Source: Video Conferencing Backgrounds – Interior Design Considerations – Draper, Inc Blog Site

Cisco, a well-known provider of high end video conferencing systems, gives us advice on interior design considerations for a video install.

When considering the interior design of the video conferencing workspace, the primary goals should be to make the room as comfortable as possible, putting less emphasis on the technology. Specific colors are recommended for backgrounds and walls to enable better recognition of the participants without straining the capabilities of the video cameras. Recommended colors are soft, textured wall coverings, but smooth painted walls will work fi the colors are muted earth tone and the lighting is adjusted to suit. When considering furniture and walls be aware of color and physical characteristics that may make your video or audio input have to work harder. Immersive telepresence rooms provide total control of the lighting, furniture, walls and floor and one will then have more freedom to opt for other solutions regarding choice of material and colors, cf. the use of blue tinted lighting in the immersive room shown above.

Background and considerations:

• Remember that the camera also shows what is behind you. A calming background with a neutral color, medium contrast and soft texture will be the best to have. We recommend walls without patters.
• Avoid moving backgrounds such as curtains in a draft or people walking behind you. This may reduce image quality and distract the attention of those on the far end.
• Do no place the camera facing a doorway.
• Choose a table this is light but not reflective. A light natural wood is a good choice.
• Avoid unnecessary furniture or clutter in the room.

If you’d like more details about Cisco’s color recommendations, here is a direct link to their published guide: Cisco Color Reference Guide