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This Twitter Account Rates Famous People’s Zoom Backgrounds And Here Are 32 Of The Most Hilarious Ratings
Aug
During the great video-call migration of 2020, millions of people learned an ers, television viewers, and complete strangers to your lamps, bookshelves, houseplants, laundry piles, mysterious extension cords, and that one decorative bowl nobody remembers buying.
Enter . A beautiful bookcase could earn applause. A well-positioned dog might rescue an otherwise average room. A blank wall, unfortunate camera angle, or giant television lurking behind the speaker could result in a merciless score.
The ratings were short, funny, highly subjective, and frequently more entertaining than the interviews being conducted. Here is how Room Rater became an internet favorite, followed by 32 memorable setups that received everything from a triumphant 10/10 to the dreaded “hostage video” treatment.
How Room Rater Turned Zoom Backgrounds Into Entertainment
Room Rater, originally known by the handle Rate My Skype Room, emerged during the early months of pandemic lockdowns. It was created by Claude Taylor and Jessie Bahrey after television networks began interviewing politicians, journalists, actors, doctors, and other public figures from their homes.
Suddenly, viewers were no longer seeing carefully controlled studios. They were seeing bedrooms, attics, kitchens, basements, home libraries, improvised offices, and occasionally bathrooms. The shift created an unexpected form of intimacy. A guest might be discussing public policy while viewers silently wondered why a lampshade was crooked or whether the books behind the speaker had ever been opened.
Room Rater gave those thoughts a scoring system.
What Earned Points?
The account generally rewarded warm lighting, visual depth, balanced composition, colorful artwork, thoughtfully arranged books, fresh flowers, fireplaces, interesting windows, attractive furniture, and plants that looked alive rather than recently threatened.
Pets were especially powerful. A strategically placed dog could function like extra credit. Cats often behaved as though they had hired the human as background decoration.
What Lost Points?
Blank walls frequently created what Room Rater called a “hostage video” atmosphere. Other offenses included exposed wires, enormous televisions, bad lighting, excessive ceiling, awkward camera placement, empty shelves, distracting clutter, and aggressive self-promotion through books displayed cover-forward.
The scoring was never presented as professional interior-design criticism. It was closer to a quick-witted friend entering your home, complimenting the fireplace, moving a plant six inches to the left, and asking why your printer had become the main character.
32 of Room Rater’s Most Hilarious Zoom Background Ratings
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Yamiche Alcindor’s Brilliant Blue Wall
Yamiche Alcindor appeared against a vivid blue wall decorated with geometric artwork, gold planters, trailing greenery, and a carefully styled shelf. Room Rater praised the shapes, vases, lighting, and plants before awarding a flawless 10/10. It looked polished without feeling like a furniture showroom had swallowed a television correspondent.
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LaTosha Brown’s Fireplace and “Power Pillows”
Civil rights advocate LaTosha Brown brought warmth with a working fireplace, holiday garland, framed photographs, greenery, and pillows arranged with unusually confident energy. Room Rater declared it an early favorite for best-decorated room and gave it 10/10.
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Levi Fetterman’s Industrial Loft
Levi, the Fetterman family dog, posed in a sweater inside a loft featuring exposed brick, movie posters, a leather couch, and dramatic architectural details. Room Rater approved of the artwork, lighting, brickwork, and the exceptionally good boy at center stage. Final score: 10/10.
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Judy Woodruff’s Double Bookwall
Veteran journalist Judy Woodruff delivered the classic intellectual background: books on both sides, a vase of fresh flowers, personal photographs, and a small globe. The scene felt informed, comfortable, and pleasantly human. Room Rater called her a crowd favorite and awarded 10/10.
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The Three-Dog Holiday Room
A cozy room posted by the Audacity of Goats account contained framed art, a glowing fireplace, a warm lamp, a large window, and three dogs occupying the furniture as if reviewing mortgage documents. The combination earned 10/10, with the dogs receiving considerable credit.
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Elizabeth Warren’s Window-Framed Setup
Senator Elizabeth Warren appeared in a bright room surrounded by tall black-framed windows, comfortable chairs, and substantial greenery. Room Rater praised the improved composition, window framing, and plant work. Even without her dog Bailey making an appearance, the room received 10/10.
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Andras Jacobson’s Space-Themed Room
Second-grader Andras Jacobson appeared beside a telescope, a bookshelf, and a model space shuttle. The layout was balanced, well lit, and perfectly matched to a young astronomy enthusiast. Room Rater encouraged him to aim for the stars and awarded 10/10.
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Raabe Pegado’s Holiday Displayand Dog Butt
The room included a decorated Christmas tree, stockings, art, flowers, and a working fireplace. Then a small dog wandered into the edge of the frame rear-end first. Room Rater decided that the unexpected canine contribution secured the victory. Score: 10/10.
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June Gruber’s Bathtub Lecture
Professor June Gruber recorded part of an adult psychopathology lecture from a tiled bathroom while a cheerful child occupied the bathtub behind her. Room Rater admired the tile, the “shampoo nook,” and the realities of parenting during remote work. The delightfully chaotic scene earned 10/10.
