You can quickly toggle among different background colors in the view panel by pressing Alt+B. 
	 
You can also set the preferences to change the default background. 
	 
To customize the background color
- 
		  
Select 
		  Windows > Settings/Preferences > Color Settings. 
		
- In the 
		  Colors window that appears, select the 
		  General tab and expand the 
		  3D Views section. 
		
- Do one of the following: 
		  - To change the default background color, click the 
				Background color swatch or adjust the slider. 
			 
- To change the gradient background colors, click the 
				Gradient Top and 
				Gradient Bottom color swatches or adjust the sliders. 
			 
 
To turn the gradient background on or off
- Select 
		  Window > Settings/Preferences > Preferences. 
		
- In the 
		  Preferences window that appears, select the 
		  Display category. 
		
- In the 
		  View section, select 
		  on or 
		  off for 
		  Background Gradient.