6 Must-Know Spots for Installing Your Home Security Camera

I’ve tested dozens of home security cameras over the years—on shelves, walls, even solar panels—and one thing became crystal clear: where you place your camera matters more than the model you buy. You can spend hundreds on a high-tech camera, but if it’s in the wrong spot, you’ll miss the moments that actually keep your home safe.

In this guide, I want to walk you through the 6 best spots to put your home security camera—both outside and inside your home. I’ll share practical tips based on real experience, not just theory, so you can make sure your cameras catch what matters: packages, visitors, pets, and anyone who shouldn’t be there.

By the end, you’ll know exactly where to mount each camera for maximum protection and peace of mind.

1. Front Door – Your First Line of Defense

I always tell people that your front door isn’t just an entrance—it’s the first line of defense for your home. Most burglars don’t sneak in through the back; according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, around 34% of break-ins happen through the front door. That statistic alone made me rethink how I set up my cameras.

When you place a camera at the front, you’re not just catching intruders—you’re keeping an eye on everyone who comes and goes. Family, babysitters, delivery drivers, maintenance people—they’re all captured in clear detail. I personally use a video doorbell as my main front-door camera because it lets me see and even speak to whoever’s at the door, whether I’m home or not.

Here’s a tip from my experience: mount the camera 8 to 10 feet above the ground. It’s high enough to stay out of reach, but low enough to clearly capture faces. Make sure it’s angled to cover the approach path, not just the steps. I once missed a package thief because my camera was pointed too narrowly—angling it slightly outward solved that problem instantly.

Visible cameras also work as a deterrent. When people can see that your home is monitored, many will think twice before attempting anything shady. Trust me, that little adjustment can save you a lot of headaches.

2. Back and Side Doors – Cover Hidden Access Points

When I first thought about security cameras, I used to focus only on the front. Big mistake. Back and side doors are often less visible, making them favorite entry points for burglars. In fact, 22% of break-ins happen through these doors (NACHI), and CNET emphasizes that covering them closes major blind spots.

I recommend placing cameras on every secondary door, especially if one gets regular use or seems particularly accessible. A basement door or a side entrance near a garage can be surprisingly tempting for intruders. Make sure your cameras are mounted high, angled to capture anyone approaching, and ideally out of reach.

Here’s a tip I always follow: use cameras that blend with the exterior, so they aren’t obvious but still act as a deterrent. Pair them with motion alerts—this way, you get notified the moment someone approaches a door you might otherwise overlook.

If you’re looking for simple, budget-friendly ways to further secure these entry points, check out our guide on 10 easy ways to secure your home without breaking the bank.

3. Garage and Driveway – Protect Valuables and Vehicles

Garages are one of the weakest points in a home’s security, yet often contain bikes, tools, grills, and cars. I learned the hard way that leaving this area unmonitored is a huge risk. A camera here doesn’t just protect your stuff; it gives you peace of mind about anyone coming or going near your home.

If your garage is detached, a camera lets you stay connected to what’s happening outside. If it’s attached, it adds an extra layer of protection, monitoring a potential entry point.

I like to place cameras so they cover the driveway too, including gates, because it’s often the first place an intruder will be spotted. Motion detection is a must here—you’ll want alerts the moment someone approaches your property.

4. Wide Yard Views – Monitor Boundaries

When I added a camera to my yard, it changed how I felt about home security. Now, I can see anyone approaching before they even reach the house. Wide yard views are also great for keeping an eye on kids, pets, and anyone just hanging around your property.

I recommend using cameras with a wide field of view (130° or more) so you capture everything without blind spots. If you have multiple entrances—like gates, sheds, or side doors—make sure your camera covers them all.

The trick is to think like a visitor (or an intruder): which paths would someone take to get into your home undetected? Cover those angles first.

These camera placements work best when combined with other protective measures—like the strategies outlined in our guide on 18 proven ways to theft-proof your home.

5. Interior: Common Areas – Living Rooms & Kitchens

Indoor cameras can feel a little intrusive if you’re not careful, but they are incredibly useful when placed in the right spots. I focus on common areas like the kitchen or living room, where I can monitor high-traffic zones, keep an eye on kids, pets, or even babysitters.

