5 Low-cost Ideas to Improve Your Video Call Backdrop

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that the walls of our homes have a lot to say

Your wall–and no, we’re not talking about Facebook or Instagram, but the physical one behind you–sends a message. As a result of lockdown, last year, many of us had to quickly transform corners of our homes into impromptu office spaces. In 2021, these spaces can tell our colleagues, clients, and collaborators a lot about who we are.

Among the interior design trends to look out for in 2021, your walls, now visible to others, have become a tool for connecting with the world. Therefore, it’s time to start thinking more carefully about how we present them (if you weren’t already!).

Below, interior designer Sofi Saraví O'Keefe (@decolookbook) shares her top tips.

1. Be careful about what can and can’t be seen

“By now, many of us have realized that having the ironing board, an unmade bed, or a bottle of laundry detergent visible during a video call doesn’t make a great impression. However, sitting in front of a plain, empty white wall is not the solution either. While the latter was acceptable during the first week of lockdown, that is no longer the case–it can suggest that the rest of that person's house is a mess. It also transmits that you couldn’t be bothered to make a little effort. After all this time, could you not have come up with something more interesting? If you're creative, this is your moment to shine.”

2. Work out the best lighting setup

"If you don't know where to start, start here. Make sure you have light shining on your face and let the wall behind you take a back seat. It’s important that the person you’re speaking to can see your face clearly–this should be one of the first rules of good communication. It transmits transparency and availability and, of course, allows them to see your gestures clearly, making communication much easier. Experiment with floor lamps and other smaller lamps that create light and shadow but always make sure the focus is on you.”

3. Decoration that has character

“Everything that makes your backdrop more aesthetically versatile gets a thumbs up. Two items, in particular, are great for creating a backdrop with character: shelves and memo boards. You can put framed prints on the shelves and switch them around regularly. Memo boards and grids are great for hanging inspirational images and things you want to show your caller. Opt for big, colorful images!”

4. Don't be afraid to reveal something personal

"Barriers have mutated in a very subtle way over the past months. Now that we’ve had to open our living rooms up to colleagues, hiding intimate details has become harder but also less necessary. If you have a unique collection of toys, or love having fresh flowers at home, have them on display during your call. Go beyond showing off your favorite books and place posters, albums, and objects that you like–even if they are strange–in view to give your backdrop personality. They're likely to make it easier to connect with your caller and lock their attention.”

5. Use symbols

Symbols send subtle messages. What about displaying custom-designed objects? You could get a neon sign or a typographic design made out of wood. You could search for something linked to your work, for example, if you are a writer, you could create a display with punctuation marks.

White is safe but boring. Paint your wall a color that best represents you: warm colors are suitable for communication tasks and vibrant colors for creative professions. If your work involves programming, editing, or activities that have more structure, dark greens, blues, and light blues work well. Patterns can communicate feelings of sensitivity and formality.

Discover more decoration ideas by signing up for Sofi Saraví O’Keefe’s Domestika course, Decorating Your Home on a Budget: Basic Concepts.

English version by @eloise_edgington.

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