http://houzz.com/photos/2843209
I attached this picture to show you what color will look great with your room personally I would add the rods under the small windows and if you want to diffuse the light you can add this kind of translucent paper to look like itched glass -completely for got what it's called- and then when you add your panel do them in a way to show the four doors

Use these shades, they are the best option for doors. Send me measurements for pricing.

Is there UV film on the windows? I would consider that first. I think the doors would look nice with HD silhouettes shades on them--you can still have your view. You could do panels to frame the area (above the top windows), but don't forget about your light switch there. --you might have to install the panels so they cover some of the glass. I would call a local professional to help with these.

http://houzz.com/photos/575809
How about this

http://houzz.com/photos/267868
Not impressed with the valances but Just to show you how panels would look like with an upper window

You can either attach a shade to each door or get a large shade to mount above each set of doors. Roller or cellular shades would do the trick. A less expensive alternative to the silhouette is the shangri-la, which you can buy online to save more money. http://sheerblinds.com Using hold downs on the bottom of shades will prevent them from banging against the door when it is opened and closed.

I'd go with the sheer shades on each door. Have had them and love them. You still can have your view, but they help immensely for keeping the sun out. I'd live with them for a while, then decide if you want panels or other window treatment. I personally love the way the arch "frames" the doors and wouldn't want heavy drapes over them. You have a beautiful new home. Enjoy!

Curtains all the way to the ceiling would be beautiful!

Install solar window film to control the heat then Hunter Douglas sllhouettes or similar product for beauty and privacy.

I'm afraid sheer curtains will not help with the blazing sun. Do you need privacy? Light control? Both? There are some great ideas posted here, but you will need a professional to get the look--and fit--you need. How about something motorized?

My solution has been Japanese matchstick blinds: you can see out and it cuts the sunshine in.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I did actually have he idea of using bamboo roman shades but I worried that if they are closed while opening the door they may bang back and forth. Also I was thinking with those to also add some sort of sheers or curtain panals at the sides just to liven up the space since it is pretty bare.

Hi Chrissy. Looking at the design of your arch and columns from a distance, I don't think panels are the answer. Without seeing the space personally it is hard to give a true professional opinion. However, with just the picture given, it looks like soft custom roman shades, or some Hunter Douglas shades would be your only option.. I do want to tell you though that I hesitantly tell you that. Ideally it would be nice to have something draw your eyes up to the transom windows above, or that frames the design of the arch, but from the picture it doesn't look like the arch is high enough, it would end up blocking the window treatment. To sum up my opinion, I am in agreement with JMittman Designs, that this would be a great job for a professional. A true professional Custom Window Treatment specialist will save you money in the long run, and save you from costly mistakes. They will also take into consideration all the elements of the room, and make suggestions that will compliment all your decor.

Those doors are so beautiful, I'd hate to cover them unless you have to. I lived in Oklahoma and someplace like that leaves you no choice. Can you just have the doors tinted with a window film? If you have it done professionally it will look just fine and you won't see the film at all.

I don't like shades on doors as they always slap back and forth when you open the door. I like the idea of sheers as posted by marymillar.

Shades would look beautiful on your windows and French doors. Hunter Douglas has beautiful shades to choose from and some have options to brace the shade to the door so it doesn't swing back and forth. Silhouette, Duette and Pirouette would look great. There are many colors and styles to choose from. I picture a two on one head rail for your French doors so you can operate each side individually. There are many operating systems to consider as well. I would contact a professional in your area. I have someone you can contact if you're in Northern California. :)

I'm going to agree with most of the comments here to suggest Hunter Douglas honeycomb shades. When they are down, they really filter the light. And when they are up they're barely noticeable.

I can't tell from the picture, but it looks like the door hardware may impede a shade on the door?

The true fix is on the outside ... an arbor or something to stop the sun from hitting the windows.

Can you show a picture of the outside of these windows?

