Here ’s what to consider if you ’re thinking of forgoing the curtains .

Kritsada Panichgul

As long as there have been neighbors , there ’s been a sense of “ keeping up with the Joneses . ” There are many means to present a sure social and economic standing with yourhome ’s exterior , from the manicured lawn to the type of machine in the driveway . But one emerging status symbolization you may not have consider : whether or not you cover your window .

living room with big open windows

Credit:Kritsada Panichgul

Writer Michael Waters noticed that many large home base in upscale areas do n’t have their shades draw , raising the question of if there ’s a correlation between riches and windows . Waters went looking for the resolution , and he found a surprising one : According to his research , which he details inan articlefromThe Atlantic , the loaded you are , the more likely you are to have peril window .

The article ’s findings have created much conversation on the internet . Is this really about finances , or are there other agent at play ? Is it just a style right now ? And , most significantly , is it safe to leave your seeable ? Read on for our perspective on this polarizing recitation .

Are you more likely to see exposed windows in affluent areas?

Much of the “ why ” behind this trend is speculation ( no schematic sight was conducted ) , but two main explanations stand out : householder keep their windows bare because they desire the luminance swarm in . This is n’t surprising since people prioritise natural light when it comes to their distance , and it can boost your mood .

But it also came down to people feeling secure enough in their vicinity to entrust their blinds overt . Often , that ’s because they have more concealment . This can be for a variety of reasons — some of which are bind to riches .

For exemplar , if your home is on a expectant lot hidden away from any busy roads or in a penthouse mellow above other neighboring apartments ( and prize eyes ) , there ’s less of a need to close your curtains . In declamatory home plate , you could commonly findformal roomsin the front and more casual and intimate orbit located in the back , where they innately have more privateness . This negates the want for cover windows in the front rooms .

dining area with dark green walls and curtains

Credit: Josh Grubbs

Should you leave your windows uncovered?

Whether or not you prefer to try this style depends on how and where you live and if you ’re well-situated with the possibility of others being able-bodied to see inside your home .

But you do n’t have to go all or nothing here . experimentation with how it feels to keep your curtains or blinds open . You may come to find you like keep your windows exposed during the day but not at night , and that ’s OK — your household should beyour sanctuary , and that ’s more important than following any drift .

An option for countenance the rude light in without losing privacy is make a fit ofsheer curtain . quite a little of Lord’s Day can still filter through , but your interiors are n’t on full display to any passersby . you’re able to also layer them with unintelligible curtains or blinds to block the light when you ’re sleep or give you more coverage when you have your light on .

However , there are some obvious drawback from a security perspective to keep in mind : If you ’re normally home with all the light on , suddenly having a dark mansion might alert hoi polloi to the fact you ’re out of Ithiel Town . It can also highlight valuable and give strangers entropy about your class that you may not want to put out to the world . Always consider your personal guard to find whether this theme works for you .

At the oddment of the solar day , this is all about your comfort level , notyour condition . If flood your home plate with sunshine makes you well-chosen , then throw back the mantle and let the light in .