I like a little brighter background too. This is why I use a
Mighty Bright TravelFlex clip-on 90% of the time (just not when under good sunlight or bight office).
(The MiniFlex or XtraFlex2 are best when I didn't have a cover to attach the miniflex. Mini is lighter in weight than the xtraflex, but uses the coin batteries.)
I wouldn't want a totally white background, but a well-designed light gives it a boost and better contrast.