I think the chinese newspaper gives an nice background (BTW...the paper does look funky in the pic...I had spilt the water bowl when I was opening the humid hide). I pick up these papers from walmart (you know how they always have racks with free classified and such). They are free and always there. I dont get a newspaper delivered to my apt. and these are free so I figure why not. I think I have a supply big enough to last at least 5 or 6 months already.