Where to Place Home Security Cameras: Best Locations for Maximum Safety

Where to Place Home Security Cameras: Best Locations for Maximum Safety

Most people think slapping a few cameras around the house is enough to prevent phrogging. But if your cameras aren’t in the right spots, they might as well be decorations. Phroggers know where to look, and more importantly, they know where not to look.

A camera that’s too low? Easy to rip down. A camera facing a random wall? Useless. And don’t even get me started on ones blocked by tree branches.

If you’re spending money on home security, you want it to actually work. That’s why we’ve created this guide. We’re going to guide you where to place security cameras outside home (and shouldn’t) put your security cameras — so they actually catch what matters.

Best Places to Install Security Cameras

Setting up security cameras is not just about sticking them anywhere that feels right. If they’re in the wrong spots, they won’t help much. Here’s where your cameras actually need to go.

Outdoor Camera Placement

Here’s your outdoor camera place. 

Front Door

It sounds surprising, but about 34% of burglars just walk right through the front door. That’s why this is one of the most important places for a camera.

  • Install it above the door at a downward angle.
  • If possible, place it under a porch or awning to protect it from rain and glare.
  • A video doorbell works great here too, capturing anyone who comes close.

Back Door & Side Entrances

Burglars love these spots because they’re hidden. A camera here is a must.

  • Place it 8 to 10 feet high so it’s out of reach.
  • Keep it angled toward the door to make sure it captures the whole entrance.
  • If you’ve a side gate, consider adding a camera there too.

Garage & Driveway

Your garage and driveway are prime targets for break-ins. Whether it’s your car, tools, or bikes, phroggers know garages hold valuable stuff.

  • Position a camera facing the garage door and driveway to capture movement.
  • Motion-activated cameras work great here, so you don’t waste storage on empty footage.
  • If possible, install one inside the garage too, especially if you have an attached garage.

Windows Facing the Street

Burglars often check windows to see if they’re unlocked. A camera near a street-facing window can make them think twice.

  • Mount the camera high enough to capture anyone approaching.
  • If your home is multi-story, placing a camera above ground-floor windows is smart.
  • Just make sure it’s not pointing through a window (glass can interfere with night vision).

Yard & Fence Areas

Your backyard is also one of the most common break-in points.

  • Use wide-angle lenses to cover as much area as possible.
  • Mount cameras near fences, sheds, or anywhere valuable tools might be stored.
  • If you have a large yard, consider multiple cameras to avoid blind spots.

So, you’ve learned where to place security cameras outside home. Let’s talk about the indoors.

Indoor Camera Placement

Here’s the best place to install an indoor camera. 

Main Entryway & Hallways

Once inside, burglars usually pass through hallways or the main entryway to get to other rooms. A camera here helps track movement.

  • Aim the camera toward the front door and main hallway.
  • If possible, choose a camera with motion detection and alerts so you get notified immediately.

Living Room & Common Areas

Most break-ins aren’t just about cash — phroggers target TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, and other valuables.

  • Place a camera where it can see the entire room, not just one corner.
  • If you have an open floor plan, position the camera at an angle that covers multiple spaces.

Staircases & High-Traffic Areas

If someone breaks in, they’ll likely use the stairs to reach bedrooms and other important areas.

  • A well-placed camera here ensures you track their movement inside.
  • If your staircase has a turn, placing the camera higher up can give a better view.

Children’s & Elderly Rooms

For families, indoor cameras aren’t just about security — they’re also about safety.

  • A camera in a child’s room helps keep an eye on them at night or while you’re away.
  • Elderly family members may need monitoring in case of falls or emergencies.
  • Use cameras that allow two-way audio so you can communicate if needed.

Remember that when setting up cameras, placing them where they actually make a difference. And that’s why at Phrogging.io, we provide expert advice and solutions to help homeowners protect their property the smart way.

Best Camera Angles & Mounting Heights

So, you’ve learned where to place home security cameras. Here are the factors to consider when setting up your cameras.

Optimal Mounting Height

The height at which you install your camera plays a huge role in how effective it is. For outdoor cameras, the best height is between 8 and 10 feet. This height is high enough to keep the camera out of reach from potential tampering but still low enough to capture clear details of people’s faces. 

If the camera is installed too low, burglars can easily cover or damage it. On the other hand, if it’s too high, you might only capture the tops of people’s heads instead of useful facial features.

Indoor cameras, especially those placed in hallways or common areas, should be mounted at eye level or slightly higher for the best coverage. If you place them too high, you risk getting footage that doesn’t clearly show faces, making it harder to identify intruders.

Proper Camera Angles

The angle at which a camera is positioned can mean the difference between useful footage and something completely unusable. A good rule of thumb is to tilt the camera downward at a 30- to 45-degree angle

This ensures you get a clear view of faces rather than just the top of someone’s head or the ground. If the camera is too flat, it might not capture enough detail, and if it’s angled too sharply, it could miss important activity.

For outdoor security, the best approach is to position cameras facing entry points like doors, garages, and driveways while ensuring they capture a wide area. If you’re monitoring a large outdoor space, like a backyard, angling the camera slightly downward helps cover more ground without missing details.

Using Corner Placement for Maximum Coverage

One of the most effective ways to increase coverage without adding extra cameras is by placing them in corners. A corner placement allows the camera to capture a wider area while reducing blind spots. This is especially useful for indoor spaces, such as hallways, staircases, and living rooms, where movement is frequent.

