7 Places You Should Never Forget to Install Security Lights

I’ve learned the hard way that locks and alarms aren’t always the first thing that scare off an intruder. What really makes a difference is light. A dark corner near the driveway, a shadowy path by the side gate, or that unlit patch by the shed—all of these are quiet invitations for someone looking to slip in unnoticed.

The truth is, most of us only think about the porch or maybe the garage, and we stop there. But when you look at real break-ins, it’s often those overlooked spots that give intruders the cover they need. The good news? You don’t need to turn your home into a fortress. You just need to light the right areas—the ones burglars hope you’ll forget about.

Over the next few minutes, I’ll walk you through seven lighting spots that most homeowners ignore, but that can instantly make your home feel safer.

So here’s my question: if someone walked around your property tonight, would they find dark hiding places—or a house that tells them to move on?

1. Front Door Lighting — More Than Just a Porch Light

I’ll start with the front door because it’s where most of us feel the safest—and that’s exactly why burglars take advantage of it. Believe it or not, nearly one in three break-ins happen through the front door. Surprising, right? We think a porch light is enough, but placement and type of lighting matter more than just flipping a switch.

Optimal height and angle for coverage

I’ve seen so many homes where the light is either too high, casting long shadows, or too low, blinding the homeowner instead of the intruder. What works best is keeping the light:

• Around 8–10 feet high, angled slightly downward
• Wide enough beam to cover the entire entry area, not just the door handle
• No blind spots—you should be able to see anyone approaching from the steps or walkway

Think of it this way: if you can see your visitor’s face clearly before they ring the bell, you’ve set the angle right.

Motion vs dusk-to-dawn lights at entrances

I’ve tried both, and here’s what I’ve learned:

• Motion sensor lights are excellent for catching someone off guard. The sudden flood of light can be enough to make them think twice.
• Dusk-to-dawn lights give constant visibility, which is useful if you get a lot of visitors after dark or want a steady sense of safety.

My personal pick? A combination—steady soft light with a motion-triggered boost. That way, you don’t waste energy, but you still get that element of surprise. And if you’ve got a dog door near your entry, don’t forget that it can also be a weak point—here are 7 dog door security hacks you can try today to keep that spot as secure as your front door.

2. Driveway & Garage Entrances — Protecting Your Biggest Assets

Now, let’s move to the driveway and garage. If you’re like me, you’ve probably left a car parked outside or had a package dropped on the driveway. These are prime targets because they’re valuable, visible, and often left unguarded. According to ADT, lighting is one of the simplest ways to make a home look like a “hard target” rather than an easy one.

Car safety and package theft deterrence

Driveway lighting does two things at once:

• Keeps your car visible so anyone approaching it is exposed
• Covers delivery spots where packages usually sit unattended

Even a single floodlight angled at your driveway can make it nearly impossible for someone to sneak in without being noticed.

How to avoid glare while covering wide driveways

One mistake I see often is homeowners blasting the entire driveway with blinding light. It doesn’t just annoy the neighbors—it also creates dark shadows where someone could still hide. The fix is simple:

• Use two smaller lights instead of one giant floodlight
• Angle them slightly inward so they overlap in the center
• Add a low-level path light for extra visibility without glare

This layered approach not only protects your car and packages but also makes walking in at night safer for you and your family. For those using smart systems like Frigate to monitor driveways or garages, my guide on 5 things I wish I knew before setting up Frigate for home security will save you from common mistakes.

Now tell me—if you looked at your front door and driveway right now, would you feel confident that every angle is covered, or are there still shadows where someone could slip through unnoticed?

3. Side Paths and Gateways — The Overlooked Weak Spots

If you ask me where a burglar prefers to slip in, it’s never the front. It’s those narrow side paths or a gate that leads straight to the backyard. Hidden from the street, quiet, and often left in the dark—they’re basically shortcuts into your home.

Why burglars love side entrances

I’ve walked around enough homes to notice a pattern:

• Side gates are rarely locked or even lit properly
• Tall fences give cover, making it easy to climb or sneak through
• Trash bins, bikes, and tools often sit here, tempting easy grabs

If you can stand at your side gate for 10 seconds without being seen from the street, then so can an intruder.

How layered lighting creates choke points

The trick here isn’t one blinding floodlight. It’s about creating layers so movement feels exposed at every step:

• Pathway lights guide you in but also strip away hiding spots
• Motion sensors at gate height catch anyone opening or climbing it
• Overhead fixtures near the side door create a final choke point

Layering light forces a trespasser to step into exposure again and again.

4. Backyard and Patio Doors — Making Hidden Areas Unattractive

Your backyard should be a place to relax, not a free pass for intruders. Patio doors are a favorite because they’re often glass, sliding, and less reinforced than the front. The challenge? Lighting them without making your neighbors hate you.

Using floodlights without disturbing neighbours

I’ve made this mistake myself—throwing up a giant floodlight that blasted my neighbor’s windows every time the dog walked by. Instead, I learned to:

• Angle lights down and inward, not across fences
• Use shielded fixtures to control the beam spread
• Set smart timers so the lights don’t run all night

This way you stay protected without sparking a neighborhood complaint.

Blending lighting with landscaping aesthetics

Security doesn’t have to ruin your yard’s vibe. In fact, the right setup can add beauty and safety at once:

• Pathway and garden lights double as décor
• Uplighting trees or shrubs adds atmosphere while removing dark cover
• Warm LED tones make the space inviting for you but uninviting for intruders

Done right, your patio feels like a cozy retreat while staying fully lit against unwanted visitors.

