diff --git a/MMM-BackgroundSlideshow.js b/MMM-BackgroundSlideshow.js
index 49b336fe..ccbe39d0 100755
--- a/MMM-BackgroundSlideshow.js
+++ b/MMM-BackgroundSlideshow.js
@@ -47,7 +47,9 @@ Module.register('MMM-BackgroundSlideshow', {
       'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75) 100%'
     ],
     // the direction the gradient goes, vertical or horizontal
-    gradientDirection: 'vertical'
+    gradientDirection: 'vertical',
+    // Background behind background image
+    backgroundColor: 'black'
   },
   // load function
   start: function() {
@@ -163,6 +165,7 @@ Module.register('MMM-BackgroundSlideshow', {
     var div = document.createElement('div');
     div.id = name + this.identifier;
     div.style.backgroundSize = this.config.backgroundSize;
+    div.style.backgroundColor = this.config.backgroundColor;
     div.style.transition =
       'opacity ' + this.config.transitionSpeed + ' ease-in-out';
     div.className = 'backgroundSlideShow';
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index eed6ad39..69f856f3 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -213,5 +213,13 @@ The following properties can be configured:
 				<br>This value is <b>OPTIONAL</b>
 			</td>
 		</tr>
+    <tr>
+			<td><code>backgroundColor</code></td>
+			<td>Background behind background image<br>
+				<br><b>Example:</b> <code>'lightblue'</code>
+				<br><b>Default value:</b> <code>'black'</code>
+				<br>This value is <b>OPTIONAL</b>
+			</td>
+		</tr>
     </tbody>
 </table>