Blinds open or closed??

[OnTheEdgeToday]

Just overheard my elderly neighbours nattering as i walked past. Commenting on which people never have their blinds open as if it is some huge issue.

I often keep mine closed while i am out, and im not in much so can be closed all day long.

What is the issue with people having issues about this? I dont understand.

[jeavcike]

Ours are always closed as well. Stops nosey bastards people looking in when the curtains are open.

[wowfudge]

When I was growing up, having the curtains or blinds closed during the day was something my gran only did if it was the funeral of someone she knew. No idea where that comes from, her mother was Irish so maybe that's the origin?

I always open the curtains in all rooms in the house when I get up - always have done.

[OnTheEdgeToday]

I never would have questioned peoples reasons if i hadnt overheard their conversation. I would never have thought twice about it. Yes, it becomes notciable when someone always has them open or shut - but that is it.

I feel more comfortable when theyre closed than i do when theyre open.

It will be interesting to hear of other peoples thoughts on why there is an issue with having them closed. The funeral one is interesting

[VulcanWoman]

Just old fashioned ideas.

[BramblePie]

Mine are generally closed too. I usually open the living room blinds when i leave for work but recently i've left them closed. My partner is still at home for another hour or so and usually when i get home he hasnt bothered to open them. No matter really?

I know my grandparents notice if people's blinds are open or not. I think it's a generation thing. I also remember when my granddad died my granny looked over the road and mentioned her friend had her blinds closed and wondered if that was in respect for granny.

[VulcanWoman]

Standards my dear, standards.

[iwantgin]

I presume that if the blinds and curtains are closed that the inhabitants are still in bed.

Hence judging as if I am up and about, they should be too.

[Oldraver]

I think its an old fashioned attitude as well, I think it used to be seen as slovenly not to have your curtains open.

Life has moved on....my blinds are currently turned the other way as the sun is blinding and I cant see the laptop screen

The bedroom curtains are shut as OH works nights...and I can bet DS has forgot to open his.

I come from a 'closed curtains for funerals' era....though I noticed when next door had a funeral leave from the house (earlier this year) I was the only one with closed (on purpose) curtains

[bilbodog]

My mum was like this and I'm afraid I can't bear the curtains being left closed all day - makes me wonder why people have bought houses with Windows if they never open their blinds or curtains! From another point of view though, and giving worked for the police in the past, it could make your house look unloved in and empty and be a magnet to burglars? Do you all have lights that come on automatically when it gets dark after 4pm because you should be doing this as well??

[BramblePie]

In my house you can see the light is on through the blinds.
Also, my living room ones are closed often as the sun glares on the tv screen and you cant see the picture.

Not sure what standards has got to do with it?! :s

[PickleSarnie]

My neighbours have 7 windows (not including the little ones at the side of their front door) and, in the 5.5 years I have lived here, they have never once opened a single one of their curtains. Occasionally in summer, the windows are open but the curtains remain shut.

I'm fairly sure they must be nudists. Or cannabis farmers.

[ouryve]

I only ever have mine half open - either reflecting light in or out, depending what is needed the most, whilst still filtering out assorted nosey twats.

[MatildaTheCat]

I've read that burglars hone in on houses with closed curtains through the day as they look unoccupied.

Personally I hate it when guests leave their bedroom curtains closed through the day in my house. No idea why but it just seems slovenly.