When you spend most of your workday on video calls, your office background becomes part of your first impression. People notice what’s behind you. It sets the tone and can quietly communicate your professionalism, personality, and how put-together you are. That blank wall or cluttered bookshelf might not be doing you any favors.
A well-arranged background, whether it's a home office or a dedicated meeting space, can make you look more prepared and confident. The right art adds color, balance, and personality to the frame, shifting a plain setup into something polished. Whether you're meeting with coworkers, clients, or partners, a thoughtful background speaks volumes.
Choosing The Right Art For Your Office
When you’re picking art for your office background, it helps to think through what kind of message you want to share. Visuals can stand out without stealing attention. You want something professional, but also something that feels like you. Motivational quotes, low-key pop culture references, or clean typography usually do the job well.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you hang up any wall art:
- Tone: Let your art reflect the kind of work you do. If you’re in a creative industry, bold or edgy visuals can show some personality. For more formal roles, go with calm, minimal pieces.
- Color: Pick colors that go with your wall and office furniture. A consistent color scheme helps everything work together instead of clashing.
- Size: If your art is too small, it disappears. If it’s too large, it overwhelms the screen. You want it big enough to notice but not so big it takes over the shot.
- Subject Matter: Stick with positive, uplifting themes. Motivational phrases or clever art styles can help break the ice or simply offer a nice visual during long meetings.
If you meet with clients or work in sales, having a clean print that says something like “Hustle Harder” in sharp fonts, or a tasteful portrait with a statement underneath can make your background feel confident and cultured. These small visual cues can help reinforce your reliability and creativity.
Arranging Art For Maximum Impact
Picking nice artwork is only half the work. How you set it up on your office wall really affects how it looks on camera. Even great pieces won’t help if they’re off-balance or sticking out of frame. It’s about making your space feel calm, organized, and easy on the eyes.
Here are a few things to try:
1. Eye-Level Placement
Hang your art so that its center aligns with your eyes when you’re seated. It keeps everything visually balanced and makes sure people can see the art easily in your camera view.
2. Symmetry Matters
If you’re displaying two or three smaller canvas pieces, line them up neatly in a row or column. Symmetry keeps your frame from feeling lopsided and helps pull the background together.
3. Spacing Counts
Avoid packing everything into one side of the wall or cramming too many pieces close together. Let your art breathe. Good spacing helps the layout look calm without being too busy.
4. Framing Yourself
Use your artwork to subtly frame your position on screen. It should stay in the background, supporting the shot, not taking over. Always test your camera setup ahead of a call to see how it all lines up.
You don’t need a dozen pieces to make your background look great. One or two thoughtful choices, well-placed, can build a polished backdrop that feels intentional and professional.
Maintaining Your Office Art
Keeping your background looking sharp means your wall art needs to stay in good shape. Even the best pieces can lose their spark if they’re dusty or fading. A little care goes a long way toward making sure your canvas still looks impressive on camera.
Try these simple tips:
- Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the surface. That stops dirt from building up and dulling the colors.
- Cleaning: For canvas prints, don’t use water or cleaning sprays. Stick to a lightly damp microfiber cloth or soft brush. Be gentle so you don’t damage the material.
- Avoiding Direct Sunlight: If your office gets strong sunlight during the day, keep an eye on how much exposure your wall art gets. Too much sun can fade the colors over time. Moving the piece or adding a curtain might help.
Making this part of your weekly routine can help your background stay vibrant, especially for those times you need to look sharp on a call without much prep.
Refreshing Your Art Space
Swapping out your artwork once in a while keeps things feeling new. If you’ve had the same visual behind your desk for months, changing it can give your background a fresh vibe. No need to redo everything. Simple updates here and there can make a difference.
Ideas to try include:
- Seasonal Switch: Art that reflects the time of year can brighten or warm up your space. Lighter, lively images work great for spring or summer. Once fall or winter rolls in, deeper tones bring a cozy feel.
- Current Trends: Stay in tune with what feels current. Trending styles, prints, or colors can help your space feel more connected to the moment.
Even small shifts leave a lasting impression. A guest or coworker who sees your workspace regularly will notice the change and appreciate that it still reflects energy and creativity.
Keep Your Background Working For You
A well-designed office background makes a strong difference in how others see you during virtual meetings. Your choice of art plays a big role in that. From picking pieces that match your work style to arranging them right for the camera, it’s all part of creating a visual setup that supports what you bring to the conversation.
Keeping your space fresh with an occasional swap or update helps it stay engaging. A well-maintained print or a new addition can keep your workspace from going stale. And a space that looks good generally makes you feel better too.
Your virtual background says something, even when you don’t. So let it reflect the professionalism, focus, and personality you bring to your work every day. With the right wall art, your office can do half the talking before you even say hello.
Looking to transform your workspace with art that truly inspires? Explore our vibrant collection of art for the office to find pieces that will elevate your space and make every virtual meeting feel fresh and engaging. With IKONICK, it's easy to maintain a professional atmosphere while keeping your surroundings lively and motivational.
