Thanks in advance for any insights! The 5' bay window in my little kitchen - which defines our eating area - is currently covered by a hideous white vinyl roller shade mounted from one end to the other of the window box. I would like to replace it with something a little easier on the eyes that still provides varying levels of privacy. Here are my "needs:"

1) The window ends in kind of a table where I have a community of plants situated. They will need light from the outside and attention from the inside during the day.

2) I work at the kitchen table and would like the option of some privacy from the mailman occasionally.

3) The window opens onto a crowded suburban street and I would like privacy at night.

I considered a set of three faux wood venetian blinds mounted in front of each pane of glass, but I get the sense that will be a living hell to install (this is not my forever home) and I'm not sure will look all that classy in the end. Ditto Roman shades - likely expensive and I understand they are a pain to raise and lower (I would have to adjust 6x a day with a shade over each panel)

Many of my neighbors have cafe curtains, which are not my style (too cute for me - give me modern organic, whatever that means!) but would probably do the trick--but I do like to be able to look out at my front garden sometimes, and to visit with my plant community on the sill.

Curtains are out because my well-used range is right next to the window.

I think I'm down to: Install one single, large faux wood venetian blind over the "entrance" of the window. Just worried it will interrupt the view, or the flow, or look like a prison or something. Are there rules about this kind of thing??

The image I'm including with this post is not my window, but a more or less the same exact size, style, and color.

Sorry to go on for miles about my kitchen window and thank you for any ideas!