21 Simple Home Office for Zoom Calls
Remember that Pinterest board with perfectly styled office corners you’ve been adding to for months? Your current Zoom setup—laptop on the kitchen table, laundry pile just out of frame—isn’t exactly giving those vibes.
Creating a background that actually makes you feel put-together (like your favorite blazer does) takes just 3 hours and basic Amazon finds. You’ll finally stop apologizing for your space before meetings start.
These 21 simple setups prove even your weird hallway nook can look intentional.
Minimalist Corner Desk Setup: Clean Lines and Clutter-Free Surfaces for Professional Video Calls
That Pinterest-perfect corner where your background screams “she has her life together” while you’re secretly in pajama bottoms. It’s giving CEO-from-home energy with just enough personality to avoid looking like a hotel business center. The kind of setup that makes coworkers ask where you got everything.
Shop The Look:
- White floating corner desk (L-shaped, 48″ each side)
- Wireless keyboard and mouse in matte white
- Monitor arm mount for clean desk surface
- White mesh task chair with lumbar support
- Minimalist floor lamp with brass accents
- Clear acrylic desk organizer set
- White ceramic planter with trailing pothos
- Neutral woven storage basket for cables
DIY Paint Transformation
- Accent wall behind desk: Benjamin Moore “Cloud Cover OC-25” creates the perfect soft gray backdrop that doesn’t wash you out on camera but adds depth without being distracting
- Remaining walls: Sherwin Williams “Natural Linen SW 9109” for warmth that complements ring lights and prevents that cold, clinical look that minimalist spaces sometimes get
Budget Range: $800-$1,500 | Timeline: 1 weekend | Best For: Small bedrooms or living room corners
Natural Light Window Workspace: Positioning Your Desk for Optimal Face Lighting
Natural lighting is basically the Instagram filter you don’t need to apply—it’s that friend who always looks flawless in every Zoom call while you’re struggling with ring lights. Position your desk perpendicular to windows rather than facing them (no backlit silhouette situations), creating that soft, even glow across your face that makes everyone ask about your skincare routine.
Shop The Look:
- Adjustable height standing desk (white or light wood finish)
- Sheer white curtains for diffused lighting
- Monitor arm mount for flexible screen positioning
- Task lighting with warm LED bulbs
- Ergonomic office chair in neutral tones
- Bamboo desk organizer set
- Small potted plants (pothos or snake plant)
- Linen storage boxes in cream or beige
DIY Paint Transformation
- Window wall accent: Paint the wall with your window in “Healing Aloe” (Benjamin Moore 1562) to reflect green-tinted light that’s flattering on camera while keeping other walls in “Cloud White” (OC-130) for maximum brightness
- Background wall makeover: Create depth with “Edgecomb Gray” (Benjamin Moore HC-173) behind your desk—neutral enough for video calls but adds dimension unlike flat white walls
Budget Range: $800-$2,500 | Timeline: 1 weekend | Best For: Spare bedrooms or living room corners
Floating Shelf Background: Creating Visual Interest With Styled Wall Storage
That curated bookshelf aesthetic you see in every lifestyle influencer’s background? It’s basically the grown-up version of color-coordinating your closet—satisfying and surprisingly doable. Floating shelves transform blank walls into personality statements while keeping your desk clutter-free.
Shop The Look:
- White oak floating shelves (3-4 staggered lengths)
- Brass or black metal shelf brackets
- Neutral ceramic planters in varying heights
- Hardcover books in coordinating colors
- Woven storage baskets (natural rattan)
- Small brass picture frames (mix of 4×6 and 5×7)
- Minimalist desk lamp with adjustable arm
- Textured throw pillow for desk chair
DIY Paint Transformation
- Accent wall magic: Paint the wall behind shelves in “October Mist 1495” (Benjamin Moore) for that perfect greige that makes everything pop without screaming for attention
- Depth illusion: Try “Hale Navy HC-154” (Benjamin Moore) for drama or “Agreeable Gray SW 7029” (Sherwin Williams) to make white shelves float off the wall
Budget Range: $800-$1,500 | Timeline: 1 weekend | Best For: Small home offices or bedroom corners
Plant-Filled Green Wall: Adding Life and Color Behind Your Video Frame
That living wall behind your desk is basically the office equivalent of wearing a killer blazer to a casual Friday—instantly elevates everything. It’s giving “I have my life together” energy while naturally filtering your air and creating the perfect Zoom backdrop that’ll have coworkers asking for your secrets.
