Strolling through affluent neighborhoods at night, an intriguing observation emerges: many windows stand uncovered, offering glimpses into meticulously designed interiors. From the soft glow of a large screen TV complementing a designer couch to the gleam of a marble kitchen island under a modern chandelier, these exposed homes resemble curated showrooms. While some residents opt for closed curtains, a significant number leave their windows bare, a trend that has sparked curiosity and discussion.
This prevalence of uncovered windows in high-end homes across America isn’t accidental. As The New York Times noted, “obligatory uncurtained windows” are becoming a hallmark of wealthy enclaves like Brooklyn Heights. The Root further highlighted this phenomenon among affluent young individuals in gentrified urban areas. TikTok videos showcase public bewilderment and even playful peeking into these displays of domesticity. This isn’t just a city phenomenon; the connection between wealth and exposed windows spans across the United States. A comprehensive 2013 study by the U.S. Department of Energy revealed a striking disparity: Americans earning over $150,000 are almost twice as likely to leave their windows uncovered compared to those earning between $20,000 and $29,000. Specifically, nearly 20 percent of the higher-income group versus just over 10 percent of the latter choose bare windows. This data clearly indicates that the decision to cover or expose windows is significantly influenced by socioeconomic class.
The appeal of ditching window coverings is universal. Uncovered windows maximize natural light, which is scientifically linked to improved well-being and provides a connection to the outside world. However, this choice comes with trade-offs: reduced privacy and increased solar heat gain, especially during summer. For many, concerns about privacy and energy costs outweigh the aesthetic and psychological benefits. But for the wealthiest, the equation shifts. Larger homes offer inherent privacy even with bare windows, and energy expenses become less of a concern. Gradually, this practicality has evolved into a subtle yet potent status symbol.
Historically, exposed windows were far from desirable. When transparent glass windows first appeared in late 18th-century Europe, they triggered anxieties about nosy neighbors and excessive sunlight. Oscar Wilde famously complained in 1884 about “most modern windows” being “much too large and glaring.” Curtains emerged as the natural solution, as explained by Daniel Jütte, an NYU professor and author of Transparency: The Material History of an Idea. Nineteenth-century architect Richard Lucae advocated for curtains as essential for “seclusion from the exterior world.” In fact, homes without curtains were once considered “the epitome of poverty” in the 1880s, according to a German manual. Aristocrats were a notable exception, their vast estates offering inherent privacy within their numerous internal rooms, making external privacy less crucial.
Book cover featuring the title “Transparency: The Material History of an Idea” by Daniel Jütte, illustrating the historical perspectives on window coverings and privacy.
In mid-20th century America, window coverings became a symbol in the contrasting lifestyles of cities and suburbs. Large, single-pane “picture windows” became a defining feature of suburban homes. Andrea Vesentini, author of Indoor America: The Interior Landscape of Postwar Suburbia, explained that these windows, offering unobstructed outdoor views and abundant sunlight, were perceived as beneficial for health. These sun-filled living spaces were considered “impossible in cities” due to dense buildings blocking sunlight. Furthermore, leaving windows uncovered in urban areas was viewed as risky. A 1985 newspaper advised city dwellers to “Close your curtains when you leave the house” to deter burglars. Police frequently lamented that uncovered windows were “putting valuable goods on display.” While city residents were urged to draw curtains for security, suburban homeowners, with their expansive bare windows, signaled a sense of security and openness.
However, the bare window trend eventually permeated cities, particularly in affluent areas. In 2000, The New York Times observed that sheer curtains or no curtains at all had become fashionable in Manhattan. Interior designer Thomas Jayne, catering to wealthy clients in cities like New York and New Orleans, noted that the trend began in the 1990s with a preference for minimalist window treatments. “And then, in the last decade or two, there’s been people who say they don’t want any curtains,” Jayne stated. This might seem counterintuitive given the density of urban living where privacy is often highly valued. Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, an architecture professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln specializing in window light, acknowledges this, stating that in dense neighborhoods, people typically “want more privacy, because you’re right on top of each other.” However, these considerations are less critical for wealthy urbanites who often possess larger residences with more rooms and, consequently, more windows. “You have more choice,” Van Den Wymelenberg explains, including the luxury of having some windows covered for privacy and others left bare to maximize natural light.
While exposing one’s home to public view might appear vulnerable, it paradoxically communicates security and confidence. In the Netherlands, it is customary to leave windows uncovered at night, a gesture of trust and openness within the community. Similarly, in rural Denmark, drawn curtains can be viewed with suspicion, particularly among newcomers. In the American context, the uncovered window arguably represents less communal trust and more individual security. Wealthier homeowners, who can afford sophisticated security systems, may feel less need for window coverings as a privacy measure. These curtainless windows have become a subtle yet unmistakable declaration of privilege. They capture our attention, not just because they offer glimpses into beautifully appointed homes, but because they project an aura of confidence and stability that remains aspirational for many.
Book cover of “Indoor America: The Interior Landscape of Postwar Suburbia” by Andrea Vesentini, depicting the shift in window covering trends in mid-20th century America.
