By: Shelagh Bolger
If your year was anything like mine, it saw one video call after another. Many of us were not prepared to turn our homes into a full-time office – and curating a backdrop for our video calls was the least of our worries! But as days turned into weeks turned into months, we’ve all realized that video calls are here to stay, so we must thoughtfully consider our virtual presentation to clients, colleagues, and friends. Use the tips below to curate a professional, tidy, and aesthetically pleasing backdrop for your next zoom meeting.
1. Select a Neutral, Clean Background
One of the most important elements to consider when preparing for a video call is selecting the wall that will be your backdrop. Opt for a wall with a solid colored background. Avoid stripes or patterns as these become distorted on camera, which will ultimately distract your viewers from focusing on you and your content.
If you select a space that has shelves or bookcases, be sure to tidy them up. Remove any excess clutter and take some time to assess how the pieces on the bookshelf look as individual pieces, as well as a cohesive unit. Consider removing a few items from shelves or bookcases to allow for some empty space on camera. You can always refill the space after your video call.
Take note of how the subject (in this case, you!) is framed by props and decor. You want to avoid styling mistakes such as a plant looking like it is coming out of the speaker’s head, or large text (in artwork, a poster) being partially cut-off from the shot which could potentially distract viewers as they ponder what the full text would read if completed. By framing the subject in a tasteful way, you are drawing focus and attention where it should be – on the presenter.
Make sure your desk is clear of any trash, dishes, mail, etc…You want to present a professional and clean look to your colleagues and clients.
2. Add Texture
Texture is a first principle of design. It adds dimension and warmth to a space. To make your video background feel real and inviting, add texture through the use of wood, rattan, wool, or metal. Below are some ways to add these materials to your backdrop:
- Install a beautiful piece of driftwood on your wall to add a coastal feel to the space.
- Opt for a unique desk that brings in gorgeous texture with this rattan piece.
- Throw a beautiful wool blanket on your chair- it will add both comfort and depth to your look!
- Invest in a cool, industrial-style bookshelf to display your favorite photos, awards, and keepsakes.
3. Bring the Outdoors In
It’s been a difficult year for many, having to connect with family, friends, and colleagues virtually rather than in-person. Make your background feel real and inviting through the use of plants, florals, and faux trees. Adding a bit of nature to your screen will make your viewers feel that what they are seeing is a little more real.
Opt for potted plants on your desk, hanging plants installed from the ceiling, or air plants hung on the wall. Real or faux potted indoor trees make a statement with their height. Bonus- plants will purify the air in your space.
Set a bouquet of flowers on your desk or table. This is a beautiful way to add color and dimension to your video set. Many grocery stores sell reasonably priced options that are already styled as a centerpiece – so no need to be a floral master yourself!
4. Color is Key
Many studies have been conducted which suggest that color can have a great impact on human emotion- affecting us both positively and negatively. For instance, red ignites passion, blue is a calming hue, and green and white promote feelings of health and well-being. Given this, one should pay particular attention to the colors used in their video set: What are you trying to project to your viewers about yourself? And how do you want your viewers to feel? A few color/mood associations are listed below:
- Blue: Calming, purity, universally appealing color
- Purple: Regal symbolism, strength, power
- Red: Passion, appetite, battle, love, extreme emotions
- Green: Nature, rejuvenation, hope, envy
- Yellow: Sunlight, brilliance, treachery
- White: Cleanliness
- Black: Strength, authority, sorrow
Carefully consider your color scheme, taking into account how color affects human emotion. Perhaps you want the overall feeling to be clean (white walls) whilst also projecting strength (black accent pieces). Keep in mind that while you want to incite positive feelings, it’s also good to show your personality. Use your favorite colors in the space – even if it’s just a pop of a favorite hue in the flowers on your desk or a framed poster on the wall.
Styling a clean, professional, and thoughtful space for your video calls takes creativity and intention but will make such a difference in your online interactions. Hopefully, 2021 brings more in-person moments for us all, but in the meantime, impress your colleagues and friends with your thoughtfully styled backdrop – one that highlights order and beauty, and never detracts from the main event- you!
About the Author:
Shelagh Bolger is a full-time event planner and freelance stylist based in Washington, D.C. who works on events of all types and sizes from intimate dinners for eight to large galas featuring the President of the United States. On the weekend you can find her feng-shuing her bedroom or picking up coffee and fresh-cut blooms at Eastern Market.
To follow her adventures as an event planner and stylist, check out her Instagram
*Computer Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash