Photos: The 27 most realistic Zoom virtual backgrounds for business meetings

By Teena Maddox · June 8, 2020, 10:00 AM PST · teena_maddox

Image 1 of 27

Mid-century living room

Sure, the comic book backgrounds are fun. But sometimes you need a low-key background for a video conference. Here are some of the best.
In this first image, West Elm has made several room images with interior designers using West Elm products available. The perspective and depth will make it look as if this is your own living room.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: West Elm
Library setting

This is one of the most realistic backgrounds for a Zoom meeting that we've found. The light streaming in from the window combined with the low-key yet appealing setting is just right.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: Chapman University
Modern city kitchen

Here's a West Elm kitchen.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: West Elm
NPR background

This bookcase background from NPR looks authentic with just the right amount of quirk.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: NPR
A-Frame outdoor space

An A-frame space that's ideal for a business meeting. Not that anyone will want to work.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: West Elm
Basic bricks

A solid-brick background is good when you don't want a distraction. Chapman University in Irvine, Calif. has provided a great selection of free Zoom backgrounds on their site.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: Chapman University
Library setting

Another library setting, this time from the Los Angeles Public Library system.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: LAPL
University plaza

Relax in the Chapman University plaza for your next meeting.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: Chapman University
Intricate background

Opt for a detailed, yet non-specific background such as this from the Los Angeles Public Library.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: LAPL
Go retro with this free Getty image

Make your co-workers think you've time traveled back to the 90's with this cool image that's one of many that Getty is giving away free.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: Getty Images
The Fab 5 Loft from Queer Eye

This loft was seen on Queer Eye and features West Elm pieces. And it can be your Zoom background.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: West Elm
Los Angeles Public Library

Hang out outside the Los Angeles Public Library on Flower Street. At least virtually.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: LAPL
Go modern

A clean, modern look is easy with this free image from Getty.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: John Sciulli
Bookworm

Your colleagues will think you're a verified bookworm with this background.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: LAPL
Be studious

An interesting library setting will definitely provide a nice background for your video calls. Faber Books provided free Zoom backgrounds of some of their favorite backgrounds from around the world.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: Faber Books
Football field

Some meetings need to be outdoors. For those, this empty football field image will suffice.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: Chapman University
University common area

Hang out in this university common area.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: Chapman University
Reading alcove

A cozy reading alcove makes for a solid meeting background.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: Chapman University
Library setting

Make your meeting attendees think you're back out in public with this setting.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: Chapman University
Reading alcove

Another reading alcove in a library.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: Chapman University
Library background

Yes, another option for a library background.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: LAPL
Twilight background

Opt for a twilight outdoor image.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: LAPL
Children's book section

If your business involves children's products, this image from the Westwood brand of the Los Angeles Public Library children's book section could work.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: LAPL
Leslie Knope's desk

Sure, it's Leslie Knope's desk from Parks and Rec. But the depth perspective is good and if you position your camera just so, you'll look like you're about to run the park system in Pawnee, Indiana.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: NBC
Industrial glam loft

If you've wanted to make your co-workers think you live in an industrial glam loft, this is your chance.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: West Elm/LANDON VONDERSCHMIDT
NYC waterfront views

This waterfront view will make it hard for your colleagues to keep their minds on work.
SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: West Elm/LANDON VONDERSCHMIDT
Light-filled apartment

This sunshine-filled apartment is another free Zoom background from West Elm.
Also see
The best virtual backgrounds to use on Zoom for your next business meeting (TechRepublic)
Zoom 101: A guidebook for beginners and business pros (TechRepublic Premium)
The 54 coolest virtual backgrounds to use in Zoom meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: West Elm

Mid-century living room

Sure, the comic book backgrounds are fun. But sometimes you need a low-key background for a video conference. Here are some of the best.

In this first image, West Elm has made several room images with interior designers using West Elm products available. The perspective and depth will make it look as if this is your own living room.

SEE: Tips on choosing a realistic Zoom virtual background for your business meetings (TechRepublic)

Image: West Elm

By Teena Maddox

Teena Maddox is Associate Managing Editor at TechRepublic. She oversees TechRepublic's news team and TechRepublic Premium. She focuses on tech and business and how the two worlds intersect. Teena's lifelong journalism career has included writing on s...

| Commenting FAQs | Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

LOG IN TO COMMENT

Add your Comment