Best Places to Install Security Cameras in Your Home (2025 Guide)

1. Front Door Camera Placement (Priority #1)

The front door is the single most important camera location—34% of burglars enter through the front door. Mount your camera 7-9 feet high, positioned to capture faces at eye level when someone approaches. Angle the camera slightly downward to see package deliveries, visitors, and anyone attempting entry.

Pro tip: Install the camera on the wall adjacent to the door rather than directly above it. This side angle captures faces more clearly than a top-down view and provides better coverage of the approach path.

2. Driveway and Vehicle Parking Camera Coverage

Vehicle theft and vandalism are common in Windsor-Essex neighborhoods. A driveway camera should cover parked vehicles, the garage approach, and anyone walking up from the street. Mount the camera at 8-10 feet, angled to capture license plates and faces clearly.

For long driveways, consider two cameras: one near the street entrance and one near the garage. This provides complete coverage and ensures you see vehicles entering and exiting your property. Cameras with ColorVu or infrared night vision are essential for identifying people and vehicles in low-light conditions common in Windsor winters.

3. Backyard, Patio, and Side Gate Monitoring

Backyards and side gates are popular entry points because they're hidden from street view. Install cameras to cover patio doors, sliding doors, back decks, sheds, and any gates providing access from alleys or neighboring properties.

Mount backyard cameras on the rear wall, soffit, or detached garage at 8-10 feet high. Position cameras to avoid backlighting from setting sun, which can wash out faces. Consider cameras with wide-angle lenses (110-130°) to cover large yard areas with fewer cameras.

4. Garage and Workshop Security Camera Placement

Garages contain valuable tools, vehicles, and often provide direct access to your home. Install cameras to monitor the garage door, man door (if present), and the interior where tools and equipment are stored. If your garage is detached, add a camera covering the path between the garage and house.

1. Main Entry Foyer and Interior Front Door View

An indoor camera covering the main entry provides a second angle of anyone entering through the front door. This backup view is invaluable if outdoor cameras are disabled or if someone gains entry. Mount the camera in a corner or on the wall opposite the door at 7-8 feet high.

This location also monitors package deliveries brought inside, children arriving home from school, and visitors entering your home. The interior angle captures details that outdoor cameras might miss due to weather or lighting conditions.

2. Main Hallway or Central Living Area Coverage

Most homes have a central hallway or open-concept area connecting bedrooms, living spaces, and kitchen. A single well-placed camera here monitors movement throughout the home's main floor. Position the camera at the hallway's end, looking down its length, or in a corner of an open living area for maximum coverage.

This approach is more efficient and less intrusive than placing cameras in every room. It captures anyone moving through your home while respecting privacy in bedrooms and bathrooms.

3. Garage-to-House Door and Basement Stairway

If you have an attached garage, the door connecting it to your home is a critical security point. Many homeowners leave this door unlocked, making it an easy entry point if someone breaches the garage. Install a camera aimed at this door from inside the house.

Basement stairs are another key location, especially if your basement has exterior access, contains valuable items, or houses a home office. A camera at the top or bottom of the stairs monitors access and provides early warning of unauthorized entry.