Have you ever had a peephole that was not in the middle of the door?

Patti
by Patti
My elderly mother is looking at a patio home that has a front door with a pretty glass insert, but it does not allow a way to see who is at the door. Has anyone ever seen a peephole installed on the side rail (stile) of the door (for instance...above the door knob but at her height. This is the only simple solution I can come up with. Will this work? Will it look weird? Makes sense to me, but I cannot find anything anywhere where anyone has done this!

Thanks from me and my 81 year old mom.

  7 answers
  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Feb 06, 2018

    Get a peephole with a fish-eye style lense and you will be able to see the entire door space, no matter where you place it.

  • Sharon Sharon on Feb 06, 2018

    Don't see why not as long as its at eye height for her, and buy one in the color of the finish if you can.... http://www.truevalue.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&hardwarianState=4&keyword=peep+holes

    If she's on the computer alot and has WIFI you can add a mini cam and software to see on smart phone or computer monitor.... https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_26?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=front+door+security+camera+wireless&sprefix=front+door+security+camera%2Caps%2C295&crid=NYQW4JUJKKY2

  • Great suggestions here! In my corner of the world people are getting Ring doorbells that you can access from any device you may have, smartphone, computer, etc. I don't know exactly how it works but from what I understand any time someone rings the bell, both of you could be notified and speak to them no matter where you are. Might be something to look into.


    https://ring.com/



  • Cindy Cindy on Feb 06, 2018

    Hi Patti, I think you should install the peep hole at the height where your Mom can use it. I'm very touched at your concern for your Mom. You might also consider putting a "No Soliciting" sign by her door. We use one and, guess what, it works. Best of luck to you both.

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Feb 06, 2018

    I want that peephole so badly! Like all the others I have had, the current one is almost a foot too high for me to see out of. Y’all people can bend down, but short people can’t stretch high enough too often. ☺️

    • See 1 previous
    • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Feb 07, 2018

      I will add my compliments, too, William. Every time I mention it, you would think I were asking asking to rebuild the whole house! When I get the right drill, I’m doing it myself. ☺️

  • William William on Feb 07, 2018

    You can put it anywhere that is convenient. Center of door is just for esthetics and symmetry.

  • Patti Patti on Feb 07, 2018

    Thank you all for your responses. I will definitely get the type that gives the broader view and will install at her height. She is fairly short. I just wondered if anyone ever installs on the side of the door. “Ring” is an exciting new idea, but anything electronic, smart phone or computer related will NOT work for her. She is not computer savvy and has no intention or desire to try. She does not have a smart phone and doesn’t want one. I love her dearly and am sooooo thankful to still have her in my life and nearby, but I need to supply what she can and will use. She’s still a little nervous about living alone since we lost my Dad several years ago, but she’s excited about this new phase. Thanks again all for the support.