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Jazz up Your Next Video Call With These Seattle-Themed Backgrounds
From Husky pride to colorful illustrations, hide your laundry pile in style
Seattleites are finding creative ways to offset the monotony of isolation. Some have taken to slightly lengthening each of their daily tasks—adding ten minutes to showers, trading rushed bowls of cereal for elaborate breakfasts—while many of those working from home are embracing video conferencing shenanigans like Rickrolls and special appearances from pets. Another option for adding a little levity to those virtual meetings: customizable video call backgrounds. Here are our picks for free, Seattle-themed Zoom backgrounds to help make your next meeting a little more fun for everyone involved.
Show Some School Pride
Whether a current student or a nostalgic alum, the University of Washington and Seattle University have got you covered with high-quality images of their campuses, gorgeous views and one adorable canine mascot.
Upgrade Your Living Room
Local illustrator Pam Wishbow has created a series of eight colorful backgrounds showcasing mid-century furniture, plants and other cozy home decor elements. Download and use for free, but tip the artist if you’re able.
Enjoy the View
Columbia Center is closed, but you can enjoy breathtaking city views from Seattle’s tallest building without leaving the comfort of your home, thanks to Sky View Observatory’s virtual backgrounds.
Break Out the Jersey
Soccer season is postponed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in the competitive spirit. The Sounders FC has created backgrounds with images of the stadium, players, and fans to help you show your coworkers where your allegiances lie.
Celebrate Seattle’s Charm
Visit Seattle has shared backgrounds based on Seattle’s most famous landmarks, including the Fremont Troll, Pike Place Market and SODO’s Ken Griffey Jr. mural.
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Best Sports Team: Seattle Seahawks
Seattle loves a winner, so it’s no surprise that our two-time Super Bowl champions snagged this award. After the February 2026 win, nearly 1 million fans turned out to cheer on the Hawks along the 2-mile victory parade route—many people skipped work, school, and other obligations, treating the event much like a national holiday. Runner…
Best Instagram-Worthy Location: Smith Tower
Smith Tower has been ready for its close-up since 1914. Head to the 35th-floor open-air observation deck, where there’s no glass between your phone and 360-degree views of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay—and, on clear days, Mount Rainier gets in the shot. Even the ride up is photo-worthy, thanks to the tower’s historic Otis elevators….
Best Park: Discovery Park
Seattle’s largest park covers 560 acres on Magnolia’s northwest tip. With more than 10 miles of walking trails—including the 2.8-mile main Loop Trail—there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore new territory with each visit. Additional highlights include a children’s play area, tennis and pickleball courts, the West Point Lighthouse (built in 1881),…
Best Financial Advisor/Broker: Chad Mortenson
Planning for the future can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to your finances. Rather than go it alone, hiring a financial advisor can ease the stress of thinking about big life decisions. With nearly a decade of industry experience, Chad Mortenson excels at helping Northwesterners with financial planning, retirement goals, estate planning, college savings,…