You’ve invested in security cameras—smart move. But where you place them matters more than their features or price tag. A poorly positioned camera is good at catching footage of stray cats but terrible at capturing vital security footage. The key is strategic placement—the difference between total coverage and blind spots everywhere. So, how do you make sure every angle is covered? This guide takes the guesswork out of the equation, showing you the best spots for maximum protection.
At [xAI], we focus on practical solutions that truly work. Let’s pinpoint the sweet spots in your home for your surveillance system.

Front Door Focal Point

Your front door is the star player in your home’s security setup. Nearly half of all burglaries start right here, making it the most critical spot to monitor. Mounting a camera above the door, roughly 7–9 feet high, and angled downward ensures that it captures faces clearly while avoiding distractions like treetops or wide sky shots. Doorbell cameras are especially effective in this area. With models ranging from $50 to $100, they offer a compact design and dual functionality, allowing you to monitor packages and deter porch pirates.
A properly placed front door camera can also keep tabs on visitors or potential trespassers. Whether you’re at home or away, having eyes on this critical spot gives you peace of mind.

Back Door Backup

While the front door gets the most attention, the back door often becomes the entry point of choice for burglars. It’s typically less visible from the street and often lacks surveillance, making it an easy target. Positioning a camera high on the wall or under the eaves ensures good visibility of the door and the path leading to it. To withstand weather conditions, opt for a waterproof camera that can endure rain and humidity.
Wireless cameras offer convenience for hard-to-reach spots, but wired cameras provide reliability, especially during storms. Covering this vulnerable area creates a formidable barrier against unauthorized access.

Garage Gatekeeper

Garages are treasure troves for intruders—they’re packed with tools, bikes, and often offer direct access to the house. Installing a camera in this area is crucial. You can mount one inside the garage facing the door or outside above it, capturing the driveway as well. Motion-activated cameras are ideal for this spot, with budget-friendly options available for $30-$60.
Side doors or windows near the garage are common weak points, so don’t forget to cover them too. Protecting this area ensures that your garage is no longer the easiest entry point for thieves.

Windows on Watch

First-floor windows are an easy target for burglars because of their accessibility. Instead of placing cameras on every window, focus on those that are secluded or hidden from view, like backyard or alley-side windows. Mount the camera high up, across from the window, to capture the full frame and its approach path.
Wide-angle cameras priced around $40 can cover multiple panes effectively, reducing the need for multiple units. This strategic placement safeguards your home’s most vulnerable entry points without overloading your system.

Driveway Defender

Driveways are hotspots for activity—vehicles parked there become instant targets for theft, and they provide intruders a quick escape route. Mount a camera on your house or a sturdy pole, tilted to cover the entire driveway, including license plates. Night vision is essential here, as most thefts happen under the cover of darkness.
Solar-powered cameras, priced at $50-$80, are a great choice for driveways since they eliminate wiring complications. A well-placed driveway camera ensures that intruders don’t have a free pass to your property.

Yard Overseer

If you have a large yard or blind corners, leaving these areas unmonitored creates serious blind spots. Mount cameras under the roofline or on sturdy structures like trees to cover the perimeter. Pairing a motion-sensitive light with a $60 camera not only records any suspicious activity but also scares off potential trespassers.
Keeping cameras high up prevents tampering—something shrubs can’t do. Covering these outdoor zones ensures your yard remains a safe, well-monitored space.

Indoor Hotspots

Security isn’t just about the exterior—monitoring key indoor areas is equally important. Focus on entry points such as the living room or hallway, especially near main doors or staircases. A $30-$50 indoor camera like Wyze offers wide-angle views and efficient coverage for these spaces.
Be mindful of privacy. Avoid placing cameras in sensitive areas like bedrooms or bathrooms—security should be smart, not invasive. Monitoring indoor hotspots adds an additional layer of protection, ensuring that no entry goes unnoticed.

Height and Angle Hacks

Where you place a camera—and how you angle it—plays a massive role in its effectiveness. Mounting cameras too low makes them vulnerable to tampering, while positioning them too high reduces their ability to capture useful footage. Aim for a height of 8–10 feet, tilted downward at a 30–45 degree angle for optimal clarity.
Before finalizing placement, test the view through your camera app to ensure no obstructions like branches or decorations interfere with the footage. Trim anything blocking the camera’s line of sight—clarity is crucial.

Overlap for No Gaps

Relying on a single camera for coverage is a recipe for blind spots. A proper security setup involves overlapping zones where multiple cameras complement each other. For instance, the front door camera can monitor the walkway, while the driveway camera captures side movements. Covering all angles prevents intruders from exploiting weaknesses.
A standard home can achieve solid coverage with two to four well-placed cameras, costing less than $200 in total. Regularly reviewing your camera feed ensures there are no dead zones in your setup.

Coverage Without Compromise

Strategic placement transforms basic cameras into a robust security network. The goal isn’t just recording—it’s deterring crime, documenting evidence, and dominating all angles of your property. Burglars thrive on gaps in security; don’t give them even a sliver of oversight. With your cameras covering all key areas, your home becomes an unwelcoming target for anyone with malicious intent.
At [xAI], we’re here to guide you in turning your home into a secure fortress. Share your setup success stories on X—or reach out if your layout presents challenges. Together, we’ll brainstorm your next move and elevate your security game.