The Best Zoom Backgrounds for Designers, Creatives, and Freelancers

If you’re a creative professional, your Zoom background will likely be seen as an extension of you: it signals how you work. Too bland and your creativity disappears, too casual and you risk looking amateur. 

The sweet spot is a background that shows taste and professionalism. One that feels creative, but still reassures clients that you’re reliable and worth hiring.

The four Zoom background styles we've selected below strike exactly that balance.

The Modern Home Office

A well-designed home office with clean lines, thoughtful decor, and soft lighting gives you immediate credibility and doesn't strip away your individuality.

 

Why it works
It shows you take your work seriously and have a dedicated space for it. For creatives, this reads as stability and professionalism.

What it says about you

• You’re organized and dependable
• You care about your environment and your craft
• You have structure
  

This is a strong default background for a large variety of meetings.

 

2. The Styled Living Room

A curated living room background: modern, intentional, and uncluttered, feels warm and human while still polished.

Why it works
A styled living room background adds personality without chaos. When styled well, it communicates taste and confidence – all things that clients subconsciously associate with good design.

What it says about you

• You have a point of view
• You’re approachable and easy to work with (living rooms can feel more warm and welcoming than offices)
• You can show your aesthetics beyond your deliverables
  

 

3. A Coworking Space

A modern co-working background can suggest collaboration and creative energy, which are valued in creatives, consultants and freelancers.

 

Why it works
It signals that you’re actively working, that you're connected, and that you're a part of a broader professional ecosystem, even if you’re working solo.

What it says about you

• You’re dynamic and forward-moving
• You collaborate well
• You’re plugged into modern ways of working
  

This background works especially well if you want to look energetic and in-demand.

 

4. Background Wall with Color

A simple wall with a muted color (not the usual in-demand white wall) creates a clean canvas that still shows some personality.

 

Why it works
Color adds warmth and intention to your remote calls. It keeps the focus on you while subtly reinforcing your design sensibility and your creative nature.

What it says about you

• You’re confident in your aesthetic choices
• You value simplicity with purpose
  

This is one of the most versatile options when you want polish with a bit of personality.

 

So, What Should Creatives Avoid When It Comes To Backgrounds?

Your background should support your creative credibility and competence, so skip:

• Messy or overly “lived-in” spaces
• Novelty visuals
• Busy patterns or harsh colors that are not universally classic
• Anything that pulls attention away from your face

The above options: a thoughtful home office, a styled living room, a modern coworking space, or a simple colored wall will give you room to express your personality while still showing up as a professional.