Why Don't Rich People Cover Their Windows? A New Social Trend Is Taking Millionaires' World by Storm

Do you enjoy peering into strangers' windows? We have good news! Curtains and blinds are becoming a thing of the past, and the wealthy want to be seen. What's up with the "bare windows" trend?

Hands up, who enjoys peeking into other people's windows during an evening stroll? There's nothing to be ashamed of—curiosity is, after all, the first step to... observing social trends . The good news is that while in an average apartment building we'll mostly see day-night blinds , in the most expensive neighborhoods of New York , Copenhagen , or San Francisco, we have a unique opportunity to encounter entire glass walls . No curtains . No blinds . No shame.

The trend has been highlighted by publications like The New York Times, The Root, and the insightful The Atlantic, which examined the phenomenon from a "class" perspective. Why are the wealthiest so eager to display their interiors publicly?

Glass-fronted apartment interior/ Unsplash, Alice Kang

In 2025, the absence of curtains is gaining importance as a social statement. In New York , Amsterdam , Copenhagen , and San Francisco , the absence of curtains is a manifesto. As The Atlantic points out, in the US, people earning over $150,000 a year are almost twice as likely to leave their windows uncovered as those in the lowest income brackets. This is no coincidence.

The windows are of a house without curtains / Unsplash, Clay Banks

Glass walls , open spaces, and maximum interior lighting are now synonymous with prestige in architecture. A bright interior emphasizes not only the design but also access to space – something missing in crowded, densely built-up cities.

A glass-fronted apartment without curtains / Unplash, Peter Thomas

In the 19th century, a lack of curtains meant poverty—because you couldn't afford the fabric. Today, that's reversed. Giving up curtains sends a message: "I have nothing to fear. I'm safe. My home is my fortress—even if anyone can see into it."

Modern transparency is not always an expression of social trust (as in the Netherlands or Denmark), but rather a declaration: I have an alarm system, protection, and even if something happens – I am insured.

Open space acts as an antidote to daily stress. Natural light improves mood , regulates circadian rhythms, and influences productivity. And an uncurtained window becomes a portal to better well-being. Interior psychology has emphasized the importance of daylight for years, and architects design luxurious spaces to showcase views.

So next time you glance into the bright interior of a luxury apartment while walking around, don't feel guilty.