5. Upper Windows & Second-Story Access Points

Most people ignore the second story, assuming it’s safe. But I’ve seen burglars use ladders, trellises, even stacked bins to reach a window. According to Homes & Gardens, lighting higher access points is often forgotten, making them vulnerable.

Why ladders and trellises are an invitation

If you have:

• A trellis near a window
• A flat roof section
• Stored ladders outside

…you’ve already given someone a climbing route. Good lighting here discourages attempts before they even start.

How angled lighting covers vertical risks

To protect upper levels, you don’t need stadium lights. You need smart placement:

• Wall-mounted fixtures angled upward to wash the façade
• Motion lights near balcony doors that trigger if anyone climbs
• Spotlights at ground level angled to illuminate second-story walls

Even if someone tries, the risk of being spotted goes up tenfold.

Now, think about your own home: do your side paths, backyard doors, and upper windows look like private shortcuts, or do they tell intruders, “You’ll be seen the second you try”?

6. Outdoor Sheds, Workshops, and Detached Structures

When I walk around most homes, the shed or workshop is usually the last thing people think about. But for an intruder, it’s the first stop. Tools, bikes, lawn equipment—these are easy to grab and quick to sell. And because sheds are away from the main house, nobody notices until it’s too late.

Protecting tools and valuables away from the main house

If you’ve got a shed, garage, or detached structure, here’s what I recommend:

• Keep lights at entry points—doors and windows need direct coverage.
• Angle fixtures outward so anyone approaching is lit before they get inside.
• Use simple solar lights if wiring is tough; even small illumination cuts the cover of darkness.

Think of it this way: your shed should look just as unwelcoming to strangers as your front door.

Smart sensor placement in low-traffic areas

Most sheds sit in the back or side yard, areas you don’t check often. That’s where sensors pay off:

• Motion-activated lights that trigger with even small movement
• Adjustable sensitivity so the neighbor’s cat doesn’t set it off all night
• Pair with cameras if you keep expensive tools inside

Low-traffic areas are exactly where burglars hope you’ll forget about security—so light them up.

7. Landscaping Lighting — Security That Doubles as Curb Appeal

I love when a yard feels both safe and beautiful. The trick is using lighting that makes intruders uncomfortable but makes your home look warm and inviting. As explained in the Kenner Electrics lighting placement tips, the right mix of function and design keeps your house secure without killing its charm.

Using pathway lighting to reduce trip hazards + crime

Path lights aren’t just for looks—they guide you in safely and take away hiding spots:

• Line both sides of a walkway so shadows don’t form
• Use low-glare LEDs for steady visibility
• Cover bends or corners where someone might linger unseen

If you can walk from the street to your door without stepping into darkness, you’re doing it right.

Thorny plants + lights = natural deterrents

Nature can work with you, not against you. I’ve seen great results when homeowners combine landscaping with lighting:

• Place thorny shrubs under windows and angle a spotlight over them
• Uplight taller bushes or trees to remove dark cover
• Mix warm garden lights with security beams so the yard looks intentional, not over-guarded

This way, your yard feels inviting to guests but off-limits to anyone with bad intentions.

Common Mistakes People Make With Security Lights

Even with the best intentions, I’ve seen homeowners set up their lights in ways that actually make things worse. A poorly placed or neglected light can give a false sense of security—and intruders notice these gaps quickly.

Too much brightness (creates dark shadows)

It sounds odd, but blasting your yard with super-bright lights isn’t safer. Overpowering beams create harsh shadows, and those shadows become hiding spots. Think balance, not stadium lighting.

Wrong height and blind spots

Mounting lights too high means the beam spreads wide but misses faces. Too low, and you blind yourself instead of the person outside. The sweet spot is usually 8–10 feet high, angled slightly downward.

Forgetting maintenance (burnt-out bulbs = false security)

I’ve walked past homes with half-dead floodlights, and to me, that’s an easy sign: “Nobody’s checking this place.” Regularly test bulbs, clean the fixtures, and replace them as soon as they dim out. Lighting is just one piece of the puzzle—most homes also have unseen gaps that intruders know about. I covered them in detail in 7 security gaps you need to close before you can call your home safe.

Smart Tech Integration — Beyond Basic Motion Lights

If you love gadgets, security lighting has come a long way. It’s not just about bulbs anymore—it’s about how your lights connect with the rest of your home.

WiFi-enabled lights with camera sync

Smart lights that sync with security cameras don’t just turn on—they record. The moment someone steps into range, you get both light and a video clip. It’s like having a silent witness ready to share evidence.

Automation schedules while travelling

When you’re away, the last thing you want is a dark, obviously empty house. Smart lights let you:

• Set custom schedules so your home looks lived in
• Randomize patterns to avoid predictability
• Control remotely from your phone if plans change

Turn Your Home Into the Hardest Target on the Block

After walking through these seven lighting spots, here’s the truth: you don’t need to cover every inch of your property. You just need to cover the right areas. Front doors, driveways, side gates, sheds, and even those forgotten upper windows—together, they account for almost all the ways someone might try to get in.

Even if you add just two or three of these tonight, your home instantly becomes a tougher target. Burglars don’t want a challenge; they want an easy score. With the right lighting, you make your place the one they pass by.

What about you—do you feel your home lighting is ready, or did this list make you realize a few blind spots? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if you want more practical, no-fluff guides on keeping your home safer, make sure to check out my latest updates on Build Like New.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional security advice. Always consult a licensed electrician or security professional before making major installations or changes to your home.