to me, this is an excellent example of poor design. when an architect designed it, and sited it, they ought to have had a solution in mind. whats the point of windows that need coverings that arent reachable? i'm sure someone can suggest a motorized solution.

Have you considered floor-to-ceiling drapery panels? You could hang them above the arch, allowing you to close them as needed. It sounds like you're worried about the sun degrading whatever you choose, but a thick lining would prevent that.

Pictures of my suggestion. Best of luck!

This is one of the nicest ideas I have come across, but you still have a problem over your front entrance. Do you need to cover the top windows? Perhaps you can just ignore them and let the light in and then concentrate on dressing the windows/doors below?

you need solar shades to minimize solar gain and keep the view

Thank you all for your advice. whilst I do love the look of draperies I don't think its a good mix for us with the door and I am worried that anything fabric will be bleached on the edges by the sun. We have looked into solar shades and they do seem a good choice but how effective are they really? Does anyone have them and can tell me just how good they are?

we have a solar shade on our west facing kitchen, i can see the backyard/pool through it while doing dishes but the light doesnt scorch me. the one we have is not "good enough" to sit facing west in the dining room though, for that window i kept a traditional blind.

We had a company apply UV protection window film with a slight tint to our front windows. They cut the glare and protect our furniture from fading. We have outside solar screens on our back SW facing windows and they drastically helped with heat and glare.
You can have the film, screens, shades, and drapes all on one window!

lol, sootsprite, if i was the window glass i'd just give up.

I am about to test a new product that has recently come on the market, it's a film you apply and with an iPhone app you can change it from transparent to opaque. It can reduce glare. Www.sonte.com. Might be a consideration but testing it first.

This is a perfect application for window film. Control the heat and glare while still enjoying natural light and keeping your view. With window film you can then add a purely decorative window treatment instead of just covering the windows.

The first image is a darker shade for more glare reduction and 72% heat rejection. The second image is a very light film that blocks 55% of the incoming heat and 99.9% of the UV. A window film professional will be able to show you a range of products to help you pick the right choice for your home.

Please let us know your results, Karen - that looks truly exciting.

I'd still go with a battery operated Silhouette. HunterDouglas has amazing warranties and they offer C battery packs now so you only have to change them out once every 3-5 years (depending on how much you use them). You can roll the blinds up into the header for unobstructed view, vein open for filtered, and vein closed for sun/heat control. Really versatile and gorgeous. I can't imagine you would have to be up on a ladder cleaning them any more often than other window coverings...

What about something for outside? That way you wouldn't have to muck up your room with fussy shades, or ruin your window with film. I don't have a specific solution, but there must be something you can find to cover those arches when you need to?

kmkane, I would like to hear more about how window film will "ruin your window"? I assume you had a bad experience which is unfortunate. Window film is a multi-billion dollar worldwide industry that helps improve comfort for home and business owners, protects furnishings and artwork while allowing them to enjoy the view. Film is a semi-permanent solution that can be removed if your dreams change. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help your window situation.

thank you for all your advice. I am getting our window guy back out to review every possibility again.