“No curtains. No secrets. Just light.” 🕯️🇸🇪 In Sweden, bare windows aren’t just a design choice—they’re a centuries-old tradition rooted in history, trust, and the need for every drop of winter sunlight. Curious why Swedes still skip the curtains? The full story is in the article below 👇
If you’ve ever walked through a Swedish neighborhood, something probably stood out right away: the windows are nearly always bare. You’ll rarely spot thick drapes or blackout curtains—and in many cases, no window coverings at all.
For visitors from other countries, where privacy often means heavy curtains and tall fences, this might seem downright strange. But in Sweden, open windows are part of the cultural norm—and there’s more than one reason behind this long-standing tradition.
The roots of this practice go all the way back to the 17th century. At that time, a law was introduced that discouraged covering windows. The reasoning? Transparency—quite literally. People were encouraged to leave their windows uncovered so others could see they were living honestly and within their means. In fact, royal guards patrolling the streets had the legal right to peek inside windows to ensure public order wasn’t being disturbed. While that law technically still exists today, it’s more symbolic than enforced.
There’s also a more practical, historical explanation. Fishing was once the main source of income for many Swedes. Fishermen would return home late at night, and their wives would light candles on the windowsills to help guide them home through the dark. This served a dual purpose—providing both comfort and safety in an era before street lighting. Curtains, which could easily catch fire near open flames, simply weren’t an option.
Even today, the tradition lives on. Candles have largely been replaced with lanterns and decorative lights, but the habit of keeping windows clear remains. It’s not unusual to see glowing lamps or light fixtures displayed in windows, especially during the long, dark winter months.
And that brings us to another important factor: sunlight. During Swedish winters, daylight can last as little as six hours. To let in as much natural light as possible, people tend to keep their windows wide open to the outdoors—figuratively speaking. Heavy window coverings would only block the little light that’s available.
Swedes also tend to avoid harsh ceiling lights and instead prefer soft lighting from lamps, candles, and even oil lanterns. The goal is to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that emphasizes coziness—what the Swedes call mys. You’ll often see candles placed in unique glass containers, sleek modern holders, or even antique candelabras.
So, in Sweden, open windows aren’t just about design—they’re about history, tradition, and making the most of every little bit of light and warmth.
What do you think about this approach to window decor? Would you leave your windows uncovered? Share your thoughts in the comments!
