You worked hard for your beautiful home. Naturally, you want to decorate it with things you love. However, some design choices can send the wrong message. These designs could welcome unintentional signs to burglars. These signs suggest your home contains valuable items. This makes your home a target. They look for clues that a home is worth the risk. Here are six clues that might be signaling wealth to thieves.
1. Leaving Designer Boxes on the Curb
This is the most direct advertisement you can make. You just bought a new 80-inch TV. You are, of course, excited. But placing that giant, glossy box by the curb is a terrible idea. You are literally providing thieves with an inventory. The same goes for designer brand boxes or high-end electronics packaging. Instead, you should break boxes down. Turn them inside out. Or, even better, take them directly to a recycling center.
2. Expensive Art Visible from the Street
A beautiful, large-scale painting is a status symbol. Unfortunately, it is also a target. If you hang expensive art on a wall that is visible from a front window, you are showcasing your wealth. A burglar walking by can see it. This tells them there are likely other valuables inside. Therefore, you should be mindful of sightlines. Place your most valuable pieces where they cannot be seen from the outside.
3. A Pristine, Untouched “Show Home” Look
This one seems counterintuitive. You would think a perfect home is a good thing. However, a house that looks *too* perfect can be a signal. If there are no signs of daily life, it might mean the owners travel frequently. A home that looks like a sterile museum is less likely to be occupied. Consequently, thieves see this as a sign of an empty house. An empty house, in turn, means an easier target.
4. An Unlocked, High-End Garage
Many people with expensive hobbies use their garage. You might have thousands of dollars in tools. Or you might store high-end bicycles or golf clubs. If you leave your garage door open, you are putting all of it on display. Moreover, an unlocked side door to the garage is a common entry point. Thieves know this. You must treat your garage with the same security as your main house. Keep it locked and organized.
5. Elaborate, Dark Landscaping
Manicured gardens and expensive landscape lighting look fantastic. But this design can backfire. First, it signals that you have significant disposable income. Second, dense, elaborate landscaping creates hiding spots. This is especially true if you do not use motion-sensor lights. A thief can hide in the shadows of your expensive shrubs. You should prioritize visibility and security in your lighting design, not just aesthetics.
6. Showcasing Your High-Tech Gadgets
Your smart home is convenient. But it can also be a beacon. If a burglar can see a high-end laptop, multiple tablets, and smart speakers through the window, they know you have money. These items are small, valuable, and easy to sell. Because of this, they are top-tier targets. You should always close your blinds at night. Also, make a habit of putting electronics away when you are not using them. Do not give thieves a reason to look twice.
Smart Decor Is Discreet Decor
You should absolutely enjoy your home. This is not about living in fear. Instead, it is about being smart and discreet. By being mindful of these decorating choices that signal wealth, you can create a beautiful space. But it will be a space that protects your privacy. Ultimately, the best-decorated home is one that looks lovely to you but looks uninteresting to a thief.
What are your thoughts on this? Share in the comments below.
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The post 6 Home Decorating Choices That Signal Wealth to Thieves appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