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Michael Tibbs’ Meaningful Armchair
Michael Tibbs, a 99-year-old World War II veteran, appeared from a comfortable armchair after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Room Rater liked the chair but made it clear that the historic and hopeful moment mattered more than decorative perfection. He received every available point: 10/10.
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Taylor Swift’s Minimalist Setup
Taylor Swift joined a virtual interview with flowers and a candle against a mostly plain background. Room Rater appreciated the elements that were present but expected considerably more from a global superstar. The verdict was a respectable yet demanding 7/10, essentially the interior-design version of “See me after class.”
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Nobuko Saito Cleary’s Painted Screen
Nobuko Saito Cleary appeared in front of an elaborate traditional painted screen, complemented by dramatic flowers and elegant lighting. Room Rater called the scene stunning and treated it as visual perfection. Few backgrounds have made a standard video call look so much like an art museum opened for a private evening event.
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Al Letson’s Books-and-Plants Combination
Journalist Al Letson sat before a wall of books woven together with abundant green plants. The greenery softened the shelves without hiding them, while the lighting remained bright and flattering. Room Rater considered it one of the best bookwall-and-plant combinations it had encountered and awarded 10/10.
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Madison Taylor’s Cat-Centered Composition
A black-and-white cat named Typo occupied the foreground while books, decorative plates, artwork, small tables, and a Peanuts blanket filled the room behind it. Room Rater praised nearly everything, but Typo clearly controlled the production. Score: 10/10.
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Russian Starr’s Batik-Like Curtains
Russian Starr appeared beside colorful patterned curtains, a striking portrait, flowers, books, and a ceramic teapot. Room Rater admired the festive design and asked whether the fabric was batik. With strong colors and a background full of personality, the room won 10/10.
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Malcolm Kenyatta’s Holiday Decorations
Malcolm Kenyatta’s setup featured bold abstract art, poinsettias, a nutcracker, and coordinated holiday decorations. Room Rater celebrated the art that “popped” and the seasonal details that looked intentional rather than rescued from a clearance bin. Final score: 10/10.
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José Andrés’ Perfectly Spaced Bookwall
Chef and humanitarian José Andrés appeared in front of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with flattering spacing and warm light. Room Rater praised the bookwall and clean composition, giving the World Central Kitchen founder 10/10. No decorative saucepan was required.
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Aubrey Plaza’s Bathtub Interview
Aubrey Plaza conducted an interview with a bathtub, bathroom counter, candles, and personal-care products visible behind her. Room Rater admired the blue tones, balance, and lit candles while celebrating its first bathtub interview rating. The unconventional setup received 9/10.
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The Baseball, Psychology, and Socks Office
One home office combined a baseball bat, brain artwork, framed credentials, a bookshelf, an ergonomic keyboard, and brightly patterned socks placed directly in view. Room Rater appreciated the blend of science, sports, and unapologetic footwear. The result was 10/10.
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Dr. Nahid Bhadelia’s Zombie-Apocalypse Room
Dr. Nahid Bhadelia appeared in a well-composed office featuring landscape photographs, books, and a poster referring to the zombie apocalypse. Room Rater recognized the medical expert’s work during a critical period and awarded “all the points,” otherwise known as 10/10.
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Michael Beschloss’ Historian-Friendly Room
Presidential historian Michael Beschloss sat before a large half-circle window, a fireplace, a leather couch, and well-placed pillows. The space had depth and architectural character without appearing overly staged. Room Rater called it a rare new room from a favorite historian and gave 10/10.
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Boy George’s Painfully Empty Shelves
Boy George appeared in front of a fireplace, unusual plant-like antlers, and shelves containing almost nothing. Room Rater could not ignore the vacant bookcase and delivered a musical pun based on “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” The room received a bruising 4/10.
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Gitanjali Rao’s Bright and Festive Background
Young scientist Gitanjali Rao appeared with artwork, flowers, decorative objects, and a carefully arranged bowl behind her. Room Rater praised the festive setting and declared that the future looked bright. The Time Kid of the Year received 10/10.
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Atul Gawande’s Owl-Shaped Pillow
Dr. Atul Gawande’s setup was warmly lit and thoughtfully composed, with books, framed art, and an owl-shaped pillow adding a slightly eccentric touch. Room Rater appreciated the perspective and awarded 9/10. Apparently, decorative owls can be powerful, but they cannot guarantee perfection.
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Steve Schmidt’s Stonework and Totem Pole
Political strategist Steve Schmidt appeared in a room filled with dramatic stonework, warm wood, and a Haida totem pole, with a partial image of Sitting Bull visible in the distance. Room Rater called it one of the original top rooms and maintained its 10/10 status.
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Sophie Grégoire Trudeau’s Balanced Bookcase
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau’s room featured neatly spaced books, framed photos, flowers, and balanced shelves. Her relaxed smile completed the welcoming scene. Room Rater praised the composition and awarded 10/10.
