Why rich people leave the curtains open, according to a study (2024)

If you've ever walked through a fancy neighborhood and been struck by the expensive houses with wide open curtains, showing off high-end interiors, you're not alone; The Atlantic and New York Times have noticed it too. Even though it seems like a recent trend, a study in 2013 found people who make more than $150,000 per year are twice as likely to keep their curtains opened to the world as those who make $20,000 or less. Some reasons? People in high-end areas are less concerned about safety in their neighborhoods or paying to offset the energy cost from having open windows. KTLA's Andy Riesmeyer reports.

Why rich people leave the curtains open, according to a study (2024)

FAQs

Why rich people leave the curtains open, according to a study? ›

But for those in the highest income brackets, the calculus is different: People with a big home can more easily get natural light and privacy, and they don't need to worry so much about heating and cooling costs. Slowly, uncovered windows have become a status symbol. Forgoing curtains wasn't always so appealing.

Why do rich people leave their curtains open? ›

But for those in the highest income brackets, the calculus is different: People with a big home can more easily get natural light and privacy, and they don't need to worry so much about heating and cooling costs. Slowly, uncovered windows have become a status symbol. Forgoing curtains wasn't always so appealing.

Why don't Americans close their curtains? ›

The act of not drawing your curtains might seem risky and preposterous, but for wealthy homeowners, it signifies freedom, fearlessness, and a sign of financial stability. It's not that wealthy people don't have fancy window coverings; it turns out they just might not use them.

Why do the Dutch leave their curtains open? ›

If these principles were followed, it meant that you lived openly and truthfully. Wanting to prove they had nothing to hide, the Dutch opened their curtains, inviting the whole world to see. During the successive wars The Netherlands was entangled in, the neighbours would worry about the wives and kids left behind.

Is it important to open curtains? ›

Make sure you open your curtains during the day to keep your home healthy. The sun naturally keeps your home warm during the day. It also has antibacterial properties; open your curtains every day to prevent mould developing on the furniture and carpets in your home.

Should you leave curtains open? ›

If curtains are open at night, then it's most likely that there is nobody in a house. And of course, burglars know about this. Ideally, you should have your curtains both open and closed. So, you can ask someone to look after your property when the house is vacant.

Why do people keep their curtains closed? ›

Some people may keep their curtains closed during the day to maintain privacy or protect their furniture from harsh sun in the day. A big reason is insulation. It keeps the cold out and warmth in. Or it keeps the heat out and the cool in.

Is it better to sleep with curtains open or closed? ›

In addition, closing your curtains at night can help you get a better night's sleep. Light exposure is known to disrupt our natural sleep cycle, so by keeping the bedroom dark we're more likely to drift off easily and stay asleep for longer. If you have trouble sleeping, closing the curtains may be worth a try!

Why do people leave their windows open? ›

Much of the “why” behind this trend is speculation (no formal survey was conducted), but two main explanations stand out: Homeowners keep their windows bare because they want the light streaming in. This isn't surprising since people prioritize natural light when it comes to their space, and it can boost your mood.

Why are curtains closed at night? ›

If you have lights on when it is dark outside, it is very easy for people outside to see in. Second reason is insulation. It is less of a factor with modern double or triple glazing but still might make a difference. The third reason is that it makes the room feel cosier.

Why do Dutch houses have sinks in bedrooms? ›

Why is There a Sink in The Bedroom? It may seem a bit weird to see a sink in the bedroom, but it is quite common in the older parts of the cities! In the good old days, sinks were often in the bedrooms because showers were not in your typical dutch apartment until about 50 years ago!

Why is the Netherlands so clean? ›

Between 1500 and 1800 numerous travelers reported on the habit of housewives and maids to meticulously clean the interior and exterior of houses. We argue that it was the commercialization of dairy farming that led to improvements in household hygiene.

Can neighbors see through blinds at night? ›

Yes, it is generally easier to see through blinds at night when interior lights are on because the bright interior contrasts with the dark exterior. Partially open or light-filtering blinds can allow visibility, while opaque or blackout blinds provide better privacy.

Is it okay to have no curtains? ›

Whether or not it is okay to not have curtains at home is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to have curtains for privacy and to control the amount of light entering their home, while others may prefer to have an unobstructed view or to let natural light in.

Is it hotter with curtains open or closed? ›

Close curtains and blinds

Something like 30% of unwanted heat comes in your windows so keeping curtains and blinds closed will help, especially during peak sunlight hours and on windows that face the sun. Some roller blinds are designed to let you see out while still blocking those rays.

Why do people put curtains over doors? ›

“Door curtains work to help with feeling warmer in two ways,” he says. “Firstly, they do stop infiltration of the cold air getting in and hot air leaving the house, and secondly, they insulate the door itself, so they stop heat transmitting out of the home that way.”

Why do people hang curtains from the ceiling? ›

Ceiling mounted curtains can make windows look larger

An often overlooked use of ceiling mounted curtains is smaller windows, especially short but wide windows.

Why do some people flaunt their wealth? ›

A person will flaunt 'self' only when they need to. There are many things that might be exhibited by him, such as his wealth, luxury of life, outfits, gadgets, to position. One reason is because they think that other people don't think they are important. So to be 'seen' they will prove that they are important people.

Why do I sleep better with the curtains open? ›

This can help you wake up more naturally and help you start your day on a positive note. Some people find that sleeping with their curtains open can actually help improve their sleep quality. They find that exposure to natural light helps regulate their circadian rhythms, which can lead to better sleep at night.

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