background-image url( background.png )

/* The first method using an image on your server */
background: url('img/someimage.jpg');

/* The second method using an image hosted on another server */
background: url('http://www.someimage.com/someimage.jpg');

/* A third method that allows the site to determine protocol instead of explicitly defining it */
background: url('//www.someimage.com/someimage.jpg');

body {
  /* Base64 encoded transparent gif */
  background: url(data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7);
}