When Should You Not Hang Curtains? Practical Reasons to Skip Window Drapes

Most people think curtains are a must-have for every window. But that’s not true. In fact, skipping curtains in some rooms isn’t just okay-it’s smarter. You might be hanging drapes out of habit, not because they actually help your space. Let’s cut through the decor myths and look at when you should leave your windows bare.

Your windows get perfect natural light

If your window faces north and floods the room with soft, even light all day, curtains are just blocking what you already have. In Auckland, where over 2,000 hours of sunshine hit the city each year, many homes benefit from unobstructed daylight. Heavy curtains in a sunlit living room don’t add warmth-they steal it. You lose the glow that makes spaces feel open and alive. People who skip curtains in bright rooms often say their space feels bigger, calmer, and less cluttered. No fabric means no dust traps, no fading from UV exposure on your furniture, and no need to clean them twice a year.

You have a stunning view

Is your window framed by a garden full of native kowhai trees? Do you look out onto the harbor, the city skyline, or a quiet courtyard with birds nesting in the eaves? Curtains turn that view into a background. They turn nature into something you have to pull aside to see. In homes near the coast or tucked into green suburbs, leaving windows bare is a design choice that adds value. You don’t need to hide beauty-you need to highlight it. A clean frame around a view feels intentional, not decorative. People who do this report feeling more connected to their surroundings, especially in the morning when the light hits just right.

Privacy isn’t an issue

Not every window needs to be hidden. If you’re on the top floor of a building with no direct line of sight from neighbors, or if your windows face a backyard or alley with no foot traffic, curtains are doing nothing for you. In apartment buildings in Ponsonby or Newmarket, many units have windows that only face internal courtyards or tall brick walls. Hanging curtains there feels like decorating for a problem that doesn’t exist. You’re spending money on fabric you never use, and you’re losing the chance to let in more light. Instead of curtains, try a simple frosted film or a low-profile blind if you need occasional coverage-but only when necessary.

You’re going for a minimalist look

Minimalism isn’t just about fewer things-it’s about letting architecture speak. Clean lines, bare walls, simple furniture. Curtains add softness, but they also add visual noise. If your home has exposed beams, concrete floors, or large glass doors, curtains compete with the design. In modern homes in Ponsonby or Takapuna, many owners skip curtains entirely. They use recessed lighting, textured walls, or indoor plants to add warmth instead. The result? A space that feels calm, spacious, and intentionally simple. If you’ve ever walked into a room and thought, “This feels too busy,” it might be because of the curtains.

Your windows are part of the structure

Some homes are built with windows as a key architectural feature-floor-to-ceiling glass, sliding glass walls, or large picture windows that frame the landscape. In these cases, curtains don’t enhance the design-they interrupt it. Think of a home in Waiheke with walls of glass facing the sea. Adding curtains there would feel like putting a veil over a painting. The window isn’t just an opening-it’s a feature. You don’t hang curtains on a sculpture. You don’t drape fabric over a fireplace. Treat large windows the same way. Let them be what they are: the heart of the room.

You have electric blinds or smart shades

Some people think they need curtains because they want privacy or light control. But there’s a better solution: motorized blinds or smart shades. These give you control without the bulk. You can set them to open at sunrise, close at night, or dim during the afternoon sun-all without lifting a finger. In homes with smart systems, curtains are often redundant. They take up space, collect dust, and require manual adjustment. Smart shades are invisible when retracted, silent in operation, and don’t fade. They’re also easier to clean. If you’ve already invested in automation, curtains are just extra fabric doing the same job poorly.

Your space is small

In smaller apartments in Auckland, especially in Onehunga or Mt. Eden, every inch counts. Curtains hung too close to the window make the space feel smaller. They create visual clutter at eye level. Instead of drawing the eye outward, they pull it inward. If your room is tight, skip the curtains. Use sheer panels only if you need morning light control, or go completely bare. The result? The window becomes a frame that makes the room feel larger. Light bounces off walls, and the ceiling feels higher. People who remove curtains from small rooms often say they didn’t realize how much space they were losing until it was gone.

You hate cleaning

Let’s be real. Curtains are a chore. They collect dust, pet hair, and pollen. They need to be taken down, washed, and rehung every six months-or more if you have allergies. In a busy household with kids or pets, that’s a constant task. Many people hang curtains because they think it’s what you’re supposed to do. But if you’re tired of vacuuming them, steam-cleaning them, or replacing them after a year of fading, don’t. Choose hard surfaces instead: wooden blinds, bamboo shades, or even just clean glass. Less stuff means less work. And if you’re not cleaning them, you’re not getting the benefit anyway.

It’s a rental and you can’t modify

If you’re renting, hanging curtains often means drilling holes, installing rods, or using sticky hooks that leave marks. Landlords don’t always allow it. And if you’re only staying for a year or two, why invest time and money into something you’ll have to take down? Instead, use tension rods that don’t require drilling, or go without. You can still control light with removable film or temporary shades. Skip the curtains, save your deposit, and focus on what matters: your comfort, not the decor checklist.

What to do instead of curtains

Just because you’re skipping curtains doesn’t mean your windows have to be naked. Here are better alternatives:

• Window film: Frosted or tinted film gives privacy without blocking light. Easy to apply, removable, and lasts years.
• Roller shades: Simple, sleek, and roll up completely out of sight. Great for modern spaces.
• Wooden or bamboo blinds: Natural texture, no fabric, easy to wipe clean.
• Interior shutters: Permanent but elegant. They open fully and offer full light control.
• Nothing at all: Sometimes, the best window treatment is no treatment. Let the glass speak.

There’s no rule that says every window needs fabric. In fact, the most stylish homes often have fewer curtains-not more. It’s not about following trends. It’s about choosing what works for your light, your view, and your life.