Zoom Rooms Are Still On Trend, and Creating One Might Sell Your Home Faster

Before the coronavirus pandemic, homeowners would boast about an in-home sauna, pricey new pavers on the patio, or an enormous flat-screen TV with surround sound installed in the den.

Six years later, and homeowners are more than ever seeking listings with one specific feature: the Zoom room.

More than just a home office, a Zoom room is a dedicated space in your house where you can easily and comfortably attend videoconference calls with co-workers, help the kids log in for remote schooling, or enjoy virtual check-ins with family.

According to the most recent Realtor.com® Home Trends report, 56.5% more listings mentioned a Zoom room in their description, selling at a median price of $514,990. The trend is actually higher in demand than custom built-ins and pickleball courts!

"The shift to working from home brought with it a surge of demand for Peloton space, dedicated home offices, and, yes, Zoom rooms that are more than just an Ikea desk and chair," says Cedric Stewart, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties.

Given the demand, we spoke to experts on how to create this space in your home to enjoy on your own or to entice prospective buyers.

What is a Zoom room?

A Zoom room is a designated space where you can turn on your webcam and join virtual meetings for work or remote hangouts with family and friends. This space is typically designed to look professional and features an attractive and organized background.

But if you're short on space and can't dedicate a full room to Zoom, don't despair. A videoconferencing area can also be a sliver of space under your stairs or in the living room, dining area, or foyer.

Here's what designers say works well.

1. Dedicate an area

First and foremost: A successful Zoom meeting requires strong Wi-Fi, so be sure your space allows you to have a good internet connection. You can also invest in a signal booster to improve your connection, or you can hardwire in with an ethernet cable.

To make sure you're able to maintain focus, you want this dedicated area to be in a quiet location, away from the main part of the house, if possible, says Karen Gray-Plaisted of Design Solutions KGP.

If you have a nook under the stairs, an alcove in your bedroom, or a section of the dining room to set up shop, these spots are worthy.

No privacy in the house? Try a folding screen to divide your space and create a little work zone for video calls.

2. Keep clutter at bay

Remember, your boss or an important client might be on your next Zoom call, which means you really shouldn't have a pile of clothes or unwashed dishes directly over your shoulder when you're on camera.

"Keep personal objects, laundry, and toys out of camera view as people tend to judge you on Zoom the way they would in person," says Gray-Plaisted.

3. Curate your background

Your background should be organized and officelike, but you can also infuse it with decor that means something to you.

"A great look is a carefully styled shelf featuring your favorite books and a few simple accessories—just nothing too dramatic or over the top, which can be distracting," says Drew Henry of Design Dudes.

Gray-Plaisted recommends objects such as vases, bowls, or candles.

And when it comes to paint color, err on the conservative side.

"The more neutral it is, the better for Zoom, unless you're in a creative field where you can project personal taste," says Gray-Plaisted.

4. Light it right

Lighting is absolutely key in a Zoom room lest you look washed out or shadowy and creepy.

"Arrange your space so there's a window next to you or in front of you as this will offer you the right amount of natural light to make you look great on camera," says Henry.

As for task lighting, keep it about a foot or so away from your screen so you avoid unnecessary glare. Some people even opt for a ring light or a miniature light that mounts onto your computer to give them a radiant glow on video calls.

5. Upgrade your chair

An adjustable ergonomic chair allows you to sit comfortably during the workday, but it can also help ensure your face is in the right spot so you're seen and heard on your Zoom calls.

If you're sitting too high, you'll be looking down on your screen—and too low is even worse. (You'll have to tip your chin up, and this can hurt your neck if the meeting runs long.)

Consider a chair with wheels or casters to make any sliding or moving you'll need to do midmeeting smooth and silent, whether to reach for a pen or folder—or your much needed cup of coffee.

Dina Sartore-Bodo contributed to this report.