large windows: options for privacy and light

Well I've finally returned from summer vacation at "home" on the East Coast of Canada, where I enjoyed much-loved time with family, friends and nature. I unplugged and really enjoyed taking time to be still and enjoy the outdoors. I hope your summer has been revitalizing for you as well!

I visited a friend's home while there as she has a dilemma: how to cover her wall of windows so that there can be some privacy but still let in all of the light and be able to take in the beautiful view of the river that the home backs onto. The windows run almost floor to ceiling, and completely cover the back wall of the open concept living/dining/kitchen space. This includes a patio door in the middle. Also, because the frames of the windows go all the way to the walls on either side, there is no room for a curtain rod to be installed on the walls above the frames.

There are a few options to consider:

1. Bottom up/top down celluar or honeycomb shades.

source

source

IKEA blind via 

source

These are great for a number of reasons. They provide privacy (different levels available for day/night) but also diffuse the light so that your indoor spaces are still very bright. Because of their "honeycomb" cells they are energy efficient, keeping heat out or in depending on the season. Finally, they are cordless, which is good for child safety and also esthetics. You can even get cellular shades to fit patio doors so the look would be seamless across the whole wall.

2. Panel track blinds.

IKEA

source

source

 David Howell Design

Running a track on the ceiling above the wall of windows means that you can pull the blinds full across all windows including the door in the middle, or just as far as you'd like. There are many options of privacy levels and designs to choose from.

What's great about this is that you could also install two short tracks on either end on which to hang a pretty curtain in front of the blinds, just at the edges to provide a finished look. They would rest in front a small section of the two end windows, but shouldn't take away too much of the light or view. Or, if you like the look of curtains but want the privacy of panels, you could hang sheer curtains from the tracks and pull across when needed.

3. Privacy window film.

source

Gila

OK, this is kind of a neat option, though from the reviews that I've read the film provides varying levels of privacy. The mirrored option will block anyone being able to see in during the day, but not at night. If you'd like night-time privacy as well, perhaps the track panels or curtains could also be added. I admit I have not seen the mirror film used residentially, but it could be an interesting option. Plus it would be cool to spy on your kids, wouldn't it?

I hope this helps when looking for window covering options for large windows where you would like privacy but not have to sacrifice the view. Note that all of the links on the pictures are to sources for the window options. I like IKEA for price and selection, but there are lots of online blind store options out there.

Please let me know if you've come across other options, or if you've used any of the above and can "shed some light"!