Love Japanese Food

Love Japanese Food

This design captures the charm of Japanese cuisine with a colorful, pattern-driven illustration. The piece works as a cheerful accent for any workspace, and Gimenes has made both calendar and calendar-free versions available.

American French Fries

American French Fries

Gimenes' second contribution takes a playful look at a fast-food classic. The bold, graphic style pairs well with the theme of the rest of the collection, and download options are available both with and without the May calendar.

From the Archives: May Favorites

Over the years, designers have sent in May wallpapers in styles ranging from bold to delicate, minimalist to playful. The selections below are some of the strongest from previous years. Note that these archived designs do not include a calendar.

Blooms and Greenery

Several designers found inspiration in the season’s flora. Philippe Brouard celebrates the lily of the valley, a plant traditionally associated with May in France. Ana Masnikosa focuses on the overwhelming beauty of nature, while Hristina Hristova’s wallpaper is a general tribute to spring. Sarah Masucci draws on magnolia trees, whose wind-blown petals resemble falling snow. Rachel Hines contributed a design titled “Stone Dahlias,” and a piece from PopArt Studio, “Leaves of Grass,” nods to the birth month of poet Walt Whitman, quoting a line from his poetry collection.

Sweet lily-of-the-valley
Abstract illustration of a swan.
Spring Is In The Air
Drawing of Magnolia petals dancing in the air.
Leaves Of Grass
Stone Dahlias

Seasonal Concepts

Some designs reference specific May events and traditions. Antun Hirsman plays on the double meaning of “may” with a Star Wars-themed Yoda illustration. Clarity Creative Group highlights Bird Day, celebrated on May 4th. Karen Frolo’s design encourages cycling during National Bike Month, while Kay Karremans contributed a piece for Mental Health Awareness Day. Hong, Zi-Cing’s wallpaper is based on Lixia, the 7th solar term in traditional East Asian calendars that marks the beginning of summer around May 5 to May 21. Elaine Chen’s design features asparagus, a sign of seasonal produce and spring’s arrival in her part of the world. Steffen Weiß combined his love of springtime with popsicles in his piece.

May The Force Be With You
Illustration of four flying birds.
Cartoon illustration of a brain.
Asparagus Say Hi!
Celestial Longitude Of 45°
The wallpaper reads ‘Enjoy May’. The word May is made up of popsicles.
Be On Your Bike!

Reflections and Personal Takes

Other designs capture a more personal or contemplative mood. Alma Hoffmann’s lettering piece explores how the pandemic has blurred the perception of time, making days feel indistinguishable. Alexandra Covaleski chose to depict an octopus as a way to confront her fear of the ocean. Jeffrey Berg’s wallpaper reflects on the hope that spring’s return offers in an otherwise strange world. Julia Versinina’s “Make a Wish” and Wannes De Roy’s “Old vs. New” round out the selection.

Today, Yesterday, Or Tomorrow
Cool As An Octopus
Hope Shakes The Branches
Make A Wish
Old vs. New

Geometric Designs

Nathalie Ouederni’s “Poppies Paradise” and Siemon Donvil’s “Mondriaan” offer a more abstract take on the theme.

Poppies Paradise
Mondriaan

All designs are available in a range of resolutions without a calendar. Preview images and download links are provided for each. For further reading, you might also enjoy collections of Easter wallpapers, dual-screen desktop wallpapers, and iPhone wallpapers.

Smashing Editorial