If you remove the windows entirely then how will a window treatment work for privacy? It would have to be closed, right, which would defeat the air flow. Perhaps a dark colored screen would allow the air to flow and still give you privacy.

I mean removing those window panels which you see open -- that is, taking them off their hinges. It would just mean that they wouldn't be jutting into the room and would present a little less complex look together with a window treatment. Does that make sense?

Yes, you mean the framed glass, right? I still believe a dark colored screen (like black) will be your best bet.

Yes, right -- the in-swinging casement window panels. To what degree would a dark-colored screen prevent people from looking in? The screens we already have on the window are dark-grey fiberglass. I take it you mean something else?

A typical New Orleans solution might work for you: louvered wood shutters mounted on the outside, secured on the inside. Similar louvered wood doors and shutters are used in northern Italy. Carved, pierced wood screens are used in other places. They don't have to go all the way from the base of the window to the top; you could have half-height louvered shutters on the bottom and open space to look out on the top.

If you can post some photos showing the outside of the building that shows the height of the windows relative to a passerby, that would help.

If you only need to block the lower half of the windows, and you still want to run a fan, you can buy two tension rods to fit the width of the window and install a shirred curtain. Hem both top and bottom, run a tension rod through top and bottom hems, and place tension rods just behind the screen. The windowsill fan will not be able to suck in the fabric. You'll be able to wash and remount the curtain easily when it gets dusty and you can take it in quickly if it rains.

Thanks so much apple_pie_order -- I really have been racking my brain for every possible solution.

I assume you mean instead of the shutters in the position we have them? (they are due to be replaced because they were damaged, but so far we expect to replace them with something in the same position). The problems I see with louvered shutters outside are two: (1) we wouldn't be able to open and close them easily from the inside, and (2) we'd lose the protection of the screens (ewwww! little lizards crawling between the louvers!). I love the idea of pierced screens, however, especially if they're just on the bottom half. At least for people to look in they'd have to stop and squint through small holes -- should stop all but the most brazen.

I don't think Ihave a good photo of the outside (but I'll double check) but basically I'd need to block off the bottom third of the whole window opening.

New Orleans solutions should be about right in regard to climate at least, since the cottage is in Greece.

Ah, apple_pie_order you're definitely on the right track! I've ended up right about where you are with your second solution, only wondering if I could get a translucent-not-transparent bit of fabric and stretch it rather than gather just because I'd love the cleaner lines. The sucking-into-the-fan bit IS a concern and I'm delighted you realized it. Thanks for hearing every detail :-)

Okay, found a photo! This shows the side path clearly, and these two troublesome windows (forgive building debris and mess).

Forgot to mention that non-curtain solutions are also possible, that is, things like plants, trees, window boxes. However, some flexibility with the light would be preferred, the path IS public so I don't have rights to do anything which would impede passage, and we're only in the house a month or so a year (until retirement) so plants requiring constant attention wouldn't really work.

How about lattice?

A wood or metal screen:

Houssaon, thanks very much! Particularly love that one with the writing :-) but any of them would be fine solutions for daytime, maybe not so fine for night though, especially into the bedroom. I'm sure it's human nature, but passers-by DO turn their heads and look right in!

Good thing I looked again at this discussion because I see that the response I wrote to you, apple_pie_order, evidently was never posted. I'm sorry!

Just remember having said indeed bougainvillea -- or the more fragrant jasmine -- grow beautifully here and require relatively little work to maintain. Great ideas.

But what struck me as brilliant was the suggestion to distract the passers-by, something I'd never thought of despite trying to think 'outside of the box'. And although actually across the footpath it isn't our property, we're on good terms with our neighbor and I doubt he'd mind.

As for looking around at other Greek cottages to see what they're doing, I have done so, but I have a slightly different mindset being an ex-pat. Two solutions I see, for instance, are either closing windows and curtains and cranking up the A/C -- no! -- or just letting everyone peer in to their hearts' content. Equally 'no!'. The louvered shutters aren't quite as functional as you might think: first of all, there are often no real gaps between the louvers so there goes the ventilation, and they're also not adjustable so it's either fully-dark/fully-stuffy, or open, albeit partially as I show in my photos is a possible compromise ...

I've even wondered about stringing up a sort of mirror mobile just inside the screen thinking that might confuse the viewer enough, although I doubt I'd have complete faith in that solution alone come night-time.

Anyhow, one of these solutions -- or perhaps several combined -- should do the trick. Thank you SO much to those of you who took the time to offer suggestions :-)

How about indoor outdoor rattan shades, they would let air in but give you some privacy and take up no space. Mary Bruce Sondergaard

Thanks for chiming in, sondergaard1. I'm a little uncertain of the term "indoor-outdoor" in your comment, but otherwise assume you're talking about roll-up rattan shades which while they could be used outdoors, in my experience degrade quite quickly.

Either way, while I do like the looks of those, the shade they cast, and the air they let through, and let's not forget their low cost -- at night they really don't provide any real privacy, sadly. And lining them would defeat some of the pro's it seems.

Not easy windows!

a fabric that can be used outside but would also work indoors.

If there is no view, you might try one piece Bahama Shutters, which can be louvered and fit flat on the outside, but are propped out with a stick or cranked up to admit light and air...and lizards.

Hi Sara --

That's an interesting thought -- I think you mean these shutters, am I correct?

If so, I love how they look inside and would seem to meet most of my wish list. As long as I can get them installed over the screens, and I'm sure i could with a fairly straightforward frame. Hmmm, nice. Thanks! (I suppose the only downside is that they couldn't ever be VERY open, right?)

Yes, these are like Bahama shutters. I've seen them opened very wide or high, like an awning! You just need a longer stick.

... and some tolerant passers-by :-) But seriously, love this idea Sara so thanks again. I'll see exactly what clearance I'd have to work with.

Annoulaxeni, the perfect solution for these windows are indeed Bermuda (Bahama) Shutters! They would go great on these windows. At Timberlane, our Bermuda shutters are available in Wood or our maintenance free Endurian line and are available in many styles and colors. Be sure to visit our website for more information and request a free catalog! http://www.timberlane.com/resource-center/ordering-support-mat/types-styles-shutters/bermuda/#.UgKSYdLVDIc