How to Create a Beautiful Background for Home Video Calls?

It doesn't matter what you're going to do: host a webinar or have an online meeting with colleagues — the background behind you should be perfect. Designers from ST Buro shared how to achieve that.

Rina Savelyeva and Evgenia ShokoguiddesignersFounders of ST Buro studio

Let's break the process into two parts: prepare a neutral background in the frame and create the right mood.

Remove all unnecessary elements

Imagine you're waiting for guests — they don't need to see your personal belongings. It doesn't matter where your home office is located: in the bedroom, on the balcony, or in a storage room. Remove all unnecessary items from the frame and make the background as minimalist as possible.

life hack

Make sure your apartment is clean. If necessary, do a quick tidy-up — wipe the dust and neatly arrange books on the shelf behind you.

Create a beautiful composition

If you need to slightly move furniture to get a good frame — go ahead and do it. For interior shots, small items are often rearranged to get a more visually appealing view.

life hack

To make sure everything is in order, turn on the camera in advance and carefully review the background behind you. You can activate the camera for a check using video call services or online websites. Just search for "webcam test" in your browser.

Plan the lighting

Lighting in the frame plays a big role — it strongly influences our emotional perception. At the same time, the worse the face is seen, the less formal the setting becomes.

Base it on a specific situation: lecture halls are usually well-lit, while bars always have dim lighting. Try to position yourself near a window — there's more natural light there. But don't forget: it will get dark outside sooner or later, so plan artificial lighting in advance to avoid leaving the frame.

Lighting sources can be any: ceiling lights, desk lamps, or ring lights. Even candles!

life hack

With properly adjusted lighting, you can visually separate yourself from the background. This makes the image not flat (especially useful for those who only use ceiling lights).

1 — beginning of the video broadcast; 2 — one hour later; 3 — artificial light.

Don't forget about decor

Now that we've removed all unnecessary elements from the frame, you can consciously add a few items to set the mood. For example, a cup — everyone's lips get dry from constant speaking and throat irritation. Especially speakers who need to talk for a long time without breaks.

Classic conference item — a clear glass with water — is perceived differently than an ethnic bowl with green tea or a fun Mickey Mouse mug.

life hack

If you're recording an online stream or just want to stand out, place interesting items in the background — they highlight your individuality.

For example, decorative figurines or items in a particular color — in the future, they will associate with you. The key is not to overdo it!

Three more tips you'll find useful

If you're unsure whether your cat or dog will behave well, remove them from the frame in advance. If you want to liven up the scene, place a bouquet of flowers or a stylish poster behind you. Take care of a good background in advance and try to maintain order. Then, you won’t have to tidy up every time before streaming.

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