So, you have floor to ceiling windows and a wonderful view, but unfortunately, so do your neighbors across the street … and they are looking right at YOU! How do you afford yourself some privacy when you need it without giving up your light and your view? Here are a couple of ideas that I absolutely LOVE!!

In this first photo of a bedroom in the Belmont Street Lofts in Portland’s Belmont District, my client wanted some privacy while still being able to enjoy light and the view of those awesome leaves even when he was in bed. Look carefully at the windows. There are roller shades installed at the top of the windows where you would expect to see them … but he also has a roller shade installed on the crossbar above the LOWER window. That way he can pull that one down, but leave the upper ones open while he is lying in bed. 

These lovely drapes in the Streetcar Lofts in Portland’s Pearl District are hung on rods fixed on one end that can be swung open or closed without having to pull the drapes back and forth. There is a sheer drape and an opaque silk drape. Both can be gathered together at the center with a fabric holder that snaps, thereby exposing the view softened with the fabric, or the sheer can be left hanging down with just the silk portion gathered, which gives some privacy while admitting light. If both the sheer and silk drapes are down, they have total privacy, or the rods can be swung away from the windows opening up the view entirely. Quite a bit of versatility!

Another type of window treatment I love for contemporary spaces are the sliding window panels. These are high-end Chilewich brand panels. They can be slid independently to close or open as much of your window as you like. Perfect for sliding glass doors!

Below are shades that slide either up or down. These come in varying styles, both translucent and opaque. A set of these combined with opaque drapes would give you all sorts of options to block out whatever portion of your window you like. 

So, there are great options for every need. Call me today to find the perfect solution for your windows and glass doors.

Tags: Belmont District, blinds, curtains, Design Tips, drapes, Hawthorne District, Interior Design, Lofts, Pearl District, solar shades, Window Treatments, windows