Windows - Blinds/shutters/lace?

[Sue]

I'm wondering what to do with my front bay and bedroom windows - as in, what to cover them with.

I want something that doesn't cut out too much light, but also doesn't let people peer in. But on the other hand, lets me see out :)

I had translucent blinds before, from Ikea, but they got very dirty (I'm not sure if they were cleanable, but if so I didn't :)) )

I don't like plantation blinds as I think they make the house look like a prison from the outside, however I wonder if they would be a practical option. Can you see out of them from the inside? Do they cut out much light?

I've discounted curtains on the grounds that there isn't enough space between the window and the wall to pull them back without covering up some of the window, and anyway you can't have curtains drawn all the time.

Vaguely wondering about some kind of light muslin, or net or lace curtains. I once had cream Liberty lace panels, but somebody bleached them thinking they were white and discoloured, and they fall apart :(

I would probably want white, as the floor and walls are white.

Does anybody have any ideas? Anything you have done and regretted it?

Also, can anybody recommend a local person who you have used yourself to advise and fit them (whatever they are)?

[cella]

I've just redecorated our front bedroom after subsidence repairs and the bay window now has 50 mm white wooden slat blinds - think this is the same as plantation blinds maybe? Looks lovely and the room is completely transformed. It's a real pleasure going to bed each evening as it feels like a hotel room whilst doing everything you describe above.

[Sue]

Thanks Cella.

I will have a rethink!

[KidKruger]

Half-height net curtains should do ya.

Lady in Peckham indoor market will make them up for you (she sells material too) same day.

Sorted.

[snoopy17]

Venetian blinds look nice on Windows.

or privacy flim/sticker for glass

[Sue]

Good idea, KK, thanks. Do you have any idea of the approximate price for making up a muslin curtain?

snoopy 17, thanks for suggestions but I associate Venetian blinds with offices!

And I don't want privacy film, because then I can't see out. I could have had the window glass made like that, but I didn't want it.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

You could use privacy film with an inch gap all the way round. That way you can peek out but a casual passerby can't really see in.

[Sue]

Peckhamgatecrasher Wrote:

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> You could use privacy film with an inch gap all

> the way round. That way you can peek out but a

> casual passerby can't really see in.

Good idea PGC but I don't think it would look very nice?

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

I don't agree but it's your call. The ones I've seen locally look rather smart. I didn't do it with mine so have to stand on a chair if I need to look out; if I were to do it again, I would add the gap.

This website has some examples. They also do mirror film so you can see out but just offers a reflection for passersby.

https://www.purlfrost.com/privacy-window-film/

[Sue]

Peckhamgatecrasher Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I don't agree but it's your call. The ones I've

> seen locally look rather smart. I didn't do it

> with mine so have to stand on a chair if I need to

> look out; if I were to do it again, I would add

> the gap.

>

> This website has some examples. They also do

> mirror film so you can see out but just offers a

> reflection for passersby.

>

> https://www.purlfrost.com/privacy-window-film/

As always, you are a star. I'll have a look :)

[KidKruger]

Didn?t cost much Sue, literally just a handful of quids.

Got em in my front bag window too, screening bottom half of window only.

Works fine.

Sue Wrote:

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> Good idea, KK, thanks. Do you have any idea of the

> approximate price for making up a muslin curtain?

>

> snoopy 17, thanks for suggestions but I associate

> Venetian blinds with offices!

>

> And I don't want privacy film, because then I

> can't see out. I could have had the window glass

> made like that, but I didn't want it.

[Sue]

I shall come and investigate, KK :)

[Nandalf the Grey]

I have white plantation blinds in my bay window. They cover the big windows, but we didn't want them going all the way to the top. We went for bigger slats rather than the small ones and we put a bar in the middle so that we have the choice of having the top slats open and bottom slats tilted so no one can see in and visa versa. I love them. They let light in and have opened up our room I think.

[Sue]

What did you have there before, Nandalf?

I'm getting quite confused by all the options!

I'm a leave the gate open kind of person, so I don't want my house to look unwelcoming from the outside, which I think is what is putting me off plantation blinds, but I can see they would be a good option from the inside.

But I'm finding it hard to imagine them in my room!

[Nandalf the Grey]

Hi Sue, I think that some people tend to leave blinds shut most of the time. They can look prison like if that's the case. Ours are opened everyday, on a tilt at the bottom and fully on the top section, with the bit next to the front door on more of a tilt for privacy. We had nets before, but I'm not a fan.

[Bob Buzzard]

I have plantation shutters plus frosted window transfers on the lower windows. All my sashes are completely new done by those great wood guys on North Cross Road.

[Froglander]

You could have the plantation shutters closed at the bottom and fully open at the top. That way you can see out and or get light coming in.

[TheArtfulDogger]

I find standing in the nip in your front window, letting beer belly hang over the top of cellulite pocked thighs, deters all casual glances towards the house. Downside is you get on first name terms with the local police, mental health workers and Fred the Flasher too

[Sue]

I'm thinking muslin with hessian roller blinds.

Textural contrast.

But then I'm not completely sober :))

[Sue]

TheArtfulDogger Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I find standing in the nip in your front window,

> letting beer belly hang over the top of cellulite

> pocked thighs, deters all casual glances towards

> the house. Downside is you get on first name terms

> with the local police, mental health workers and

> Fred the Flasher too

:)) :)) :))

You've seen my thighs then :)) :)) :))