Prioritize rooms with large ground-floor windows—these are potential break-in points. Make sure the camera can see important areas like a sofa, pet bed, or play area. I usually place indoor cameras in corners, which gives the widest field of view without cluttering the room.

The goal isn’t just catching intruders—it’s also about keeping tabs on your household in a subtle way.

6. Interior: Main Stairway or Hallway – Track Movement

The last spot I highly recommend is the main stairway or hallway. These areas act as internal highways, and placing a camera here ensures that anyone moving through the house is caught on film.

I make sure my cameras cover the entire width of the hall or stairs, so no movement goes unnoticed.

If someone enters through an unmonitored window or back door, they’ll still pass a camera on the way through the house. It’s like having an invisible net catching everything that happens inside.

Where Not to Install Cameras – Respect Privacy

I’ve seen too many people make the mistake of putting cameras in the wrong spots. It’s tempting to monitor bedrooms, bathrooms, or even neighbors’ properties—but this can lead to serious privacy issues and legal headaches.

Focus on areas that are public or semi-public: outdoor entrances, hallways, living rooms. For children’s rooms or seniors, I recommend alternatives like baby monitors, motion sensors, or medical alert systems.

Keeping cameras out of private spaces protects everyone while still keeping your home secure.

In addition to smart camera placement, it’s crucial to know what steps to take in an emergency—our guide on 7 critical steps to take if someone breaks into your home while you’re alone can help you prepare.

Outdoor Camera Placement Tips – Maximize Coverage

Mounting cameras outside isn’t just about sticking them on a wall. From my experience, a few small adjustments make a huge difference:

• Height matters: 8–10 feet is ideal—not too low, not too high.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Glare can ruin footage. Angle cameras for indirect light.
• Weatherproofing: Choose cameras rated for your climate; a small eave or shield helps a lot.
• Keep branches clear: Plants grow and can block the view over time.
• Visibility: I always leave cameras somewhat visible—sometimes, the best deterrent is just knowing they’re there.

These small tweaks saved me from blurry night footage and frustrated mornings checking cameras.

For more quick tips and updates on home security, you can check short guides and alerts through WhatsApp—these bite-sized insights make it easy to stay informed while managing your home’s safety.

Indoor Camera Placement Tips – Clear & Flexible Views

Inside, I follow a few simple rules to get the most out of each camera:

• Corners are your friends: They give the widest view of a room.
• Shelf placement: If you don’t want permanent mounts, shelves allow flexibility and easy adjustments.
• Watch reflections: Windows and mirrors can obscure infrared or motion sensors.
• Indirect lighting: Avoid pointing cameras at bright lamps or windows; even small adjustments can drastically improve image quality.

These small placement tweaks made my indoor cameras actually useful instead of just “decorative tech.”

Video Doorbells – Special Installation Rules

I’ve installed plenty of video doorbells, and they’re not the same as standard cameras. Here’s what works best:

• Mount about 4 feet above the base of the door to match natural eye level.
• Angle outward: Capture the approach path, not just the steps.
• Use wedges if needed: Many doorbells come with small angles to fit narrow porches.

A properly placed video doorbell gives you more than security—it lets you interact in real time and see deliveries or unexpected visitors clearly.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s not just the camera—it’s where you put it. I’ve learned that even a cheap camera, strategically placed, will outperform an expensive one stuck in the wrong spot.

Think like someone approaching your home: cover all entrances, monitor common areas, and track interior pathways. Pair outdoor and indoor coverage, respect privacy, and pay attention to lighting and mounting angles. With these steps, you’ll have a system that actually works for you—not just in theory, but in real life.

Here’s a question for you: if you could monitor just one spot perfectly, which would it be, and why? I’d love to hear what you choose—drop it in the comments or share your setup!

If you want to explore more detailed guides on all kinds of home security solutions—from cameras to sensors and alarms—you can visit our Home Security category for step-by-step advice.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general home security guidance only. Always follow local laws and regulations regarding surveillance and privacy. The author and website are not responsible for any damages or legal issues arising from camera installation.