Security Camera Mounting Ideas: Secure and Creative

Installing security cameras around your property is one of the best ways to deter crime and keep your home or business safe. However, the placement and mounting of these cameras are just as important as choosing the right camera models.

In this article, we will explore security camera mounting ideas and other camera mounting ideas. It also covers important factors to consider when selecting mounts to pair with your camera system. Read on for plenty of innovative ideas to securely mount cameras with style.

Top 7 Security Camera Mounting Ideas

When installing security cameras indoors, you’ll want to optimize the camera positioning to eliminate blind spots and intersecting fields of view. Here are seven creative ideas for mounting indoor cameras effectively:

1. Map Out Coverage Zone

Before mounting any cameras, map out the intended field of view from each vantage point. Consider existing obstacles like walls and furnishings when planning the coverage zones.
This allows strategic camera placement to maximize visibility and illuminate blind spots. You can create a basic layout sketch or use software tools to map camera angles.

2. Plan Cameras to Avoid Intersections of Field of View

Too much overlap results in inefficient use of cameras and wasted video storage. Carefully plan mounting locations so each camera monitors a distinct zone with minimal intersection. Analytics software can detect the degree of field overlap during setup.

3. Focus on Weak Points

Mount cameras directly covering any possible building entryways, including doors, windows, skylights, vents, etc. Position them to capture visitors’ faces for identification using facial recognition capabilities. High-resolution models may be required depending on the mounting distance.

4. Install Corner Shelves to Hold Cameras

Corner shelves and sconces provide an inconspicuous spot to install cube-style cameras. Paint the mounting surface to match your wall color for disguise. Ensure the background doesn't include windows or mirrors that could obscure footage.

5. Use Security Camera Mounts

Specialized mounts like pendant hangs, ceiling mounts, corner mounts, and poles adapt cameras to tricky indoor spaces. Opt for heavy gauge metals over plastic for durability. Run wires through mounts instead of exterior conduits whenever possible.

6. Integrate with Decorative Wall Sconces

Hide bullet cameras within hollowed-out wall sconces above doorways and hallways. The wiring stays discreet while matching your interior design aesthetic. You may be able to integrate sconces into existing junction boxes to simplify installation.

7. Disguise Indoor Cameras within Decorative Items

Mini cube cameras can be discretely tucked into plant pots, wall clocks, smoke detectors, exit signs, and other common household items. This hiding tactic works especially well for rental suites, kitchens, living spaces, and other private residential zones.

Creative Outdoor Security Camera Mounting Ideas

Outdoor camera mounting ideas require weatherproofing and creative concealment to avoid drawing attention and vandalism. Here are some clever ideas to mount cameras outside your home or business:

1. Mount the Camera Inside a Birdhouse

Mount the camera inside a realistic birdhouse placed high in a tree using a gooseneck mount. Use a compact bullet camera with a decorative birdhouse cover for disguise. Position it with sightlines to key zones like entryways and parking areas.

2. Install Cameras within Faux Outdoor Fixtures

Install cameras within hollowed-out faux outdoor light fixtures, architectural columns, or false utility boxes matching your property aesthetics. Dome and mini cube cameras seamlessly embed while capturing multiple angles.

3. Position Cameras Along the Roofline

Attach cameras using specialized eave mounts along porch and roof overhangs. Angled downwards, they can monitor doorways and perimeter fencing while remaining subtle and protected from rain.

4. Place the Camera Inside a Hollowed-out Tree Trunk

Place a dome or cube camera sealed inside a realistically hollowed-out tree trunk in your landscaping to seamlessly blend in. Ensure an outdoor-rated model with an adequate battery for wireless configurations.

5. Use Weatherproof Planters

Use decorative planter boxes on fence posts, gates, or walls to embed bullet cameras. Choose plants that won’t eventually grow to obscure the lens. Waterproof the camera and avoid soil contact.

Some outdoor security cameras are equipped with mounts for easy installation and use. For example, the Reolink Duo 3 PoE is one of them.

DIY Camera Mounting Hacks

You don’t have to spend excessively on commercial camera mounts if operating on a tight budget. These DIY security camera mount hacks create affordable camera mounts using household items:

• Use a fishing rod holder as a camera mount. Secure it to a patio beam, fence post, or garage eve with lag bolts.
• Cut a tennis ball in half to create a housing recess for mini cameras. Mount bullet cameras protected inside for economical weather and impact protection outdoors.
• Place cameras inside hollowed-out stuffed animals like teddy bears and snowmen. Position on shelves or sills discretely with a view outside through windows.
• Convert an old tripod into a camera mount. Invert an old photographic tripod to serve as an overhead rig. Secure the included mounting plate to ceilings or overhead beams with screws.

Bonus Tips: How to Choose Right Security Camera Mounts

While DIY solutions can work in a pinch, commercial security camera mounts maximize durability for permanent installations:

1. Types

Select the optimal mount type for your camera location, whether the pendant hangs, ceiling, wall, corner, pole, articulated arm, etc.

2. Indoor vs Outdoor

Outdoor mounts need weatherproof construction and corrosion-resistant materials able to survive rain, snow and UV exposure.

3. Construction Material

Opt for robust metals like galvanized steel instead of plastic mounts prone to premature breakage and tampering damage from vandals or thieves.

4. Camera Compatibility

Carefully match the mount to the camera’s weight capacity, frame dimensions, cabling access needs, articulation, and adjustment range.

5. Tamper and Vandal Resistance

Favor sturdy, tamper-resistant designs that are less vulnerable to damage or aim redirection. Enclose wiring pathways fully to prevent cutting. For public areas, choose heavy mounts that resist forceful removal attempts.

6. Installation Method

Choose mounting hardware that appropriately uses lag bolts in structural framing, adhesive bonding, or another reliable method for attaching mounts permanently to surfaces.

Investing in high-quality security camera mounts proves vital for external locations and views monitoring key entry points. On the other hand, DIY approaches sometimes work sufficiently for interior rooms or temporary setups if handled diligently.

FAQs

Where should I mount my home security camera?

Ideally, mount cameras covering all doors, gates, ground floor windows, perimeter fence lines, parking zones, and similar entry points.

Also covers interior pathways leading further into the home from such vulnerabilities. High-traffic areas and valuables like safes merit monitoring, too.

How high should a security camera be mounted?

Mount cameras at least 8-10 feet (2.5-3m) off the ground to adequately capture subjects’ faces in the video frame for identification. Angle the lens sightline slightly downwards for optimal facial positioning.

What security cameras don't require drilling?

Adhesive mounts, magnetic mounts, and clamp-style brackets allow for the installation of cameras solidly without drilling into building surfaces. Outdoor models also mount to exterior walls, rain gutters, lamp poles, trees, and gate fencing without drilling or invasive mounting.

Conclusion

Mounting security cameras innovatively improves discretion while expanding visibility coverage. Cleverly take advantage of existing infrastructure from faux light fixtures to hollowed-out tree trunks.

Match commercial mounts to your camera footprint and environmental factors for optimal durability. And complement high-security areas with budget-friendly DIY mounts where suitable. Share your unique security camera mounting ideas with us in the comment section below! Let's discuss together!