Curtains have several functions. Apart from blocking the light, improving insulation in a room, and adding decor to your home, curtains can also help keep your house safe.
While curtains are not something you can use to secure your home, they can deter burglars depending on how they are used.
Generally, closed curtains can deter burglars.
Here is why closed curtains can deter burglars:
When the curtains are closed, it leaves nothing for burglars to see. They cannot see if there is someone in the house. They also cannot see the belongings inside the house or where the expensive items are. This is why closed curtains can deter burglars.
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Should You Leave Curtains Open or Closed When Away?
Whether you should leave the curtains open or closed when you are away depends on what time of the day it is. Leaving the curtains closed during the day can have a different effect compared to leaving them closed at night.
In general, the majority of people choose to leave their curtains closed when they leave for vacation.
This is because closed curtains do not let burglars see if there is someone at home. Naturally, this will deter burglars.
However, there are people saying that if you are away for just one day, it can be better to keep the curtains open.
The reason for this is that your house should not look unoccupied even when you are out.
Leaving the curtains open when going out for the day will make the house look occupied even if you are not at home.
In addition, burglars do not want to be caught or seen in action. This means that they will be less likely to enter a house with open curtains in broad daylight because they do not want to risk being seen.
On the other hand, it is advisable to close the curtains when you are going out at night. People generally close their curtains at night for privacy and to sleep better.
If the curtains are closed at night, burglars have no way of knowing if someone is home. They will not risk entering a house if they are uncertain whether it is empty or not.
Thus, keeping the curtains closed when you leave the house in the evenings can deter burglars.
Are Curtains Good For Security?
When people think about security for the home, a lot of things come to mind such as surveillance cameras, alarms, and locks.
One thing that is often being overlooked is window treatment, like curtains.
Curtains can also be good for security. But this also depends on what type of curtains you have.
Ordinary curtains are good but they still allow some light to enter the house.
Because of this, people from the outside may still be able to see the inside of your house.
If you want curtains to give you the best security at home, then blackout curtains are recommended.
Blackout curtains can block all light from entering the room, which can make it completely dark. If you have closed blackout curtains, people outside the house would not see anything inside. They cannot see where the valuable and expensive items are, and they would not know whether the house is occupied or not.
This way, blackout curtains can deter burglars. Blackout curtains can lessen any interest of breaking in and entering.
Are Curtains Good For Privacy?
Apart from blocking light, one of the main functions of curtains is providing privacy.
Curtains are window coverings that are great for adding privacy to your home.
In fact, the amount of privacy that they add is a big consideration for most people when buying curtains. Here are the best type of curtains for privacy.
Blackout Curtains
When they first came out, blackout curtains were commonly used in hotels.
But over the years, they have become popular for private dwellings. Blackout curtains are made with thick fabrics, multiple linings, and light-blocking foam.
All these make them capable of blocking all light.
They can also give you the utmost privacy you want for your home.
Dark-Colored Curtains in Opaque Fabric
Blackout curtains can be quite expensive so if you are on a budget, dark-colored curtains in an opaque fabric can be good options.
They can block a good amount of light, plus they also provide privacy. They can definitely give you more privacy compared to light-colored curtains.
However, they cannot provide total darkness the way blackout curtains do.
Double Curtains
Double curtains are good if you want privacy but you do not want total darkness. Double curtains are basically a combination of a sheer curtain and an opaque curtain.
During the day, you can pull back the heavier curtain to let some light in through the sheer curtains.
Then come nighttime, you can close both the sheer curtain and the opaque one to give you privacy.
Should I Leave The Lights On At Night?
Another common question for home security is if lights should be left off or on at night when going out.
Generally, it is best to leave the lights on at night when you are going out – not all lights but at least the porch light. When going out at night, leaving the porch light on is a good idea. It can make burglars think that someone is home.
Leaving the porch light on when you go out at night is also helpful and a lot safe for when you get home.
With the lights on, you can easily find your keys and enter the house as fast as possible.
However, if you will be away for more than just a day, it is not advisable to leave the porch lights on.
