Whether you’re jumping on a work call, catching up with friends, or hosting a virtual trivia night, your Zoom background is front and center. But let's be honest, staring at a blank wall or a messy bookshelf in your video background doesn’t exactly scream “put-together and creative.” The good news? It’s super easy to upgrade your Zoom background with a few fun and simple ideas that will have everyone asking, “How do you make your space look so good?”

Without further ado, here are the easiest ways to jazz up your space, one video call at a time.

Declutter Your Background

Before you even think about throwing up wall art or hanging fairy lights, let's tackle the clutter. A clean and organized background creates an instant sense of calm and professionalism.

  • Start by clearing the space: This goes for anything distracting or overly personal (think piles of laundry or coffee mugs).
  • Create “zones” of interest: Instead of leaving your background entirely empty, neatly arrange a few items like books, plants, or framed art to add personality without overwhelming the screen.
  • Tip: Take a quick glance on your video preview before jumping on a call. Sometimes things that look fine in real life can feel chaotic on camera.

A tidy backdrop immediately makes you look more organized and polished, no matter what’s happening on your desk out of frame.

Use Plants to Instantly Brighten Things Up

You can never go wrong with plants. They add life, color, and texture to your background, making your Zoom space feel fresh and inviting.

  • Go for medium-sized plants: Snake plants, peace lilies, or monstera plants work well because their leaves are visually interesting but not too distracting.
  • Opt for faux plants if needed: If you lack a green thumb, realistic faux options can still give you that touch of greenery without the pressure of upkeep.
  • Play with placement: Try placing a plant on a nearby shelf or even letting cascading vines drape down a window ledge.

Trust us, a little greenery goes a long way in making your Zoom space pop.

Add Some Eye-Catching Wall Art

Blank walls can feel flat and uninspiring, but hanging art is an easy fix to bring life to your background.

  • Choose pieces with personality: Whether it’s a bold abstract print, framed photography, or a quirky tapestry, pick something that reflects your style.
  • Stick with a cohesive palette: Too many colors can feel chaotic. Keep your artwork within a similar color scheme to create visual harmony.
  • Temporary options work, too: If you don’t want to commit to nails or hooks, try peel-and-stick wall decals or washi tape frames.

Position the art at eye level so it’s well-framed in your video shot. You want it visible, but not competing with your face for attention.

Create Depth with Shelving

Floating shelves are not only functional but also look amazing in a video background. They add depth and give you a built-in spot for decor.

  • Curate your shelf styling: Place a mix of books, small potted plants, candles, or framed photos to make it feel personal yet polished.
  • Follow the “3s rule” for styling: Group things in threes for a visually balanced display. Try different heights and textures for interest.
  • Color-coordinate books: Arrange them by color for a subtle ombre effect or stick with neutral tones for a minimalist vibe.

Your shelves will say, “I’m cool, calm, and collected,” even if your inbox is full of unread emails.

Play with Lighting

Nobody wants to look like they’re Zooming from a dim cave or under the fluorescent glare of an office light. Lighting is everything when it comes to crafting a great video call look.

  • Natural light wins: Position your desk near a window for soft, even lighting during the day. It’s the most flattering and refreshing option!
  • Ring lights to the rescue: If your space doesn’t get great natural light, invest in an affordable ring light. These are perfect for giving you that warm, professional glow.
  • Use warm-toned lamps: A soft table lamp in your background adds ambiance and ensures your space doesn’t feel too cold or clinical.

Lighting isn’t just about how you look; it also sets the mood for your entire Zoom space.

Add Pops of Personality

Zoom gives you the perfect chance to show off your personality, so don’t hesitate to put your own stamp on your background.

  • Display meaningful items: A favorite framed quote, a travel souvenir, or a quirky sculpture can all add charm.
  • Add soft textiles: A cozy throw blanket draped over a chair or a small area rug can soften your space without stealing the show.
  • Seasonal updates: Rotate pieces like wreaths, garlands, or mini decorations to keep things feeling fresh.

Having a little fun with your decor not only makes your background unique but keeps you feeling inspired when you’re working from the same spot every day.

Explore Digital Backgrounds (If All Else Fails)

Not everyone has complete control over their video space. If upgrading your physical background isn’t an option (hello, tiny apartments), digital backgrounds can be a lifesaver.

  • Choose high-quality options: Avoid overly busy or pixelated images. Keep it simple yet stylish, like a sleek home office or a vacation beach scene.
  • Match your vibe: A professional call may require a clean office aesthetic, while a casual hangout lets you get more creative.
  • Test it out beforehand: Sometimes even the coolest virtual background can glitch or cut off parts of your head. Always do a quick preview before going live.

Digital doesn’t have to mean boring, but it should still feel thoughtful.

Make It Work for You

At the end of the day, your Zoom background is part of your expression, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Play around, mix things up, and don’t hesitate to lean into what makes you happy.