For outdoor areas, placing cameras in the corners of your home can help cover multiple sides of the property. A well-placed camera in the corner of a garage or porch ceiling can monitor both the entrance and the driveway. 

This way, you don’t need multiple cameras to cover the same space.

What to Avoid When Placing Security Cameras

Even the best security camera won’t do much if it’s placed in the wrong spot. To get the best results, avoid these common mistakes.

Obstructed Views

One of the biggest mistakes people make is installing cameras in places where trees, walls, or furniture block the view. A camera with an obstructed view won’t capture what you need that leaves blind spots that intruders can take advantage of.

Direct Sunlight Exposure

Placing a camera directly in the path of the sun might seem fine during installation, but as the sun moves throughout the day, it can create glare that makes your footage completely useless. Sunlight hitting the lens directly can cause overexposed, bright, and blurry footage, which make it hard to see details like faces or license plates.

Too Low Placement

Mounting a security camera too low makes it easy for intruders to reach up and disable it. They can cover it, spray paint over the lens, or simply knock it down. This is a major problem, especially for front door, garage, and backyard cameras.

Ignoring Wi-Fi Signal Strength

For wireless security cameras, a weak Wi-Fi signal can cause laggy, blurry, or even missing footage. If a camera is placed too far from the router, it might have trouble staying connected, leaving choppy video, late alerts, or recordings that don’t capture the full event.

Recommended Security Camera Types

Not all security cameras are the same, and choosing the right one depends on your home setup and security needs. 

Wired vs. Wireless Cameras

The first major decision when choosing a security camera is whether to go wired or wireless. Wired cameras connect directly to a power source and recording system, making them more reliable since they don’t depend on Wi-Fi. They’re great for homeowners who want constant recording without worrying about signal drops. 

However, they require professional installation and drilling, which can be inconvenient.

But Wireless cameras are much easier to install since they don’t require running cables through walls. They connect to your home’s Wi-Fi and are placed anywhere within range. The downside is that they depend on a strong internet connection to work properly, and some models require frequent battery charging. 

Motion-Activated Cameras

Not every camera needs to be recording 24/7. Motion-activated cameras only start recording when they detect movement, saving storage space and battery life. These cameras are perfect for driveways, garages, front doors, and backyards, where you only need footage when something is actually happening.

Night Vision & Infrared Cameras

A camera is only useful if it can record clear footage day and night. Regular cameras struggle in the dark, producing grainy or blurry images that don’t help much. That’s why night vision and infrared cameras are crucial for proper security.

Infrared (IR) cameras use invisible infrared light to capture clear footage in complete darkness. Unlike regular cameras, which rely on streetlights or porch lights, infrared cameras can show detailed images even in pitch black conditions. These are perfect for backyards, alleys, garages, and any area with little to no lighting at night.

Smart Cameras with AI Detection

Traditional security cameras detect movement, but they don’t know the difference between a person, an animal, or a passing car. This leads to tons of false alerts, which quickly become annoying. Smart cameras with AI-powered detection fix this problem by recognizing specific objects and sending alerts only when real threats are detected.

For example, some smart cameras can tell the difference between a stranger and a familiar face that reduce unnecessary notifications. Others can distinguish between humans, vehicles, and pets, so you don’t get an alert every time your dog walks across the yard.

Wrapping Up

All in all — we’ve covered “where to place home security cameras.” Rember, if they’re too low, blocked, or facing the wrong way, they won’t catch what matters. Keep them high, angle them properly, and make sure they have a strong connection. 

Whether you choose wired, wireless, or smart cameras, the goal is simple — keep your home safe and secure.

But don’t wait until it’s too late. Get a reliable security camera here and keep your home safe.

FAQs

How many security cameras do I need?

The number of security cameras depends on your home’s size and layout. Most homes need at least 3-5 cameras covering entry points like the front door, back door, and garage. Larger properties need additional cameras for yards, driveways, and indoor high-traffic areas for complete coverage.

Should security cameras be visible or hidden?

Visible cameras deter crime, as phrogger often avoid homes with security systems. However, hidden cameras are useful for catching suspicious activity without alerting intruders. 

Can security cameras work without Wi-Fi?

Yes, wired cameras and local-storage security systems work without Wi-Fi. Some wireless cameras also offer SD card recording. However, Wi-Fi-enabled cameras allow remote access, real-time alerts, and cloud storage, making them more convenient. If Wi-Fi is an issue, consider battery-powered cameras with local storage or a wired DVR system.

Where is the best place to put security cameras in your house?

The best places include front and back doors, driveways, garages, and main entryways. Cameras should be mounted high (8-10 feet) and angled for a clear view of faces. Indoor cameras work best in hallways, staircases, and living areas to track movement inside the house.

Where not to place security cameras?

Avoid placing cameras where they violate privacy laws, like neighbors’ property, bathrooms, or bedrooms. Cameras shouldn’t face direct sunlight (causes glare) or be blocked by objects like trees or walls. Also, avoid placing cameras too low where they can be tampered with easily.

What is the best viewing angle for a security camera?

A 30- to 45-degree downward tilt provides the best coverage, ensuring facial recognition while reducing blind spots. Placing cameras in corners maximizes coverage. For driveways or yards, wide-angle lenses help monitor large areas, while doorbell cameras should be positioned at chest height for clear visitor identification.

Where are you allowed to put security cameras?

You can install security cameras on your property, covering entry points, driveways, and private spaces. However, avoid recording inside neighbors’ homes or public restrooms to comply with privacy laws. Always check local regulations if placing cameras near shared spaces, such as apartment hallways or condo buildings.

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