If you’ve been wondering how to hide a security camera in a window, you have probably been faced with a barrage of information and ads—some helpful and some not. There are many reasons why you may want to know how to hide a security camera in a window, but the technique you use will depend on what kind of windows and cameras you have.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about security cameras and increasing the security of your windows.
Table of Contents:
- Tips for How to Hide a Security Camera in a Window
- Why Hide a Security Camera in a Window?
- Finding the Perfect Hidden Security Camera
- Keeping Your Windows Secure
- How to Hide a Security Camera in a Window with Acadian
Tips for How to Hide a Security Camera in a Window
There are several ways to keep your security camera hidden, but the best options are to either hide them in plain sight or camouflage them in the rest of your home.
1. Blend It In
Perhaps the most effective way to hide a security camera in a window is to have it blend in with its surroundings in your home. Cameras can easily be disguised within tissue boxes or, if your windows have enough space, within bookshelves.
However, one of the most effective ways to camouflage your camera can be to put it in a plant. It should not draw suspicion to have a plant by a window and will go unnoticed by most people. Since pots can be fairly large, they can even hide any attached wire.
The plant can be hanging or set on a ledge of some kind. And if you happen to not have a green thumb, the plant doesn’t even have to be real!
2. Keep It High
As a general rule, people do not typically look above their eye level unless they have a good reason to. If you want the option to pivot or move a camera around or are trying to have a wider range of vision, putting a camera up in the corner of a room or window and having it point down is another great way to hide a security camera in a window in plain sight.
Why Hide a Security Camera in a Window?
Modern security cameras as we know them came about in the early ‘70s. Visible security cameras are typically meant to be a deterrent to bad or illegal behavior. However, there are also many reasons that an individual would want to have a hidden camera instead.
Hidden cameras have a large range of practical uses. With a hidden camera in the window, you can get more details if someone breaks into your home—and those details can often make all the difference. This is because someone would not be able to see the line of sight for a hidden camera. In short, if someone cannot see a camera, then they cannot take steps to avoid the camera—or disable it.
Windows are commonly how burglars or other intruders enter the house. In fact, 23% of burglars come through the window. Because of this, the window can be an especially effective space to hide your security camera.
Finding the Perfect Hidden Security Camera
To understand how to hide a security camera in a window and get the best results, you must first decide what kind of security camera you want. Cameras can vary dramatically and there are many different moving parts to consider before making a final purchase.
Power Source
With an indoor camera, you will have two different power options: wired or wireless.
Wireless
Wireless cameras are easier to install but, of course, you have to consider their battery life. Some options are rechargeable, while others require a complete battery replacement at least once a year.
Wired
Wired cameras have one advantage—you never have to replace or recharge any batteries. These cameras are plugged or hardwired into your home, making them constantly connected.
Of course, this also comes with a disadvantage. If you live in an area like New Orleans that is prone to storms, meaning that the power may go out frequently, the camera may not always be able to connect and work properly. If you are worried about having a security camera that is guaranteed to function during a weather-related event, wireless may be your preference.
Recording Style
The way that the camera records footage can also factor into the camera type. Some types require physical storage, while others work completely online.
DVR
Digital Video Recorders, or DVRs, are not Wi-Fi connected. These cameras are most likely part of a wired security system.
NVR
Network Video Recorders, or NVRs, are Wi-Fi connected. They can be wireless or wired. If it is the latter style, then they likely use Ethernet cables.
Cloud Recording
Cloud recording is when the footage goes through an online storage system. This is usually the most popular choice for a single hidden camera.
The advantage of this is that if something happens to your camera, you can still access the footage. However, because it operates through Wi-Fi, outages can stop or delay recording.
Camera Shape
While it may not be as high of a priority, understanding how to hide a security camera effectively can also be related to picking the right shape for your space.
Bullet Shape
Bullet cameras are usually best for corners, which may not make them ideal for a window unless it is on the edge of the home or otherwise near a wall. If you do have a window in that location, this is an easy security camera to hide as it will likely not be at eye level for anyone walking by.
Dome Shape
Dome cameras are usually placed on the ceiling. This gives a wide field of view, which can make them great if you have high windows that reach the ceiling—but less than ideal if not.
Box Shape
Box cameras are less popular now, but can be ideal for hiding a security camera in a window if there is a desk, ledge, or other flat landing on the window itself for the camera to sit on.
Camouflaged
These hidden cameras are meant to look like other objects, such as a teddy bear or pen. While this is usually the absolute best way to hide a security camera, it is not likely to be the best camera available.
Other Features to Consider
While the shape, recording method, and power source are some of the most important aspects to consider, you may also want to think about these other camera features before purchasing a security camera.
Pan, Tilt, and Zoom Abilities
Do you need the camera to be able to move? If you do not want to be limited to the camera’s field of view without having to physically move it, then you may want a camera with the remote ability to rotate, zoom in, or tilt.
Durability
When you invest in a security camera, you want it to last. Most indoor cameras will have a longer lifespan than outdoor cameras, but make sure to check the IP rating.
You should also try to have a camera that fits into the temperature range of the area you live in case the power goes out during extreme weather. Another way to keep cameras functional for longer is to make sure the window you hide them in is up-to-date and secure itself, helping to protect your camera and your home from the elements.
Keeping Your Windows Secure
Now that you know how to find the right security camera for your home and how to hide a security camera in a window, you must consider the next step—how to keep that camera safe. Having secure windows helps keep the rest of your home secure, since entering through a window is the second most popular way to break into a home. It’s more likely an intruder will come through a window than garages, back doors, or basements.
How to Know if You Need New Windows
If your windows are old, damaged, or suffering from issues caused by the weather, then you may need to consider replacements to make sure that they’re staying secure. There are several ways to know if you need new windows:
- Drafts by your windows
- Condensation between glass panes
- The window is difficult to open and close
- Loud outside noises are coming in
- An increase in energy bills
- Decay or clear water damage
If you have been feeling a draft near your window, its seal has likely been damaged at some point. Higher energy bills can also accompany a window that is letting air out. Much like a draft, condensation or loud noises can also show the seal has become broken in some way. A broken window seal can affect your safety.
However, the most obvious way to know if you need new windows is if there are clear damages to the window or the surrounding frame. Even if it feels fine, it’s the surest way for would-be intruders to know that there is already a weakness in your home that can be exploited, camera or no camera.
Learn more by reading our expert tips on the signs that you need new windows. If you want to be extra safe, there are many additional ways to secure your windows, including grilles, sensors, or other new technology.
How to Hide a Security Camera in a Window with Acadian
Now that you know how to hide a security camera in a window, you can feel more confident in your home. Make sure to keep that camera and your house, family, and belongings safe with the help of Acadian Windows.
Our team prides itself on keeping Louisiana and Mississippi residents safe with new and replacement windows of all kinds. To learn more, contact us today!
