Security cameras are top-rated tech devices nowadays, and they are very efficient in more than one situation.
But you need to know how to place them correctly to get all the benefits from such a device.
You also need to consider the environment you are planning to put them in for increased efficiency.
Here is everything you need to know about office security cameras, home cameras, and those for personal use and how to use them properly!
We’ll talk about how to hide them both indoors and outdoors and what to do with the cables to make them more discrete.
Why Should I Try To Hide Security Cameras?
There are a number of reasons why you might consider trying to hide a surveillance camera. Some of the most common reasons include the following:
- They are less likely to be tampered with by burglars
- They won’t be noticed as easily by visitors to your house and they won’t feel nervous about being recorded
- Your house aesthetics won’t be harmed
- You can gather better footage of your nanny or people working on your home renovation if they don’t know they’re being recorded
How To Hide A Security Camera Outside
If you are planning to place your security cameras outside of your property, you need to get a bit creative when you choose the perfect spot.
Place It Inside A Birdhouse
This is a great idea that no one will see it coming. You can hide your camera inside a fake birdhouse that will not attract any
attention. And you can count on the fact that no one will get suspicious about a birdhouse.
Place It In A Green Area
You can install your security camera in a tree or a thick bush where all the green leaves will do a great job at hiding it from curious eyes. As long as the angle is the right one and you get good quality images, this is a great option!
Hide It In A Garden Accessory
If you have gnomes in your garden, you are saved! You can hide your camera inside such a gnome easily. And besides the fact that it is a very safe place, it is also a place that will protect your camera from challenging weather conditions.
Hide Cameras Under The Eaves
This is a nice solution as you’d most likely want your surveillance camera to be higher up, pointing down at what you want to record. This gets you a better field of view and it’s also less likely to be tampered with, should someone notice it.
You can easily do this with the Reolink Argus for example.
Consider A Video Peephole Doorbell
Okay, so it’s not exactly hidden, but it’s kind of hidden in plain sight. If you have an existing peephole, this can be a very easy way to keep an eye on what’s going on at your front door without making it totally obvious.
The best video doorbells are quite discrete. The best part? They connect via Wi-Fi to your smartphone so that you can get alerts and notifications if any motion is detected. Some of them even have 2-way audio so that you can talk to delivery people, etc.
Here are some of our top picks:
Consider Using An Indoor Camera, Pointed Outside
Another idea for having a very well-hidden security camera on your property is buying one designed for indoor use. Then, keep it indoors, but just point it through a window toward the area you want to keep an eye on.
Results with this vary because they’ve working through glass, particularly at night. Do some experimentation for best results.
How To Hide A Security Camera (Inside Or Outside): Video
How To Hide Wires And Cables Outside
Hiding your security cameras and the signs that warn your visitors about them is not all it takes. You also need to consider the cables of these cameras. Luckily, these cables are relatively easy to mask so you shouldn’t be overly concerned about it!
Mix Them With Other Cables
You most likely have different types of wires in your home from other devices. If that is so, it is a great idea to blend your camera cables in with the rest of them. No one will stay to identify which cable is from what device. And you can leave them like that for years.
Use A Cable Channel
Cable channels are used for a wide variety of cables. People mask their internet cables or any other cables by using these plastic channels that are usually the same color as the walls to be even harder to notice. Your house will look neat, and you can mask other cables as well by using this method since you are at it.
Place Them Behind Outdoor Furniture
Your furniture pieces are your best friends when it comes to hiding things, and cables are no exception. You can hide your camera cables behind your gnomes, pool or tables and chairs. It all depends on the settlement of your space and what furniture you have in your yard.
Run Them Through Walls
If you’re handy with a drill, then you may want to run your cables through walls. This is actually the preferred option because they’re far less easy to tamper with. In addition, they are well protected from the elements this way.
Consider A Wireless System
To make your life easier with regards to this, you may want to consider a wireless device instead. These systems run on Wi-Fi and the other advantage is that you can access the footage remotely via smartphone.
Tricks For Hiding Cables: Video
How To Discretely Hide Security Signs
In many places, you are required to notify people that you may be monitoring them. You can do this via a sign that you place on your property. However, there are some tips and tricks for making this not so obvious.
When you install a security camera sign, you should be discreet at all times. These signs can’t be in the open, or you sabotage the purpose of such a camera. So, here are a few methods that will have you covered when you have such a task to do!
Place Them Away From The Actual Cameras
Placing the security camera sign right next to your cameras is a bit too much. You need to maintain some mystery when it comes to the places you have your cameras installed at.
Incorporate Them Into The Background
The best way to mask a security camera sign is by blending it into the environment. If you have an area of your house that is “busy” with decorations, you can consider that to be an excellent place for such a sign. But don’t put signs like that on empty walls where everyone can see them from the first moment they get on your property.
Put Them At The Entrance Of Your Property
A good idea when it comes to placing your security camera sign is to put it right at the entrance of your property. But not on the front door because that is far from being discreet. Instead, place it outside on a pole near your entrance or a tree or even on a fence you might have.
How To Hide A Security Camera Inside
Hiding a security camera inside might be even easier than hiding it outside. Inside your space, you most likely have pieces of furniture and accessories that can help you be successful at hiding your cameras.
Hide It In Home Decoration
Most likely, you have plenty of home decorations such as books, different embellishments, and paintings. You can’t go wrong with hiding your cameras in one of these decorations, especially if you choose one that is not so in the view for your visitors.
Place It Inside A Toy
If you have children, this is a relatively easy option. You can place your cameras inside a teddy bear or any other toy you find suitable. Just make sure that you don’t go for a toy that your child loves to play with at all times.
Install Your Camera Behind The Light
From all the options you have to hide your camera, your best bet is most likely behind a light. No one will actually look at your lights for once because they are too bright, to begin with, and they are not a point of attraction for visitors anyway.
Consider A Nanny Cam
The best hidden indoor cameras are designed to look and function like real objects. For example, a smoke detector, USB charger, water bottle, alarm clock, digital picture frame, etc.
Consider Hiding It In Plain Sight
In many cases, the best option for where to place security cameras can be in plain sight. This way, they can act as a deterrence to bad guys who may pass by your home in favor of another one without a surveillance system. After all, nobody likes being caught on camera doing something illegal.
If you’re going to go with this option, place cameras near the front and back door, as well as other access points to your house (sliding doors are particularly vulnerable). Place them high up and out of reach, but make sure that they’re in plain view of people who might approach your door.
Also consider using a security camera sign to alert people to the fact that you have this installed and filming them.
One of our top picks for this type of system is Q-See Cameras. They are very high in quality, easy to install but come with a reasonable price. You can learn more here:
How To Hide Security Cameras: Final Thoughts
When you decide to install security cameras in your house or on your property, you need to consider all the above aspects. You also need to consider the hidden camera laws in your state.
These cameras can be extremely useful at preventing incidents from happening but also at solving them if they do happen. But for that to happen, you should make sure that you invest in high-quality cameras and choose the place you set them up in the right way.
Make Surveillance Cameras More Discrete: Your Thoughts?
What are your thoughts on how to hide a security camera, both indoor and outdoor versions, as well as how to hide signs and cables. Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.
Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other people concerned about security, like yourself find this useful resource.
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Last update on 2025-03-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
