Why are there no curtains in Amsterdam?

The most popular explanation stems from the Protestant religious tradition of Calvinism, which insists that honest citizens have nothing to hide. Closing the curtains could indicate otherwise. And by letting people have a look inside, you let them know: Look, I'm a decent person!

Do they use curtains in the Netherlands?

Just Don't Care. While it has become (more or less) a tradition to avoid curtains and blinds, a lot of Dutch people have adapted to it as a practice that is there in their subconscious minds, and they don't even care thinking about it.

Why don t Scandinavians use curtains?

Swedes, it appears, have nothing to hide. According to Jonas Engman, a curator at Stockholm's Nordic Museum, the lack of curtains may simply reflect how late the country was to achieve material prosperity.

Why are the windows so big in Amsterdam?

You can just look through into their homes and no one has any problem with that. One story says, that the Dutch windows are “wide open” because of the tax system from the past – people to avoid big amounts of money to pay, wanted to show everything they owed and build a trust, that they don't hide anything.

Is it OK to not have curtains?

It's ok to go bare—for the right reasons. To hear most designers say it, window treatments are the jewelry of the home, the finishing touch without which no good room is complete. But, as with every rule—design and elsewhere—there are exceptions.

10 Things Not to Do in Netherlands

Are curtains out of style 2021?

The Main Interior Trends 2021 for Curtains

Various ruffles and frills are no longer trendy. Such options are appropriate only if you have chosen a design for the bedroom or the living room in the style of some period era like Victorian times.

Do modern houses have curtains?

There are ten basic styles of curtains for modern homes. Each has its own purpose and some won't look as nice as others in your space. But once you find the right modern curtains pick, you can set your contemporary decorating energies to bigger and better things.

Why are Amsterdam houses skinny?

Houses in Amsterdam are very narrow because in Medieval times owners would have to pay for the meter of the facade facing the canals. To avoid paying such high taxes, houses were designed to be narrow yet tall and functional. These buildings tend to be narrow, leaning forward and facing the water.

Why do Dutch people not use curtains?

The most popular explanation stems from the Protestant religious tradition of Calvinism, which insists that honest citizens have nothing to hide. Closing the curtains could indicate otherwise. And by letting people have a look inside, you let them know: Look, I'm a decent person!

Why are stairs so steep in the Netherlands?

By the time the Dutch were tasked with rebuilding after two massive fires, stone chimneys had been invented and coal was widely available, so these new buildings not only had chimneys, but stairs, too. But since space was limited, builders had to be creative—thus the un-ideally steep, narrow staircases.

Why do Swedes put lights in their windows?

They were first manufactured in 1937 by the Philips company in Gothenburg and quickly gained popularity as a safer alternative to open flames. They are linked to an old Swedish tradition of placing lighted candles in the windows to help light the way to the church for Christmas worshipers.

Do they use curtains in Sweden?

But this is no joke – Sweden does have a law banning window curtains. The strange document was adopted in the 17th century and several reasons are given as a basis.

Why do Norwegians put lights in their windows?

Hospitality is one reason window-side lights are such a prominent part of Norwegian evenings. It's a signal of friendliness and provision to those in need. Although this act of goodwill may not be on the minds of all modern Norwegians, their ancestors may have done this to help those who are lost.

Why are there so many Dutch models?

Why do you think so many successful models come out of the Netherlands? Dutch people have a softness and positive energy about them that makes them very likable. We also tend to be very active, ambitious people with over-planned agendas. We grow up riding our bikes through the rain, we're sporty and persistent.

Why is the Netherlands so great?

The Netherlands came out top for the honour, according to the 2018 HSBC Expat Explorer survey. It's really no surprise in a country with a great economy, great childcare, great healthcare, great education system, excellent English and a life revolving around biking.

Why are curtains always open in movies?

If they're filming in a real home rather than a set, it's to maximise the light. Sometimes it's to create a more cosy look... seeing the outside environment pushes the inner into focus.. They also use blinds a lot and curtains or drapes are merely window dressings.

Should I close my curtains at night?

If passersby can see into your house and either valuables are on display, or the room visible is a functional, private, family space, by all means you should keep your curtains closed.

What people from the Netherlands called?

The Dutch (Dutch: Nederlanders) are a Germanic ethnic group and nation native to the Netherlands.

Why are Amsterdam houses crooked?

Adding extra floors on top

Especially in Jordaan neighborhood of Amsterdam, many houses sink into the ground after the addition of an extra floor. The weight of the house becomes bigger than the old builders had calculated all those centuries ago. The result: a crooked Amsterdam facade.

Why is Amsterdam built on canals?

Water cleanliness in Amsterdam canals

Watermanagement is still the most important function of our canals. Without them, the city would drown. Circulating the water is also vital for sanitary reasons.

Is Amsterdam built on sand?

Since the ground beneath Amsterdam is very soft, many buildings in the city are built on wooden pilings. These wooden beams were pounded into a deeper layer of sand that is solid enough to bear the weight of a building. A stone foundation was built on top of those pilings.

Are curtains out of style 2020?

But, even though curtains are from the past, they will never go out of style. They are classic window coverings that can adapt to modern design and style. Advancement in fabric technology helps provide new ways to use curtains in our home. This will allow us to continue to use curtains for generations to come.

Are curtains in style for 2022?

In 2022, simplicity and minimalism are emerging in curtain and drapery styles. Less fluff and more flow are the way to go when choosing new curtains for your home. Classic materials like cotton and linen are top of the trend list to match the light, relaxing, naturalist themes this year.

Do I need curtains if I have blinds?

We often get asked the question 'do curtains and blinds work together? ' The answer is, for the most part, 'yes' – when paired, the two can bring out a flexible décor and ensure adequate blocking of light and privacy control. However, there are some style guidelines to follow to get the look just right.