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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Comment
Emma Beddington

Too proud of your home to shut the curtains? Pull yourself together

A woman opening a pair of curtains
US research indicates that the richer you are, the more likely you are to leave the windows uncovered. Photograph: andresr/Getty Images

A startling discovery in the Atlantic: apparently not closing your curtains, or not even having any, is a status symbol. “Americans who earn more than $150,000 are almost twice as likely to leave windows uncovered as those making $20,000 to $29,000,” the article explained, quoting US Department of Energy research, and highlighting examples of the affluent curtainless (“Patagonia-rocking and $28-cheeseburgers-served-in-mason-jars-eating herds” is one withering description of the uncurtained demographic).

But have you ever bought curtains? They’re viciously expensive. In everywhere I have ever lived, if the previous occupants have been kind enough to leave any, we’ve kept them for precisely this reason, regardless of style. Cerise padded satin? Giant swirls? Yes, and yes, with heartfelt thanks. Surely having and closing curtains, showing off your pricey blackout and thermal linings, is more of a statement?

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