I think sheer panels would look great here, and depending on the sheer fabric chosen will do a great job filtering out the sun. Mount rods mid way between the top fo the transom windows and the ceiling. You would need 4 panels here. This is a job that needs to be specified by a pro as the others have said...in order to get the correct rod, correct fabric, and correct fulness. If you want more light control, you could go with a HD shade directly mounted on the doors themselves.
But the panels will work wonders looks wise for this space.

Tsudhonimh, we have nothing outside at the moment. We just built and plan to build a deck this summer.

If those were my doors I'd exhaust every other option to control light, heat and glare externally before installing something on the inside that covers them up. skeensm and tsudhonimh are both on the right track. Start with Low-E window film and then consider a trellis, pergola, retractable awning or other shade structure as you develop your plans for the deck.

Are you in town and close to neighbors?? Why not a sheer fabric that you can keep back to expose those great openings... Drapery is so tired and passe in most cases.

Too bad the doors and transom windows are separated like odd twins. I would try to unify them, or install 3 narrower doors instead of 2, and incorporate the transoms with the door architecture.

NOOOO! The doors and transom windows are perfect and are architecturally designed to make the entrance a focal point. Sheers or drapery would be just fine depending on the sun.

I would put a retractable awning outside that can be put out when the glare/heat is at its worst, and if anything, only sheers from floor to ceiling. Inexpensive, practical and seasonal. (However, I am in Australia so have no real idea of what climate you are trying to combat)

If there is not a great view out the doors shutters would look beautiful which can be installed on the door panel itself. The down side would be that they could not be total opened. What about a pergola on the outside of some sort of hangover that would cut down on the direct sun? Look at the outside options as well, especially if you have a view.

Jim Holter, You should consider HD Duette shades with the lite rise option. You have no cords and they stack up nice. You can get them in sheer fabrics if you want to maintain the view but cut down on UV rays that will fade your floors and furniture. The Silouette headrails project out about 3 1/4" so you may not be able to open the doors with them. They do have a low profile headrail that tilts only that works on French Doors.

I would also look into a window film to protect everything in the house from the damage from the sun. They block out the harmful rays that destroy your floors, fabrics, etc.

There is also a new product on the market--cordless Roman shades. Depending on your door and the location of the hardware, that might be a great option for you. These shades are safe for children (no accessible cords) and are available through drapery workrooms that are members of the Workroom Association of America. I hope this attachment will show up, and I apologize for the mess in the background. This shows the hardware that the shade is installed on. I don't know where you are located, but I am in Texas. I would be glad to discuss this option with you, and help you locate a workroom close to you or I can ship, but we would need to find an installer in your area to install the hardware. Let me know if I can help.

have you thought about an awning on the outside or some type of shade that you can pull down from the outside. A pergola might work too. That way the sun isnt straight on but you would get some sunlight still. don't now if any of these would work but I wouldnt cover too much up from the inside because the doors are too beautiful.

I agree with the Hunter Douglas duette shades. THey will give great sun blockage when needed but you can lift open from either down or up to view the outdoors. Fabulous colors available too. I love mine.

I would vote for wood shutters or wood blinds. The blinds can be pulled up or they can be down and open to an angle that will still allow you to see out but block the sun. Have you considered having the dark woodwork painted white? It would be a more cohesive look since the white molding butts up next to the dark wood on the transom and the doors. It makes the area look a bit busy.

Do you have a resource for Custom Stain Glass?? I would love a Custom Stain Glass design installed within each rectangular Transom...the design can be geometric, floral, your monograms :).......the sky is the limit!!! Then fit each door with functional, earthy rattan shades>>>Finally flank the right and left side of the full set of doors with stationary fabric panels that blend with your Custom Stain Glass application! If you live in Atlanta, I have a great resource fro Custom Glass and an artist that can sketch a design for you.

Jim Holter, I aqree with wood shutter but do not do wood blinds. The headrail projets out to far. They are noisey and you have to dust them. You need hold down bracket and they break after time. Shutters are timeless and can add value to your home. But they are your most expensive option.

I've had the fake wood or faux wood blinds break but not real wood...maybe I've been lucky.

I had blinds on a door and they rattled when you opened the door. I took them down because they were so annoying.