It probably comes as no surprise, but we're all going virtual for the unforeseeable future. Birthday parties, game nights, happy hours, work meetings, and everything else that would typically fill your calendar are happening over Zoom, FaceTime, or other popular videoconferencing apps. Zooming — yes, it's a verb — lets you stay connected with loved ones and colleagues near and far while still practicing social distancing. There's some added pressure, though: If you want to show your face on camera, then you also let people in on your surroundings a.k.a. your bare walls, makeshift office spa, and so on. Since the thought of sprucing up your home in a time like this seems, well, impossible with everything else you're juggling, we've rounded up the best Zoom backgrounds that'll refresh your space — no tools, money, or shopping trips required.
Depending on if you're chatting for work or play, you can choose from traditional virtual backgrounds to mimic a West Elm showroom, or step into your favorite movies and TV shows with backgrounds inspired by The Golden Girls, Hallmark Channel, and Disney films.
Just in case this is your first time, here's how to set a virtual background on Zoom:
- Download the background of your choice. Better yet, download a few options, in case you want to switch them out.
- After you sign into a Zoom call, look for an icon that says "Stop video" in the bottom left corner of the window. Click the arrow to the right side of it, and select "Choose a virtual background."
- Upload as many backgrounds as you'd like, and switch them whenever you please.
Here comes the fun part: Browse through these free Zoom backgrounds, and download your favorites. Then schedule your next virtual happy hour to show 'em off.
Hallmark Channel
Because you've always wanted to live in a Hallmark movie. Step into Hope Valley (When Calls the Heart), Chesapeake Shores, or Middleton (The Good Witch). Or if you can't choose a favorite, go for one of their seasonal virtual backgrounds, complete with Hallmark staples like gazebos, twinkle lights, and freshly picked flowers.
Download more Hallmark Channel Zoom backgrounds here
Yellowstone
While you wait for Yellowstone to return for season 3, play around with these virtual backgrounds to live your best Dutton Ranch life. Now, if only Kevin Costner was nearby...
Download more Yellowstone Zoom backgrounds here
West Elm
You've always wanted to deck out your space with West Elm furniture, rugs, and decorative accents — and now's your chance. Best of all, it's completely free.
Download more West Elm Zoom backgrounds here
Disney Parks
Sure, Disney World and Disneyland are closed at the moment, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate their magic at home. Travel around the globe to all of Disney's theme parks with these gorgeous virtual backgrounds.
Download more Disney Parks Zoom Backgrounds Here
Airbnb Homes
Satisfy your wanderlust without even packing your bags: Choose your dream destination, and then download a virtual background that'll take you there.
Download more Airbnb Zoom backgrounds here
Star Wars
Take a trip to your favorite movie universe with these virtual backgrounds. You can even pretend to take a seat in The Millennium Falcon or Snoke's Star Destroyer, which is a big win for any superfan.
Download more Star Wars Zoom backgrounds here
Popular TV Shows
Enter the most fitting Zoom backgrounds for your 9 to 5.
Download more The Office Zoom backgrounds here
You may not have been in the office to recap the Schitt's Creek series finale, but these backgrounds won't let that stop you from reliving the good ol' days with the Rose family.
Download more Schitt's Creek Zoom backgrounds here
Call your own Blanche, Dorothy, Sophia, and Rose, and then give them a good laugh with one of these Golden Girls-inspired backgrounds. Pass the cheesecake!
Download more Golden Girls Zoom backgrounds here
And now, for your big moment: Even if your voice isn't up to par, hop on the American Idol stage with this virtual background. Just be prepared to sing a few bars of your go-to karaoke song for your friends.
Download more American Idol Zoom backgrounds here
Pretend you're hard at work at Scarlett Magazine with these backgrounds inspired by the fashion closet, storyboard, and beauty room from the hit Freeform show.
Download more The Bold Type Zoom backgrounds here
Pixar Movies
Great for young and old (and everyone in between), these iconic backdrops are instantly recognizable, especially given how many movies everyone's been watching lately.
Download more Pixar Zoom backgrounds here
Bloomscape
Plants are an easy way to bring life to an otherwise dull space. The same goes for virtual greenery, right?
