When it comes to security, you can never be too careful. Hiding your security camera in a window is an easy way to ensure it won’t be stolen or noticed recording.
Many people are reluctant (and rightly so) when placing security cameras in places where cameras can be seen as they can easily get stolen. Cameras that can easily be seen are also more likely to get vandalized, as burglars can damage them to get rid of the evidence.
Here are ideas for hiding a security camera in a window.
Some of the best ways you can hide a security camera in a window are:
- Placing a camera out of a person’s line of sight
- Placing a security camera in an enclosure
- Hiding it in a tissue box
- Using a decorative hanging case cover
- Using a window frame to hide the camera
- Camouflaging your security camera
- Using blinds or drapes
Out of A Person’s Line of Sight
One of the reasons security cameras are placed high up is that people usually focus on objects above a certain height. Since most objects humans can interact with are at or below the average human height, we instinctively only pay attention to objects in this field of view. This means that if you place a camera at a height, intruders will not notice it unless they are expecting cameras around the house and are actively looking. (1)
For added security, you can note this as a general tip and use this with other camouflage ideas.
Place Your Security Camera in an Enclosure
Placing a camera in an enclosure is not only a really good way to hide a camera, but it also improves visibility. Light from light sources outside the camera’s coverage or light from the reflections off the window glass can cause lens flare in the captured footage.
An enclosure also keeps this unwanted light from reaching the lens. Since the enclosure keeps unwanted light from reaching the camera, even the uncovered part of the camera is hard to see.
Things You Need
- An enclosed box
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Place the camera inside a box (such as an alarm clock or a show box) and make holes as necessary for the wires and the camera lens.
- Hide the camera so that no direct light reaches the camera.
Hide It In Objects Like A Tissue Box
Ordinary burglars won’t notice it. This makes a tissue box perfect for hiding a camera.
Things You Need
- A security camera with minimal wiring that works properly at nighttime, reflection, and low light
- An empty tissue box
- A hole punch machine
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Start by taking a sturdy tissue box and punching holes using a hole punch. You can also use a pen, scissors, knife, or sharp object if you don’t have a hole punch. These holes should be placed appropriately for your camera’s lens and wire location.
- Place the camera inside the box and properly tape it to stay in place. Make sure that the lens is in front of one of the holes. Also, ensure that the hole is big enough not to get in the way of the footage but big enough to hide the camera. Placing the lens hole in a dark box patch will hide the lens better. Tape the wires with black electrical tape or masking tape as well.
- Place some sheets of tissue paper on top of the camera so that it looks like a regular tissue box. Also, pull one from the top slit to make it look ordinary. Make sure that the sheets of tissue paper don’t block the lens.
- Place the tissue box on the window sill, and you are good to go.
Use a decorative hanging case cover
A decorative hanging cover can allow you to place a camera above the line of sight of passersby and camouflage it at the same time. This will make your camera hard to detect. However, this may not hide the camera from all angles.
Things You Need
- A decorative cover of your choice
- A security camera
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Install the security camera in the top center of your window.
- Use your decorative cover to cover the camera. Decorative covers come in many shapes, sizes, and designs. Make sure to select one that fits perfectly over your camera. Don’t select a flashy cover as it draws attention to itself. Try getting one that matches the theme of your room and blends in.
- After covering up the camera, ensure the lens is placed in front of a hole or cut. The hole should be through a dark patch on the case.
- Now you have a pretty decoration hanging in front of the window with added protection!
Use a Window Frame to Hide the Camera
Hide the camera behind any top corner of the window frame and place a light source outside the window near the same corner so that no direct light reaches the camera. This will make the camera almost impossible to see at night while providing perfect light for your footage. (2)
Camouflage Your Security Camera
You can also surround the body of the camera with uninteresting everyday objects. It may provide an added advantage to place objects of the same color around them. The camera would also benefit from being in the shadow of these objects. Or you could buy a security camera with camouflage patterns and hide it inside a plant pot.
Use blinds or drapes
This is a good way to hide a camera during the day and if there is a bright light outside your window at night. If the drapes or blinds are made of bright colors, the camera will pretty much be invisible behind them.
Things You Need
- Blinds or drapes on your windows
- Security camera
Step-By-Step Instruction
- Shut the blinds or the drapes
- Place the camera in a way that it peaks through the drapes
- Place a light source outside and keep it on at night for better camouflage.
Turn Off IR Lights And Status Lights
You do not want IR lights to be on, especially if they emit red light when they’re on. If your camera is hidden well, the IR light will not reach the subject anyway and would waste power. Instead, use a light source to light up the surveillance area at night.
Status lights may also give away the camera’s location, especially at night. This can happen even if the camera is hidden. Use the manual and try to turn these lights off. If you can’t find a way, use electric tape to cover the lights, so they are not visible in the dark.
Make Sure Your Camera Is Close To The Glass
Install the security camera as close to the glass as possible, and cover it up with any of the above methods. This process is important as the window’s reflection can negatively affect the camera’s vision. You can get minimal reflection and a better view by placing the camera’s lens near the window.
FAQs
Can I use Privacy Film?
You can use a one-way film or a privacy film for extra protection. Install a security camera using any of the above methods. Cover up your window with a one-way window film or tint. A one-way window film will add privacy and security to your camera, as a one-way window film prevents people from seeing inside your room and spotting the camera.
Note: Although one-way privacy films and tints are a good option, they slightly obscure the camera’s vision and cause blurring. You will still be able to view good footage in the daytime, but you might have to add a few light sources on the outside for good vision at night.
Can a security camera see through a window?
If you place the camera close enough to the window or block the reflection of inside light sources from reaching the camera, the camera will have no trouble seeing through the window.
We hope that this collection of security camera ideas was useful for you. No matter which method you follow, make sure the camouflage objects do not gather much attention. With the rising crime rates and use of technology, security cameras are a necessary addition to any home or business. And hiding security cameras is important to maximize offered protection and minimize possible losses.
References
(1) average human height – https://ourworldindata.org/human-height
(2) perfect light – https://www.techsmith.com/blog/get-perfect-lighting-video/