Life in plain sight: Why the Dutch don't put curtains on their windows (6 photos)

Curtains and drapes are an essential part of our homes. Without these familiar interior accessories, we feel out of place and lack the comfort of home. The thought of our lives being on display keeps us awake and makes us anxious. But in the Netherlands, no one suffers from a lack of curtains, and it's rare to see them on the windows. Why do the Dutch prefer to live "in the open," when it's so easy to hide behind fabric from the world?





The Dutch's aversion to curtains and drapes conceals a sad history. It all began in the 16th century, when Holland was under Spanish rule. The invaders were extremely cruel and suspicious, as they saw conspiracies and secret rebel organizations everywhere.



To protect the dictatorial regime, a decree was issued forbidding the Dutch from covering their windows. Spanish guards could peer into any window and see what the inhabitants of the enslaved country were doing. Violators of the decree were severely punished, so soon there were no more willing to cover themselves from prying eyes with cloth.





Later, when Holland regained its independence, the draconian laws were repealed, and everyone could do whatever they wanted with their windows. But the habit of living with open windows proved so persistent that curtains lost their popularity forever.



Of course, after the Spanish left, the Dutch explained their love of open windows differently: "We are decent and hard-working people, we have nothing to hide from prying eyes." In modern Holland, another reason for living openly has appeared – banal bragging rights.



The country's residents adore beautiful interiors, expensive appliances, and exotic houseplants. But what good is all this splendor if no one sees it? That's why curtains never returned to the windows of this European country. Moreover, living "outdoors" has become a kind of art for many of them.



Creative people, such as artists and designers, deliberately change the interiors and furnishings of their homes to make it more interesting for people to peer into their windows. It's hard for a Russian to understand a Dutchman creating a mural on the wall opposite a window to delight the eyes of a casual passerby.

Do you think this open lifestyle will ever become fashionable in our country?