Need some ideas on window treatments please! I have a bank of 5 windows in my family room that measures a total of about 10 ft wide by 5 ft tall. The three middle windows are crank-out casements with stationary windows at the end. We just finished having them restored after years of living with damage to the glass and woodwork from our dog and the kids so I want to actually be able to see the windows now. They are all wood that has been stained a beautiful, rich shade, and they face north so I want to make sure they let in as much light as possible during the day. Additionally, the view outside of them is great, overlooking my front garden and a pretty tree, and during the summer, opening the windows will provide a lot ventilation.
The issue is that at night, my neighbors and anyone driving by can TOTALLY see right into the house - what we're watching on TV, who is in the room, etc. My house is pretty close to the street and our houses are really close together.
Any ideas on a window treatment that would provide privacy at night but allow us to see the windows themselves and see through the windows during the day? I was thinking of one-way privacy film but my understanding is that it doesn't work at night. We've had pinch-pleat sheers on a traverse rod for years (flanked by drapes) but they're a bit old-fashioned and our dog regularly shreds them. I'd love something that doesn't have to be opened/closed or raised/lowered everyday (hence the thinking behind a film) but would to that if needed.
Any ideas?
Thanks - for those who suggested cordless blinds or fabric blinds...are those the same thing as cellular shades? Are there ones out there that are good quality but less expensive than Levolor? I checked their website and ones for this size window started at about $100 each...not really into the idea of spending $500 on shades but if it makes a huge difference in quality, attractiveness and durability we'd consider the investment and hope they last a long time.
I have to say you should look at the fabric accordion Levolour blinds.
I love them. So much easier to raise & lower. Cordless!
Yes cellular. Lowes is where we got ours. They have light filtering or light blocking options in the same style. They're worth it, IMO.
Get rid of the curtains and rods and install shades (not blinds).
Roman shades are evenly pleated when pulled down, but fabric shades are one smooth surface. A fabric shades are only gathered at the bottom as you pull them up, so it depends on the look you want.
I like Ally Gs suggestion of Roman shades. I was thinking exactly of these for the new kitchen windows we had installed-- the wood is beautiful (I'm just going to stain them) and they are both casements, nice view for most part, but I need some light blockage for late-afternoon summer sun and for privacy in the evenings. Romans will inset into your window frame (they hang from the top inside the frame) and come in some neat patterns.
Use some retractable blinds. We have the cordless ones from Lowes and love them.
$100 sounds cheap for good quality cellular blinds. But I typically am looking for blackout blinds, which are more expensive.
If you go that route (which was going to be my suggestion) make sure they're cordless. So much neater and safer.
I did get the black out shade for a bedroom and it is so dark (truly black out). I think in your case if you get the 'top down bottom up" style could be nice (not the black out because too dark and extra charge). If you go to Home Depot or Lowe's they should be able to show you examples. Basically these can be cordless too and you can have the window show from the top and block the bottom or visa versa. This allows you to see out through the top of the window and possibly see trees or mountains and block the bottom view (maybe the street).
eta: i just googled an example (you can also type top down bottom up blinds):
http://www.jcpenney.com/window/jcp-home/jcp-home%25e2%258...
