Dutch Gardens and Curtains

There are some specific and quintessential Dutch traditions, surrounding gardens and curtains in the Netherlands. It is important to understand the etiquette as an expat, so that you can be respectful of your Dutch neighbors. To learn about the thinking behind those chocolate box flower beds and window displays, read on!

Dutch Gardens

Here are few key characteristics of the Dutch attitude towards gardens:

The Dutch are very proud of their gardens, be they postage stamp-size, or football pitch-size
They like to take particular care over their front yards
This is because the front yard is the part of the garden that the neighbors see
The Dutch love a ‘gezellig‘ neighborhood. The closest translation to ‘gezellig’ in English is ‘cozy‘
A neighborhood is considered to be gezellig if it is pretty. It should be covered in flowers, flowering bushes, little rock gardens and the occasional garden gnome or windmill
It is not without reason that Dutch flower bulbs are exported all across the world
The Netherlands is renowned as the flowering heart of the world
The hub of the world’s flower industry is located near Schiphol airport

Side Note

The Dutch and the Belgians

Ask the Belgians what they find typical of the homes of their Northern Neighbors, and they will mention two things:

Gardens
Curtains

The Belgians believe that family life is for the family
Hence, there are virtually no front yards in Belgium
The Belgians prefer to have their garden at the back of their house instead
They also like to have huge, no-nonsense window blinds
These go down as soon as the first lights go on inside the house
They are the opposite to their Dutch in this respect!

The rule of Dutch behavior is: 'Doe maar gewoon, dan doe je gek genoeg': Just act normal, that's already crazy enough!'

The Neighborhood in the Netherlands

You may well have noted how prim and uniform your new neighborhood is. This is no accident!

There are special rules about not building too many different types of houses on one street in the Netherlands
So, there are endless rows of well-kept, dime-a-dozen houses, with picture-perfect front yards
This is different in the very expensive areas of the Netherlands, where the houses tend to lie far apart from one another

Another key characteristic of a Dutch house is, of course, those big, un-curtained windows.

Dutch curtains

The Dutch do not feel self-conscious about what goes on behind their front door
Therefore, they feel comfortable leaving their curtains wide open
The rule of Dutch behavior is: ‘doe maar gewoon, dan doe je gek genoeg’. This means: ‘act normal and you will be acting crazy enough’
This Dutch phrase is meant to advocate living modestly. It means that you should not buy expensive cars, not have any airs,never step out of line and you should decorate your home simply
If you close your curtains, the Dutch might assume that you have something to hide
If you leave your curtains open, everyone can see for themselves that you are totally ‘normal’

Recently Posted on XPat.nl

The Difference Between a Resume and a CV

If you’re an expat living and looking for work in the Netherlands then there are some vital differences you should know about in regards to your job applications. In the Netherlands, as with most places in Europe, the norm is a CV rather than the resume which is commonly used in the United States amongst … Continue reading

How to Learn to Speak Dutch: Top Tips and Tricks

Dutch is a West Germanic language, and the most common dialect spoken throughout The Netherlands. While plenty of individuals here are perfectly fluent in English, we need to remember that learning the basics is always a good idea if you are planning a visit in the near future. However, what if you happen to be … Continue reading

The Holland Handbook 2026-2027

It is that time of year again; the new and annually-updated version of The Holland Handbook is here and ready to be enjoyed! Not only that, but this is the 26th edition! More than twenty five years ago, a modest group of three people sat around a table to discuss the possibility of creating a … Continue reading

Preparing for the Inburgering A1 Exam

What Future Residents Should Know For many people planning a move to the Netherlands, the Inburgering A1 exam is one of the first important steps. If you need to take the basic civic integration exam abroad before joining your partner or starting a new life in the Netherlands, it helps to know exactly what to … Continue reading

Financial Planning Basics for Expats Moving to the Netherlands

Moving abroad brings exciting opportunities—and new financial responsibilities. For expats relocating to the Netherlands, understanding how the local financial system works can make a significant difference in building stability and avoiding unexpected costs. From housing and taxation to insurance and long-term planning, getting familiar with the essentials early on helps create a smoother transition. One … Continue reading

Dutch student culture decoded: a survival guide for internationals

Studying in the Netherlands is more than earning a degree; it is an introduction to a distinct social culture. International students often arrive prepared for coursework and exams, but less prepared for the unwritten rules that shape daily life. From direct communication to financial responsibility and structured planning, Dutch student culture follows clear principles that … Continue reading