What room is this? Do you have a need for privacy? You could hang a blind or shade that goes 2/3 of the way up.

This is the dining room. And privacy and decorative reasons. The picture makes it look like its not much of a cut off. It's actually like 8 inches!

I would use a bottom up pleated shade. And allow the top portion to stay open. Another option would be shutters on the outside of the house, if you need privacy.

Hi fletcherb, I agree with momsy's suggestion of a window film because of the clipped window frame. You may want to consider applying it to the bottom only if that portion alone will give you the privacy you need. (A fabric curtain at the lower portion could also work)

If budget allows in the future, I'd suggest reframing the opening for a narrower window so as to avoid the issue long-term

Steve

We plan of putting up raised panel shutters soon.

You could do a curtain rod 3/4 of the way up. That should give you enough privacy and light control. Covering 3/4 of the window will look good aesthetically, too. Or 2/3 might be better.

I'd put a cafe rod across the middle to top half, add a curtain with rings and clips for a pinch hung affect

Bruce- yes, I'm not sure why they did this. We will only be here short term so unfortunately, this isn't an option!

It's kind of amazing that someone went to all the work to add a second story and didn't change out the window to one that fits while they were at it! I think I might hang a rod just far enough down so that it can go straight across and leave the top open, like a cafe effect but high enough to give you privacy.