Leaving the light on when you are away on vacation is an easy way of letting burglars know that no one is home. This is because the porch light will be on all day, basically screaming that there was no one home to turn it off.
What Do Burglars Look for In a House?
There are a few things that indicate if a house is empty or not. These are things that usually attract burglars into breaking in and entering.
Here are things that burglars commonly look for in a house and how to avoid them.
Empty Driveways
Burglars generally prefer breaking into vacant houses, so they take empty driveways as an open invitation for them to break in and enter.
If you will be going away on vacation, you can ask a family member, friend, or a trusted neighbor to park their car temporarily in your driveway.
Unlocked Windows
When targeting a house, burglars usually check if there are any windows left unlocked. This can serve as an easy entry point for them.
So when going away for a few days, always double-check that all your windows are securely locked.
Open Curtains
Curtains left open are also an invitation for burglars. Open curtains can let them see the inside of the house. Expensive items that are in plain sight tempt them.
This is why you have to close all the curtains when you are going away for a few days.
Overgrown Landscape
Another tell-tale sign that homeowners are away on vacation is an overgrown landscape.
When your lawns are poorly maintained, it can be an indication that the house has been unoccupied for a long time.
To avoid this, mow your lawn regularly and trim the bushes to a height that does not block the windows.
If you are going on vacation for a long period of time, hire someone to maintain your lawn.
Packages on the Porch
If there are packages, mail, or newspaper piling up on your porch, it can be an obvious sign that you are on vacation.
So if you are going away, ask a family member, friend, or trusted neighbor to pick up said items on your porch.
Unlocked Garage Doors
An unlocked garage that is attached is an easy way for burglars to enter and gain access to your home.
Make sure to close and lock your garage door when you leave the house.
Unlocked Storage Sheds
Even though you probably do not store any valuable items in your storage shed, it is also important to keep them locked.
Storage sheds normally house items such as ladders, hammers, wire cutters, and other tools that burglars can use to force entry into your home.
This is why it is important to keep your storage shed locked.
Hidden Spare Key
A lot of people have a hidden spare key in case they get locked out. This can be a bad idea because seasoned burglars know the best hiding places for spare keys.
The best thing to do is keep a spare key with a neighbor that you trust.
What are the Best Deterrents for Burglars?
Burglary is common all over the world, although there are some areas that are more prone to it.
If you want to secure your house, here are the best deterrents for burglars that you can use.
Security Cameras
Security cameras for your home are probably the best deterrent for burglars. Installing cameras around the exterior of your home is a great way to prevent burglars from entering.
Burglars do not want to risk being caught and identified so having security cameras are a great way to deter them.
They are less likely to target your home if you have security cameras installed.
Outdoor Lights
Outdoor lighting is also effective for deterring burglars.
Burglars generally avoid well-lit areas because they do not want to be seen. If you want to level up your outdoor lighting, consider motion sensor lights.
These lights will turn on when they detect movement and they are a great way to startle burglars when they target your house. Motion sensor lights can set them off and drive them away.
Gates
Installing gates for your home makes it more difficult to access.
Climbing over gates is not a discreet way to break in so burglars are less likely to target houses on a gated property.
Having gates will also make it more difficult for them to see the inside of your home so they would not be able to plan a burglary.
Alarm Systems
This can be expensive but alarm systems are definitely effective in deterring burglars.
Alarm systems normally include security cameras, door, and window monitoring systems, security lights, alarms, and emergency call-outs.
You will also have the capability to monitor your home security even when you are away.
Dogs
This is probably the most classic burglar deterrent in the book. Dogs can effectively detect burglars. Burglars are less likely to target houses with dogs. A loud barking dog can grab attention which puts the burglars at risk of being caught.
Of course, large dogs are more effective and more intimidating than small dogs.
Even if you do not have a dog, putting a sign that says “Beware of Dog” can deter burglars.
Sources:
Should I Leave My Curtains Open Or Closed When Away
What Are The Best Curtains For Home Security?
4 Types Of Curtains That Are Best For Privacy