How To Create The Perfect Zoom Background To Impress Friends, Family And Colleagues

'Oh, that sculpture? It's just something I had lying around.'

Updated on24 05 2020

Sure, the novelty’s worn off slightly but we’re still obsessed with checking out our friends’ and colleagues’ houses on Zoom. That tiny screen, after all, is a big window into their lockdown lives. Who's got a new cactus? Whose bookshelf is looking particularly colour-coordinated? And whose curtains could do with a revamp? Speaking as someone whose curtains leave a lot to be desired, how exactly do you curate a Zoom background that will inspire envy instead of pity?

First of all, don’t panic if you haven’t had time to declutter. Caroline Issa, fashion director at Tank, says anything is better than a blank wall. ‘There is something more humane about having a personal touch, whether it’s artwork, a bookshelf, a pot of flowers or even a lamp, something that shows the inner life of your new set up. I would prefer to see clutter and let my imagination roar than be confronted with a blank canvas and no personality.’

Tidying up a bookshelf, preferably one that’s already filled with colourful spines, is a great plan of attack - and you’ll find that dotting candles, reed diffusers, vases, picture frames or knick knacks along the shelves counts as Zoom candy.

Although Daisy Hoppen, founder of DH-PR, hasn’t quite mastered the lighting - ‘I always seem to look like a witch hiding the shadows!’ - she’s a fan of showing off her bric-a-brac. ‘Behind me is a photograph by Daidō Moriyama, and a small table with random objects and flowers if I’ve treated myself to some that week.’ Galleries might be closed for the foreseeable, but you can still order prints of favourite works from the Tate’s gift shop. Or, if you're in a crafty mood, you could follow artist Astrid Wilson's guide to making your own.

Hoppen's point about lighting seems to be a common problem. Fashion stylist Martha Ward has the answer: ‘Natural daylight.’ Kitri’s founder, Haeni Kim, agrees. ‘I like to be near the window to get as much natural light as possible throughout the day. I work better if my desk is clear so all you can see on screen is a large plant or some fresh flowers.’ If you’re sick of supermarket flowers, why not treat yourself to a hand-tied bunch from an online delivery service? Or buy an indoor hanging basket if you’re feeling particularly creative? (Psst, Flowerbx does plants in pots if you’re looking for something long-lasting.)

Since temperatures have spiked, what about the outdoors Zoom background? It’s a thumbs-down from influencer Veronika Heilbrunner. ‘Never never outside,’ she says. ‘Too distracting and the lightning doesn’t work.’

Can’t find a corner that cuts the mustard? ‘Less is more. Keep it simple,’ says Martha. ‘I like a bit of window with natural daylight. That’s it. A wall or shelf littered with pictures and books prevents anyone from listening to a word I’m saying.’ There you have it. If your house has walls, you’re ready to Zoom.