Shop The Look:
- Modular wall planter system with automatic irrigation
- Preserved moss panels for low-maintenance coverage
- Track lighting system with grow bulbs
- White floating desk with cable management
- Ergonomic mesh chair in sage green
- Natural jute area rug (5’x7′)
- Bamboo desktop organizer set
- Ceramic planter trio for desk succulents
DIY Paint Transformation
- Accent wall base: Paint the plant wall in “October Mist 1495” (Benjamin Moore) as the perfect sage backdrop that makes greenery pop without competing.
- Surrounding walls: Go with “White Dove OC-17” (Benjamin Moore) on remaining walls to bounce light around and keep the focus on your living wall statement.
Budget Range: $3,500-$6,000 | Timeline: 1-2 weeks | Best For: Spare bedrooms or corner nooks
Bookshelf Backdrop Design: Arranging Books and Decor for an Intellectual Look
Your bookshelf backdrop is basically your personal brand on every call—like curating your Instagram feed but for professional life. The right mix of books and objects creates that “I read The New Yorker but also binge Netflix” vibe that makes colleagues think you’ve got your life together. It’s the difference between looking like you’re calling from a storage unit versus a thoughtfully designed space that screams competent adult.
Shop The Look:
- Billy or Hemnes bookcase from IKEA (white or natural wood)
- Adjustable LED strip lights for shelf backlighting
- Mix of hardcover books in neutral spine colors
- Floating wall shelves for layered depth
- Task lighting or architect lamp for side glow
- Woven storage baskets for bottom shelves
- Small potted plants or succulents (3-5 varying heights)
- Geometric bookends or sculptural objects
DIY Paint Transformation
- Bookcase refresh: Transform basic shelving with “Hale Navy” (Benjamin Moore HC-154) for a moody library feel, or “Accessible Beige” (Sherwin Williams SW-7036) for warmth without looking yellow on camera
- Wall behind shelves: Create depth with “Stonington Gray” (Benjamin Moore HC-170) which reads as sophisticated neutral on video calls and won’t clash with your rotating book collection
Budget Range: $300-$800 | Timeline: 1 weekend | Best For: Spare bedrooms or living room corners
Neutral Color Palette Room: Using Beige and Gray Tones for Universal Appeal
Shop The Look:
- Light gray built-in shelving unit with cable management
- Beige linen roller shades or cellular blinds
- Warm gray wool-blend area rug (8’x10′)
- Natural wood floating desk with gray metal legs
- Soft white track lighting with adjustable heads
- Cream colored woven storage baskets (set of 3)
- Gray fabric desk chair with ergonomic support
- Neutral abstract canvas art (24″x36″)
DIY Paint Transformation
- Main wall treatment: Benjamin Moore “Revere Pewter” HC-172 for three walls, creating that perfect greige that shifts between gray and beige depending on lighting
- Accent possibilities: Sherwin Williams “Accessible Beige” SW 7036 for the wall behind your desk—warm enough to soften harsh ring lights but neutral enough to never clash
Budget Range: $2,500-$4,500 | Timeline: 1-2 weeks | Best For: Spare bedrooms or living room corners
Compact Murphy Desk Solution: Fold-Away Furniture for Small Space Living
That wall-mounted desk that disappears when your call ends? It’s basically the studio apartment version of having it all. Like those convertible clothing pieces that go from gym to brunch, a Murphy desk transforms your cramped corner into a professional backdrop, then vanishes faster than your weekend plans.
