Why Are People Leaving Their Windows Exposed?

Kritsada Panichgul

As long as there have been neighbors, there’s been a sense of “keeping up with the Joneses.” There are many ways to present a certain social and economic standing with your home's exterior, from the manicured lawn to the type of car in the driveway. But one emerging status symbol you may not have considered: whether or not you cover your windows.

Writer Michael Waters noticed that many large homes in upscale areas don't have their shades drawn, raising the question of if there's a correlation between wealth and windows. Waters went looking for the answer, and he found a surprising one: According to his research, which he details in an article from The Atlantic, the wealthier you are, the more likely you are to have exposed windows.

The article's findings have created much conversation on the internet. Is this really about finances, or are there other factors at play? Is it just a trend right now? And, most importantly, is it safe to leave your visible? Read on for our perspective on this polarizing practice.

Much of the “why” behind this trend is speculation (no formal survey was conducted), but two main explanations stand out: Homeowners keep their windows bare because they want the light streaming in. This isn’t surprising since people prioritize natural light when it comes to their space, and it can boost your mood.

But it also came down to people feeling secure enough in their neighborhood to leave their blinds open. Often, that’s because they have more privacy. This can be for a variety of reasons—some of which are tied to wealth.

For example, if your home is on a large lot hidden away from any busy roads or in a penthouse high above other neighboring apartments (and prying eyes), there's less of a