With The Times

In an unexpected twist on the age-old symbols of wealth and exclusivity, a growing number of the affluent elite make a bold statement by leaving their windows bare, shunning curtains and blinds as markers of their social status. This trend is changing perceptions of luxury, suggesting that in the world of the ultra-rich, transparency—both literal and metaphorical—has become the new distinctive feature of high society. 

In The Atlantic, Michael Waters covers why rich people might leave their windows uncovered as a status symbol. Waters writes that many are tempted to pry, and individuals participating in this trend are “wealthy white people living in gentrified urban areas.” Additionally, Waters refers to a 2013 study by the Department of Energy which found that Americans who make $150,000/year are twice as likely to leave their windows uncovered, compared to Americans who make significantly less.

While one might argue that upper-class individuals use transparency as a sign of social status, there are psychological effects to consider. Those in the upper class often experience economic anxiety, stress, depression, distrust and paranoia. In a study cited by Forbes, Jayne W. Barnard, professor at William & Mary Law School, found that CEOs and others in positions of authority in the workplace are two times more likely to suffer from depression. 

CNBC reports social struggles that come with being a part of the upper class, one of them often feeling isolated. “Wealth can be pretty isolating … sometimes all eyes are on you to see what you do with your money,” said Amanda Faulkson, a psychotherapist who specializes in wealth counseling. Wealthy individuals naturally undergo frequent economic stress, so their home should be their safe space.

In a piece by the Washington Post, it is noted that exposure to natural light in the home can greatly enhance mood and overall well-being. ​​“Natural light is like a magic medicine — it improves mood, mental performance and the ability to get along with people,” says Sally Augustin, an environmental psychologist.

Valentina Silva, a 26-year-old Graphic Design Manager and a resident of an upper class apartment complex in Downtown Boston, shares her thoughts on the bare windows of her living space. “Having a beautiful, open space can be incredibly relaxing,” she notes. For her, home is “much more than a physical place,” and is seen as a “refuge” for many in the upper class. 

 In an article by RobbReport, it is mentioned that residents of suburban neighborhoods naturally feel secure in their homes due to advanced home security systems and the surrounding community. 

“If you’re always worried about security, it can be stressful,” Silva added. In her community, residents are friendly and get along quite well. Silva’s safety is not a concern because she feels secure in her living environment. In other countries, this sense of community is so strong that window coverings are often unnecessary.

This trend is not limited to upper-class residents in the United States. In the Netherlands, leaving windows bare of curtains or blinds is a cultural custom. According to Katja Brokke at CNN, the most researched explanation for this practice is rooted in the Protestant religious tradition of Calvinism “which holds that honest individuals have nothing to hide.”

In this article, Natasha Weilandt, a resident of the Netherlands, shares her views on the comfort of having open windows. Explaining the elements of her surroundings including a “panoramic view of the water,” Weilandt takes pride in her home. According to her, this custom is a social practice where home interiors can inspire people, adding that “everyone always feels welcome.”

This social culture has been adopted over time and throughout history, following the modern practices of current residents. Although this trend has become popular in other countries, it is still an unorthodox way of designing a home in the U.S. So, why do rich people often leave their windows bare?

In Dutch culture, leaving windows bare serves as a welcoming social strategy that fosters a feeling of security within the community. Whether the neighbors are familiar with each other or not, it stems from the social practice of invitation. For the ultra-rich, this openness may be considered an unattainable luxury, demonstrating the disparities of success.

Comparatively, the Washington Post revealed that members of the upper-class have different social habits than their lower-class counterparts. Studies found that upper-class individuals socialize with their friends more than with relatives or neighbors. Ultimately, wealthy individuals spend more time alone or working than socializing.

In countries like the Netherlands, keeping your windows open can be considered a friendly gesture. In some ways, gestures like this form strong community unity through trust. Conversely, in the U.S. leaving windows uncovered is often viewed as a significant risk to privacy and safety. Has the rise in violence over time contributed to the perception that home safety is declining?

Research suggests that members of the elite often experience loneliness. In this context, wealth does not necessarily equate to happiness. With affluence comes a social barrier characterized by unique norms and a distinct culture. Contradictingly, there also appears to be a trend of the wealthy attempting to connect with their lower-class counterparts.

“Lots of very wealthy and affluent, powerful individuals try to come across as ordinary,” said Jonathan Mijs, an assistant sociology professor with a socioeconomics-concentrated Ph.D. from Harvard University. Using former President Donald Trump as an example, Mijs describes Trump as presenting himself to be a voice of the ordinary people. 

In a Rolling Stone article, Trump describes himself and his running mate, J.D Vance, as “extremely normal people.” There are similar examples in contemporary reality shows where, according to Mjis, celebrities “open the doors of their homes” to the public to appear ordinary. However, Mijs notes that in reality, these celebrities often own nine additional homes beyond the one they showcase. 

Transparency has become a way for affluent individuals to present their lifestyles as more socially welcoming. Many of the lower class view rich people as part of an exclusive group, creating a divide between the two. However, rich and famous people often strive to appear accessible to the general public. As transparency becomes a status symbol, the ability to showcase normalcy while concealing wealth becomes a privilege.