Shop The Look:
- Wall-mounted Murphy desk with built-in storage
- Floating corner shelves in white or natural wood
- Soft LED strip lighting for under-shelf illumination
- Light oak or bamboo flooring panels
- Modular cable management system
- Woven storage baskets (set of 3)
- Minimalist desk lamp with USB charging
- Faux eucalyptus stems in ceramic vase
DIY Paint Transformation
- Workspace wall accent: Paint the Murphy desk wall in “Hale Navy” (Benjamin Moore HC-154) to create depth and make your video background pop. The dark color tricks the eye into thinking the space is larger.
- Surrounding walls: Go with “Cloud White” (Benjamin Moore OC-130) for maximum light reflection. Add a subtle stripe detail using “Pale Oak” (Benjamin Moore OC-20) at chair rail height for visual interest without overwhelming the compact space.
Budget Range: $800-$1,500 | Timeline: 1 weekend | Best For: Studio apartments and bedroom corners
Gallery Wall Display: Curating Art and Photos for Personal Yet Professional Backgrounds
Gallery walls are like that perfectly curated Instagram feed—each piece matters but the whole story matters more. Creating one that reads “creative professional” instead of “dorm room throwback” means treating your wall like you’d style an outfit: intentional layers, consistent tones, and that one unexpected piece that makes people look twice.
Shop The Look:
- Black metal floating frames in varied sizes (mix of 8×10, 11×14, 16×20)
- White matted frames for cohesion (Target’s Project 62 line)
- Natural wood ledge shelves for layering art
- Brass picture hanging rail system (CB2 or West Elm)
- Adjustable gallery wall lighting track
- Minimalist wooden clipboards for rotating prints
- Acrylic floating frames for that museum-quality look
- Vintage-style brass corner protectors for special pieces
DIY Paint Transformation
- Backdrop magic: Paint the wall behind your gallery in Benjamin Moore’s “Hale Navy” (HC-154) or “Kendall Charcoal” (HC-166) for depth that makes art pop without overwhelming video calls
- Subtle sophistication: Try Farrow & Ball’s “Pavilion Gray” (242) for walls that read neutral on camera but add warmth in person—the perfect compromise between personality and professionalism
Budget Range: $500-$1,500 | Timeline: 1 weekend | Best For: Home offices with 8+ feet of wall space
Industrial Pipe Desk Style: Exposed Hardware and Raw Wood for Modern Appeal
The industrial pipe desk style hits differently than your typical office setup—it’s like bringing that trendy coworking space energy straight into your home. This raw-meets-refined look channels serious boss energy while keeping things approachable, perfect for when you need to look professional on camera but still feel like yourself.
Shop The Look:
- Reclaimed wood desktop (butcher block or live edge)
- Black iron pipe frame system for legs and supports
- Edison bulb pendant or cage lighting fixtures
- Weathered wood floating shelves with pipe brackets
- Concrete or dark wood-look vinyl plank flooring
- Vintage-style leather desk chair (cognac or black)
- Wire mesh desk organizers and file holders
- Industrial metal bookends or decorative gears
DIY Paint Transformation
- Accent wall behind desk: Benjamin Moore “Wrought Iron” (2124-10) creates that perfect moody backdrop that makes you pop on video calls without being too dark
- Surrounding walls: Sherwin Williams “Agreeable Gray” (SW 7029) keeps things neutral while complementing the industrial elements—avoid stark white which kills the vibe
Budget Range: $800-$1,500 | Timeline: 1-2 weekends | Best For: Spare bedrooms or living room corners
Scandinavian White Office: Bright and Airy Spaces With Minimal Decoration
This is the office equivalent of wearing all white to brunch—confident, fresh, and somehow never boring. Like your favorite minimalist Instagram accounts, this style proves that negative space is actually the most powerful design element. It’s giving “I have my life together” energy without trying too hard, perfect for those Zoom backgrounds that make colleagues ask for your decorator’s number.
