Why don t Scandinavians use curtains?
Mia Lopez
Updated on March 10, 2026
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.
Do Scandinavians use curtains?
Large windows are another typical element of Nordic homes. They rarely have curtains. Or if there is any kind of window dressing, it is kept very simple. Sometimes a few plants are displayed on the window sill.Why are there no curtains in Denmark?
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 do Swedish people 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.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.Style Tips From The Scandinavians We Can All Use
Are curtains out of style 2021?
The Main Interior Trends 2021 for CurtainsVarious 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 houses in Sweden red?
The red color, known as Falu röda, allows the wood to breathe and to release moisture quickly. The minerals of this natural color preserve the wood and it helps to last longer. It is not affected much by sunlight and does not need to be painted again and again.Why you shouldn't move to Sweden?
High taxes and higher cost of livingIf your goal of moving to Sweden is to make & save money, then Sweden might not be your best choice! Sweden has also one of the most expensive costs of living. The cost of housing, food, and transportation is high compared to other countries.
Why do Scandinavian houses have big windows?
Although the weather prevents use for a large part of the year, the fact that the Scandinavian people have to spend so long indoors means they want a connection to outdoor life in the summer when it is possible. Most Scandinavian homes have large windows that face south to make the most of the light that is available.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.Are Danes friendly to foreigners?
Danes are the hardest people in the world to befriend, according to a 2016 international survey ranking the quality of life for foreign nationals. In the survey the Nordic countries all ranked in the bottom ten when expatriates, which is the term used in the study, revealed how easy they had found it to settle in.What is Nordic home style?
What Is Scandinavian Design? Scandinavian interior design is a minimalistic style using a blend of textures and soft hues to make sleek, modern décor feel warm and inviting. It emphasizes clean lines, utility, and simple furnishings that are functional, beautiful, and cozy.How can I make my home feel Scandinavian?
Smart Scandinavian Interior Design Hacks To Try
- ACCESSORIZE WITH WARM TEXTILES. ...
- CHOOSE SIMPLE DECORATIVE ACCENTS. ...
- COMBINE WOOD + METAL FINISHES. ...
- DECORATE WITH PLANTS AND FRESH FLOWERS. ...
- FOCUS ON NEUTRAL COLORS. ...
- KEEP YOUR INTERIOR CLUTTER-FREE. ...
- CHOOSE LIGHT COLORED FLOORING. ...
- LIMIT WINDOW TREATMENTS.
How do I get a Scandinavian look?
Scandinavian Interior Design: 6 Tips to Bring Scandi Style to...
- Minimize. Scandinavian design emphasizes bright, light, and open spaces, with enough room to move and breathe within them. ...
- Choose quality. ...
- Bring nature inside. ...
- Think neutral (with pops of color) ...
- Use contrast. ...
- Add some hygge.