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Lily the Dog’s Holiday Room
A dog named Lily posed in a soft, neutral living room with a fireplace, garland, a wreath, candles, pillows, and a thick rug. Room Rater had previously praised Lily’s table and chairs, but the holiday update was even cozier. Score: 10/10, because fluffy dogs apparently understand seasonal staging.
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Katie Porter’s Family Quilt
Representative Katie Porter appeared before a colorful quilt made by her mother to celebrate Porter’s election. Room Rater loved the personal history, the composition, and the plant beside her. The meaningful handmade art helped secure 10/10.
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Eric Lawson’s Atlanta-and-Fauci Shrine
Medical professional Eric Lawson sat before a large Atlanta United banner and a portrait of Dr. Anthony Fauci styled with vaguely Napoleonic grandeur. Flowers added softness to the unusual combination. Room Rater accepted the historical drama and awarded 10/10.
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Cynthia Nixon’s Wooden-Slat “Hostage Video”
Cynthia Nixon appeared tightly framed against gray wooden slats with little depth or decoration. Room Rater acknowledged that the wood was attractive but still classified the setup as a hostage-video situation. The severe composition earned only 3/10.
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Carol Leonnig’s Blue Kitchen
Journalist Carol Leonnig’s kitchen offered blue seating, bright white cabinetry, a patterned backsplash, and a professional-looking toaster oven. Room Rater revisited the setup as one of its favorite kitchens and confirmed a glowing 10/10.
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Hugh Jackman’s Dark and Mysterious Shelves
Hugh Jackman’s room suffered from dim lighting and a shadowy shelf containing a strange white figure that reminded Room Rater of the Michelin Man. The account liked the mysterious object more than the overall room. Even movie-star charisma could not prevent a 3/10.
Why These Famous Zoom Background Ratings Were So Funny
Room Rater worked because the jokes were based on details everyone had begun noticing in their own video calls. Viewers understood the danger of a blank wall, the struggle to hide cables, and the temptation to position one impressive book where the camera could see it.
The account also developed a recognizable language. Plants became “plant work.” Pillows possessed power. A pet could earn bonus points. A sad background became a hostage video. These repeated ideas gave followers the pleasure of learning the rules while knowing that the rules could change instantly when a dog’s rear end entered the frame.
The ratings also revealed that expensive furniture was not essential. Many of the highest-scoring rooms succeeded because they had warmth, personality, balance, and visual depth. Handmade quilts, children’s projects, flowers, personal photographs, and unusual objects often mattered more than luxury.
Real-World Experiences and Lessons From the Room Rater Phenomenon
The most interesting experience surrounding Room Rater was not simply watching strangers judge celebrity homes. It was seeing public figures respond to the criticism. Some defended their rooms. Others explained that they had recently moved, were sharing space with children, or had to dismantle the setup after each television appearance. A few made visible improvements before returning to the screen.
That reaction felt familiar to anyone who has joined a video meeting and suddenly noticed the background preview. A room that looks perfectly normal in daily life can appear strangely chaotic inside a small digital rectangle. The lamp that quietly serves the room becomes a giant glowing orb. A tidy stack of papers becomes an administrative crisis. A plant that seemed pleasantly off-center looks as though it is attempting to escape.
A useful Room Rater-style experience begins by opening the camera before the meeting and examining the frame without looking at your face. That last part is surprisingly difficult, but it helps. Look at the corners. Check whether a door appears to be growing from your shoulder. Notice whether the brightest light is behind you, turning you into an anonymous source in a crime documentary.
Next, test the effect of depth. Sitting directly against a wall often makes the image flat and severe. Moving the chair a few feet forward can reveal more of the room, soften the background, and create a more natural composition. This simple adjustment frequently improves the scene more than buying new decorations.
Lighting creates another immediate lesson. A window behind the camera usually produces a clearer, friendlier image than a window behind the speaker. When natural light is unavailable, a modest lamp placed in front and slightly to one side can help. The goal is not to resemble a news anchor broadcasting from a lunar studio. It is merely to ensure that your colleagues can see your eyes.
The background itself should offer a little personality without demanding its own speaking time. One plant, a few books, framed art, or an object connected to your work can create interest. Twenty unrelated objects may encourage participants to play visual detective instead of listening to the meeting.
Pets remain unpredictable. A sleeping dog may make the room feel warm and authentic. A cat may walk across the keyboard, cancel the microphone, and present its tail to senior management. Room Rater taught viewers that both outcomes can improve entertainment value, although only one improves productivity.
There is also a privacy lesson. Showing personality does not require revealing family documents, street views, children’s schedules, prescription bottles, or confidential work materials. A quick camera test should include checking for readable text and reflections in mirrors, windows, and picture frames.
Ultimately, the Room Rater experience made virtual communication feel less sterile. It reminded viewers that a video background is not just decoration. It is part of the message. A warm, balanced room can make a speaker appear more approachable, while a dark angle and empty shelf can create distraction before the person has finished the first sentence.
The enduring lesson is pleasantly simple: raise the camera, face the light, add some depth, remove the laundry, and keep a photogenic dog nearby for emergencies. You may not receive a perfect 10/10, but you can probably avoid being described as broadcasting from an undisclosed location.