Shop The Look:
- White oak or light birch desk (60″ minimum for dual monitors)
- White floating shelves with invisible brackets
- Light wood or white laminate flooring
- Sheer white linen curtains (ceiling mounted)
- Modern white track lighting or recessed LEDs
- White cable management box with bamboo lid
- Light gray wool area rug (5’x7′ minimum)
- Clear acrylic desk organizers
DIY Paint Transformation
- Walls that whisper luxury: Benjamin Moore “White Dove” OC-17 on all walls creates that perfect not-quite-white backdrop that photographs beautifully without looking cold
- Ceiling trick for height: Sherwin Williams “Extra White” SW-7006 on ceiling makes even 8-foot ceilings feel cathedral-like, especially essential for video calls
Budget Range: $3,000-$6,000 | Timeline: 1-2 weeks | Best For: Spare bedrooms or alcove spaces
Vintage Library Look: Dark Wood and Classic Elements for Timeless Sophistication
That dark academia aesthetic from your favorite bookish TikToks? It’s giving professional credibility while staying cozy enough for all-day calls. Like wearing your most sophisticated blazer with your favorite jeans—polished but approachable. This is the background that makes clients take you seriously while your book collection does the humble bragging for you.
Shop The Look:
- Dark walnut built-in bookcases (floor to ceiling)
- Rich mahogany executive desk (minimum 60″ wide)
- Brass banker’s lamp with green glass shade
- Deep burgundy Persian-style area rug (8’x10′)
- Leather-bound book sets for styling shelves
- Vintage brass desk accessories set
- Dark wood picture ledge shelves
- Antique-style globe on wooden stand
DIY Paint Transformation
- Wall transformation: Paint walls in “Kendall Charcoal” (Benjamin Moore HC-166) for that moody library vibe, or “Urbane Bronze” (Sherwin Williams SW 7048) for warmer undertones that still read sophisticated on camera.
- Ceiling drama: Add depth with “Hale Navy” (Benjamin Moore HC-154) on the ceiling—it compresses the space just enough to feel intimate without being claustrophobic on video.
Budget Range: $8,000-$15,000 | Timeline: 4-6 weeks |
Best For: Spare bedrooms or dedicated office spaces
Modern Glass Desk Setup: Sleek Transparency and Chrome Accents for Contemporary Calls
That minimalist glass desk you keep saving on Instagram? It’s basically the white button-down of home offices—works with everything, never looks dated. Like wearing clear lip gloss instead of bold lipstick, this setup lets your personality shine through accessories while keeping the foundation impossibly chic.
Shop The Look:
- Tempered glass desk with chrome legs (60″ width minimum)
- Chrome and glass floating shelves (set of 3)
- White or light gray area rug (8’x10′ low-pile)
- Clear acrylic desk chair with chrome frame
- Chrome track lighting or pendant system
- Lucite desktop organizer set
- White ceramic planter trio with succulents
- Glass and chrome monitor stand
DIY Paint Transformation
- Accent wall perfection: Benjamin Moore “Healing Aloe 1562” creates that spa-like backdrop that makes you look refreshed on camera, or try “Stonington Gray HC-170” for sophisticated neutrality
- Ceiling surprise: Sherwin Williams “Misty SW 6232” on the ceiling adds subtle depth without overwhelming—like highlighting your cheekbones but for your room
Budget Range: $2,500-$4,500 | Timeline: 1-2 weeks | Best For: Compact spaces or room corners
Cozy Reading Nook Office: Soft Textures and Warm Lighting for Approachable Meetings
Your Zoom background is basically your personal brand now, and nothing says “I have my life together” like a cozy office that looks straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie. This setup works like your favorite oversized sweater—instantly puts everyone at ease while still looking polished.
