Creating The Perfect Backdrop For Any Video Call

Creating the perfect backdrop for any video call

Working from home seems to be coming the new norm, with the coronavirus outbreak seeing more and more companies adopting remote work as a way of keeping their businesses trading while ensuring the safety of their customers and employees.

This has meant that previously unseen home office set-ups have now become exposed to the world, as daily meetings take place on video calls. Whether you are presenting to a client on Microsoft Teams or attending a catch-up meeting on Zoom, the last thing you need to be worrying about is what is behind you. You also don’t want it distracting your colleagues or clients either. 

Dressing to impress isn’t just about what you wear, but about how you dress your home as well. Making sure you aren’t wearing your pyjamas is important yes, but don’t forget that colleagues will also be able to see your home as well as you. But don’t worry, that’s where we come in.

There is no need to stress out, the team at Frames.co.uk, who offer cheap large picture frames UK, have come up with some tips to help you to take charge of your video calls, with our simple (and affordable) video backdrop tips. So, when that meeting notification pings, you can just take a deep breath and relax, knowing that your interiors look great:

Tip One: Choose a neutral background

The most important thing to remember is to keep it simple. While you may think that the best thing to do is to add as much personality as possible, it often isn’t the best way to showcase your style.  Sitting in front of a neutral background is far less distracting during calls, and it can also make your space seem much more professional. Choosing a neutral background also means the focus is on you, and so the pieces you put behind you should reflect exactly who you are – a calm and subtle professional.

Tip Two: Project your style, not your screen

One of the most important things to consider is to not have any reflective surfaces behind you when you are video chatting. Don’t plonk yourself in front of a mirror, a window or another reflective surface, or the only think you colleagues will see is a projection of your screen back into the camera – or even worse, a glare.

Cabinets with glass doors are also a no no, but can be hard to move! The easiest way around this is to just open the doors and show off what’s inside – as long as it isn’t a mess! Think of it as a great excuse to declutter and reorganise, to show off some of your favourite pieces.

Tip Three: Get the lighting right

The quality of natural light you experience can vary dramatically during the working day – even from hour to hour. If you find that natural light helps you to focus more, then position yourself in a space which faces a window if you can. This will not only help your concentration and productivity, but can also help your space to look less dark and dingy on camera.

If you are working late, your space is going to get darker and darker, so you will need to turn on some lights – and make sure they are strategically placed. Office lighting needs to be direct and focused to enhance concentration, so the lights that are closest to you should contain bright, white bulbs.  However, you may wish to switch other bulbs in the room to warm white ones to give you a more relaxed vibe when you have finished working – and a great background for video chatting to friends in.

Adjustable lamps are a good idea for any workspace, as you can then angle the light exactly where you need it, while floor lamps and wall lights can free up space for other equipment, and also emit a softer, more calming light.

Tip Four: Add some artwork

One of the quickest ways to add some personality to your space is with a framed piece of artwork. Not only does it add personality to your home, but it can also mean that your video call background becomes as sophisticated as you are. Just make sure you choose artwork that inspires you and which works together, and don’t go overboard. You don’t want everyone to spend the entire video call gawping at your pictures instead of concentrating on what you are saying.

Some of the most popular pieces of art we have seen hung in home offices include bright graphic prints, numbers and typography. But really it is all about you choosing what inspires you and then you can buy photo frames uk from us to complete your collection. 

Tip Five: Show off your favourite plants and nik naks

Now, the last thing you need to do is finish off your backdrop with your collection of indoor plants, your favourite most-thumber books or the gorgeous nik naks you have collected on your travels. If you have the space for a sideboard or bookshelf behind you, then arrange your favourite possessions on it in a way that shows off the real you. 

If you are short of space, you could add a floating wall shelf, and place a few prints and vases on it to add interest. Pick the pieces that you think show off your personality and add some colour and style to your video backdrop.

Tip Six: Check your seating and Computer height 

If you take a look at a lot of the influencers on social media, you will see that a lot of them take selfies with the camera pointed down at their faces. It may look weird when you are doing it, but there is a really good reason why they do this. Pro tip: it eliminates any suggestion of a double chin!

When you are setting up your space for your next zoom call, therefore, you need to think about your computer and seating height. Make sure your camera is at eye level and positioned far enough away that it captures you at your best angle! Raising your device slightly, can also give your colleagues a more personal view of you, letting them see you in a more natural setting. 

So, as you can see, what’s behind you when you’re on a video call is just as important as what you are wearing. So, if you are looking for custom made frames near me, then just browse the frames.co.uk website – we have lots of 5 star picture frames available in a variety of different sizes.