kelkim2 Yes, need privacy & security. Road is somewhat busy at rush hour and school time. View is of houses across the street. Would woven shades work? But I would also like to have drapes on either end but would it look odd to have a very long draper rod with a panel on each end? Thanks so much!
Cindy Pestka What about applying a subtle window film to the bottom halves of each window, maybe something that looks like rice paper? It would serve as a permanent privacy screen but you'd get tons of light through the upper halves.
The Seventh Element Design Group I would do a white sheer as a first layer, then contemporary rod with 2 panels with fairly large print (black and white if you wish to go dramatic).
les1238 I neglected to ask--any pets in the house, cats especially? I've got a similar privacy situation with my living room window. Since my kitties claw the hell out of everything anyway, I went with a double rod, sheer panels that let the daylight in but screen the street out, and lightweight solid panels on the inner rod that we draw at night when the living room lights make our picture window into a theater. It was a temporary (3 years and counting) solution, but has worked out pretty well. I plan to upgrade to a double traverse rod and better quality, cat-resistant fabrics soon.
I agree with 7EDG that white sheers (textured or translucent for more privacy during the day) with panels stacked back on either side, would look good in your room and not entirely hide your handsome windows. Side panels could be dummies that stay stacked back on the sides, or full-width if you want privacy at night or to dim the room for t.v. watching. Full length side panels would set off your windows beautifully. And if you have cats trying to sit in the windows, I suggest short sheers for the inner layer--they'll likely last longer. If not, then full length sheers will have more impact.
If you want to try the look without investing a lot of time or money, www.brylanehome.com carries a line of value-priced sheer drapery panels that are available in short and long lengths. They don't look bad, and are tougher than they look. Their solid color canvas panels are nice too.
Julie Thome Draperies, Inc. I like your idea of a woven shade...one shade, and they are available cordless or motorized. You can use drapery panels each end. Mount them as high as possible, and let them stack over the glass a little if you can, to alter the proportion of the window a little., i.e. avoid having them stack too far off the glass. You want to accentuate the vertical, which the panels will do.
kelkim2 Thank you so much everyone for all your ideas! I appreciate the time you've taken to give me suggestions! Les1238-no cats, just a small doggie but he doesn't bother anything.
I agree with 7EDG that white sheers (textured or translucent for more privacy during the day) with panels stacked back on either side, would look good in your room and not entirely hide your handsome windows. Side panels could be dummies that stay stacked back on the sides, or full-width if you want privacy at night or to dim the room for t.v. watching. Full length side panels would set off your windows beautifully. And if you have cats trying to sit in the windows, I suggest short sheers for the inner layer--they'll likely last longer. If not, then full length sheers will have more impact.
If you want to try the look without investing a lot of time or money, www.brylanehome.com carries a line of value-priced sheer drapery panels that are available in short and long lengths. They don't look bad, and are tougher than they look. Their solid color canvas panels are nice too.