Shop The Look:
- Built-in bookshelves in warm walnut or cherry finish
- Butcher block or reclaimed wood desk surface
- Upholstered desk chair in camel leather or olive velvet
- Brass or warm gold desk lamp with fabric shade
- Layered area rugs (jute base with patterned wool on top)
- Woven storage baskets for shelf styling
- Chunky knit throw blanket in cream or terracotta
- Dried eucalyptus or pampas grass arrangements
DIY Paint Transformation
- Warm backdrop: Paint walls in Benjamin Moore “October Mist” (1495) or Farrow & Ball “Setting Plaster” (231) for that perfect peachy-beige that flatters everyone on camera
- Accent wall option: Create depth with Clare Paint “Current Mood” (deep sage) or Benjamin Moore “Salamander” (2050-10) behind your desk—rich enough to feel sophisticated but not cave-like
Budget Range: $3,500-$7,000 | Timeline: 1-2 weeks | Best For: Spare bedrooms or living room corners
Two-Tone Wall Treatment: Using Paint or Wallpaper to Define Your Video Zone
That perfectly imperfect accent wall you keep saving on Pinterest? It’s basically the home office equivalent of wearing a blazer with pajama bottoms—professional where it counts. A two-tone wall instantly creates that “I have my life together” background without renovating your entire space.
Shop The Look:
- Geometric wallpaper panels (removable peel-and-stick)
- Board and batten wall molding kit
- Picture ledge shelving for backdrop styling
- Adjustable ring light with desk clamp
- Acoustic foam panels in decorative patterns
- Woven storage baskets for off-camera organization
- Minimalist wall clock (oversized for impact)
- Cable management spine in matching wall color
DIY Paint Transformation
- Upper wall treatment: Paint the top two-thirds with Benjamin Moore “Hale Navy” (HC-154) or Farrow & Ball “Railings” (No. 31) for that moody library vibe that makes your face pop on camera.
- Lower wall solution: Keep the bottom third in Sherwin Williams “Accessible Beige” (SW 7036) or Benjamin Moore “White Dove” (OC-17) to ground the space and reflect light back onto your face.
Budget Range: $300-$800 | Timeline: Weekend project | Best For: Rental-friendly spaces or dedicated corners
Bedroom Office Hybrid: Seamlessly Integrating Work Space Into Sleeping Quarters
Creating a bedroom-office combo is like finding the perfect work-from-home outfit—professional on top, cozy on bottom. Your space needs to shift from spreadsheets to sleep without feeling like you’re snoozing in a cubicle.
Shop The Look:
- Murphy desk or wall-mounted floating desk with storage
- Soft upholstered room divider or curtain system
- Neutral area rug defining workspace zone
- Warm wood or rattan pendant lighting
- Built-in shelving unit doubling as headboard
- Woven storage baskets for quick tidying
- Decorative desk lamp with dimmer
- Cable management box in natural materials
DIY Paint Transformation
- Zone definition: Paint an accent wall behind your desk area in “October Mist 1495” (Benjamin Moore) to psychologically separate work from sleep zones without harsh contrasts.
- Calming productivity: Use “Agreeable Gray SW 7029” (Sherwin Williams) for main walls with ceiling in “White Dove OC-17” (Benjamin Moore) to maximize light during video calls.
Budget Range: $2,500-$5,000 | Timeline: 1-2 weeks | Best For: Studio apartments or small bedrooms
Kitchen Table Workspace: Converting Dining Areas Into Temporary Call Stations
Your kitchen table already doubles as everything from craft central to snack station, so making it Zoom-ready just means smart styling. Like that friend who always looks put-together in her “I woke up like this” way—minimal effort, maximum impact for those video calls.
Shop The Look:
- Portable folding room divider screen (neutral linen)
- Adjustable ring light with phone holder
- Laptop stand with hidden storage compartment
- Cable management box (white or natural wood)
- Acoustic wall panels (felt, hexagon shape)
- Velvet dining chair cushions with ties
- Woven basket set for quick clutter clearing
- Faux eucalyptus stems in ceramic vase
DIY Paint Transformation
- Accent wall behind your seat: Benjamin Moore “Hale Navy” HC-154 creates that sophisticated virtual background everyone asks about—deep enough to look expensive, neutral enough to work with everything.
- Adjacent walls for depth: Sherwin Williams “Accessible Beige” SW 7036 warms up the space without competing with your outfit choices, plus it’s forgiving under different lighting conditions throughout the day.
Budget Range: $500-$1,200 | Timeline: Weekend project | Best For: Open-plan living spaces