People Are Decorating Their Door’s Chain Lock—But Is It Actually Safe?

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Locking up your house might be one of the most important homeowner to-dos you can do all day—keeping your favorite family safe is non-negotiable—but it's not a particularly riveting chore. If we're being honest, it's pretty mundane. However, some design-minded people are bringing some style to their home security by covering their chain locks in tiny trinkets. This essentially turns your boring door chain lock into a charm bracelet for your front door.

Home styling and hosting company Dear Bungalow posted a video of this snazzy setup on their Instagram—“safety, but make it chic,” the reel reads—but the comments were mixed.

Some people delighted in the thoughtful touch. “Carrie Bradshaw would have loved this,” one person wrote. “I love people that make everything they touch beautiful for no reason,” another said. “Like, yes let's have fun in this little life!” However, others were wondering if the weight of the charms would compromise the integrity of the door lock—and your home's security.

According to the pros, it's a little more complicated than that.

“I have no issue with people finding ways to decorate their homes in a way that feels authentic to them and their style; however, you shouldn’t jeopardize your safety for the sake of aesthetics,” says Hooman Shahidi, Chief Product Officer at SimpliSafe. “While a charm bracelet door lock won’t diminish your safety, it certainly won’t enhance it.”

Kim Wright—director of corporate security at ADT and former FBI special agent—says the type and size of charms used is something to consider.

“If the charms are too bulky and prevent the lock from functioning properly, I’d advise people against it,” she says. “However, if the charms don’t create additional issues with your lock and are just mainly for decorative purposes, then I see no harm with it.”

The biggest mistake, both privacy pros, say is to limit your home's security system to one chain lock.

“While locks are essential, they aren’t enough on their own,” Shahidi says. "The best approach is to think of security in layers.” He recommends installing sensors to detect unexpected movement, late-night entries into your place, and even broken glass—all of which can typically be added to a rental unit. However, if you have your own home, Wright recommends thinking outside of the typical four walls by installing exterior cameras.

“Criminals are more aware of their presence and take note of their usual placements,” she says. “Part of the reason for installing cameras is to help deter them from targeting your property since they prefer homes that won’t capture them on video.”

Of course, it's entirely possible to keep your system chic.

“You can choose cameras that blend in with your exterior,” Wright adds. “If you have white soffits, opt for white cameras.” Secure and stylish? We like the sound of that.

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