Life like 'The Truman Show'? Surprising reason Dutch homes rarely have curtains
Why the Dutch leave their windows uncovered? (photo: Getty Images)
Dutch windows are a cultural phenomenon that often surprises first-time visitors. It's perfectly normal for passersby to see a family having dinner, watching TV, or washing dishes through large, uncovered windows. The Dutch don't simply forget to close the curtains—they often choose not to have them at all. RBC-Ukraine explains where this unusual Dutch tradition comes from and why people in the Netherlands aren't bothered by curious eyes.
Rooted in religion: 'I have nothing to hide'
The tradition dates back to the 16th century and the rise of Calvinism, a strict branch of Protestantism. One of its core beliefs was that an honest person has nothing to hide from God—or from their neighbors.
- If you kept your curtains closed, people might assume you were stealing, cheating on your spouse, or involved in something illegal. Uncovered windows became a symbol of honesty and moral integrity.
- If you had no ill-gotten wealth, no smuggled goods, and no sinful secrets, your windows were expected to remain uncovered.
- Neighbors could easily observe whether anyone was violating religious or moral standards. A tidy home was seen as a reflection of a pure soul.
- Many historians also believe that uncovered windows gave sailors peace of mind while they were away at sea, since their wives' daily lives remained visible to the entire community.
Centuries have passed, and religion has become less influential, but the habit of living with open windows has remained deeply ingrained in Dutch culture.
Every ray of sunlight matters
The Netherlands is known for its rainy weather, gray skies, and frequent fog. Sunshine is relatively scarce, so the Dutch value every bit of natural light they can get. Covering windows with heavy curtains would mean blocking one of their most precious resources.
For modern Dutch people, uncovered windows are no longer about religion but about the national concept of Gezelligheid. The word has no direct English equivalent, but it describes a sense of coziness, warmth, comfort, and openness.
Many Dutch homeowners enjoy decorating their windowsills with flowers, stylish lamps, figurines, and candles.
A brightly lit living room in the evening isn't meant to put private life on display. Instead, it's seen as a way to share warmth with the neighborhood and make the street feel more welcoming.
Culture of trust, 'invisible wall'
This creates an interesting social paradox. The windows are open to view, but staring inside or closely examining what someone is doing is considered extremely rude. In the Netherlands, there's an unwritten rule known as the "invisible wall."
The idea is simple: "I know you're there, you know I'm walking by, but we respect each other's privacy and behave as if there's a solid wall between us." It's a reflection of the country's high level of social trust.
That said, younger generations in the Netherlands are gradually embracing roller shades and blinds. They usually close them only at night or on particularly busy tourist streets.
Today, many Dutch households prefer pleated shades or semi-transparent blinds that cover only the lower half of the window. This provides privacy at eye level while allowing sunlight to stream through the upper portion of the glass.
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