If you want to let the light in but hide the view, you can buy frosted plastic films that are pretty cheap and go on
with soap and water. There is a wide range of degree of coverage, and patterns are also available. Company is solyx.com. I used them on my bathroom window for privacy but still get nice natural light. looks like frosted glass.

How about just using a window film. You will still get all the light, and not have to mess with moving curtains out of the way to get to the playroom, while still obscuring the view ...
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bzb22 ... you know what they say about "great minds" ...

:0)

Curious to know why you want to hide the playroom. Could you make it more attractive, rearrange furniture and add some plants to make it look more inviting? It is part of your home and it seems a shame to close it off.

I agree with olldroo. That could be a beautiful space, even if you need it for storage. Maybe you could add some shelving units and baskets a'la Pottery Barn, but look at places like Target for shelves and Michael's crafts for much cheaper options. That window dressing is difficult to see in the photo, but it looks like a roller shade or vertical blinds. Put some punchy, colorful drapes on that window and it will draw attention away from any other clutter.

Don't think of the room as an ugly stepchild of the house, but as a valued contributor to your overall design scheme. :)

Heidi - Initially I thought some cheerful curtains would significantly add to the attractiveness of the room but I would be concerned that they might dull the inside room - difficult to see how much natural light (if any) that room gets. I'm also wondering what is beyond those outside windows - is there a garden there that could become part of the house also? I love the effect of graduating from a garden, to a garden room and then the house.

Is the playroom/conservatory a four seasons room? Or do you need the sliders for cold weather? If no, I would consider just removing it and creating an open doorway and having more, nice living space like Heidi and olldroo are suggesting. Either way, I like their ideas. The privacy film may not work if it's a playroom and you need to see your kids while they're in there?

I'm thinking open it up, unless there are issues with temperature variation.

I hate to sound snobby, but I think the window film sounds kind of cheap and low class. :o( Sorry, don't mean to offend anyone. If price is really an issue, even an beautiful set of colorful patterned sheets from TJ Maxx or Marshalls ($10), a piece of PVC pipe ($4), and some curtain brackets ($5) could be used to make a curtain in the window. When I was in college I used that method to replace an ugly sliding closet door. The effect was great.

Totally agree that sheers may be the way to go in that exterior window. They have beautifully colorful and patterned sheers now. I've seen really cute sheer curtains at Target and at Cost Plus World Market. For DIY option, there are endless options in sheer fabric at the fabric shops, but I've found that option is usually more expensive, even if the fabric is on the lower end of the price list.

Actually, I just really looked at those window film pictures that were posted above and have changed my mind. Those appear like frosted glass and actually look nice.

I really want to know what is on the other side of that shaded window.

I think you could go with any fabric. The problem with lighting seems to be the light fixture itself. It's too small. Add a bigger, brighter one over the table if possible.

Oh dear, poor sanddancer - we will have her whole house reorganised soon. LOL. Definitely Heidi, there are now films and there are films. I will leave you all to it, I must get to bed.

Sundancer, you have a beautiful space beyond the slider. The window coverings on the porch let in nice light that is essential to your kitchen space. The kitchen will shrink terribly if you darken the slider. Frosted glass film is a great option. However, I too would like to lose the slider. If that is not an option, use funds to decorate the porch. Place a pretty rug with eye catching color/pattern on the floor. I am thinking a chevron pattern would be fun. The many indoor-outdoor ones can be taken outside for hosing when chalk filled. Lol. Paint the kitchen walls a color from the rug and add a new larger light over your table. If you could post a picture showing entire porch space we could assist room layout:-)

Thanks everyone. The conservatory is a very poorly constructed pvc surround with 3 walls of windows(so shelving nt an option) and very little heating. Frezing in winter!! So we cant take doors out. We are completely out if cash for at least a year and cant do anymore with conserv itself. Saying that its a fab room mainlycontaing lego:-)!!! I love the brick effect stick on cover. The photo looks dark but the room actually gets lots of light. This is our last job to finish our dream kitchen. Ive attached pic so u can see where cash has gone. One day we will replace conserv with a brick summer room and will take doors out. Thanks again.

Again that looks much darker than it actuakly is. I think it may be my phone.

A geometric pattern like the ones Brenda showed above would look great with your more modern aesthetic in the kitchen.

Why do you need door at all ? Why not use all. Your space. Fix up playroom. If cant do that add cheap bamboo shade in dark color . Home Depot.

Nice kitchen just saw comment about door.

Something like this. Doesn't have to be expensive. But make sure you have enough fabric so that when you close the curtains they still have folds and don't hang straight like a sheet. And don't do tunnel around a rod, but if you find tunnel curtains that you like, get rings on clips and just clip them on. Ikea is a great source for these things.

Sanddancer - your new kitchen looks lovely and I love the turquoise wall. Understand now how you just want a quick fix. There are some lovely films suggested here - the only issue would be if you needed to keep an eye on the children, but in all probability if they were playing there the door would be open anyway.

Love the kitchen! Having just done mine and now being out of cash for dealing with my sliding doors I feel your pain! Along the lines of carolins suggestion, ikea makes panels and tracks you can slide them along that may work here. Looks like you don't really have room for drapes on the right without obstructing the doorway.
http://houzz.com/photos/844810

I like the brick pattern film for your space as well sanddancer. It will look great. Please post photos if you decide to do it.