Should You Leave Your Curtains Open or Closed When You’re Not Home? Designers Weigh In

When you’re heading out for the day, is it best to leave the curtains in your home open or closed? It turns out that designers have mixed views as to whether leaving your curtains open while you are not home is a wise idea.

“When clients ask me whether they should keep curtains open or closed when they’re away, my response is rarely one-size-fits-all,” Rachel Blindauer, who is the founder of an eponymous interior design firm, says. “The answer hinges on a balance of beauty, security, and how you want your home to greet you when you return.”

Below, Blindauer and two other interior designers speak more regarding their perspectives on why they do or do not believe you should draw the blinds when you leave the house.

Keep Curtains Open When You Need Extra Warmth

In colder winter months, keeping your curtains home while you step out for the day can help to warm up your home as the sunlight streams in, Amber Kamat, a professional organizer and interior designer who is the founder of It’s Not Complicated Organizing, says.

That said, the designer adds, you will still want to be mindful about possible furniture fading, as discussed earlier, so it’s smart to install UV-filtering curtains for added protection while still enjoying the benefits of sunlight.

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Keep Curtains Closed for Privacy Reasons

Jennifer Jones, the founder of Niche Interiors, believes that when it comes to rooms that face the street, it is best to keep curtains closed when you’re away from your home for maximum safety and security.

“The less information a potential thief has about the layout of your home, the better,” she says.

In rooms that do not face other homes, this is less of a concern, and you can use your best judgment based on the other factors discussed below to determine whether leaving your windows open or closed is right for you.

Additionally, sheers are a good compromise for those who want to enjoy a bit of extra warmth without keeping their homes on display all day long, Kamat adds.

“They diffuse sunlight while obscuring detailed views into the home, offering a smart compromise between light and privacy,” she says.

Keep Curtains Open to Showcase Your Home

On the contrary, some are of the belief that leaving the curtains open can serve as a means to “celebrate your design” even when you’re not there, as Blindauer explains.

“If you’ve invested in beautiful window treatments, let them frame the view and architecture, not conceal it,” Blindauer says. “Curtains shouldn’t always be in the business of hiding; sometimes, they should act like a picture frame around the view outside.”

Keep Curtains Closed to Prevent Sun Damage

With regard to rooms that receive ample sunlight, Jones finds that keeping curtains closed when they don’t need to be open is best. Doing so, she explains, will help to protect everything from floors to upholstery from sun damage and fading.

Blindauer agrees with this outlook, noting that closing curtains during peak sunlight hours preserves both beauty and longevity, she says.

Keep Curtains Open to Indicate You’re Home

Imagine you drive by a house with all of its curtains closed—it likely gives off the impression that no one is home, and perhaps they haven’t been for a while.

Whether you’re leaving the house for a few hours or a few days, keeping your curtains open can function as a security system of sorts, Blindauer explains.

“Open curtains can give the impression of presence—a subtle cue that someone may just be around the corner,” the designer says, adding that supplementing this setup with automated lighting or smart home tech can be even better.