Hang insulated drapes from under the plants, half way down. I saw it done on HGTV and it was very nice.

Beautiful windows...but...what to do. You may have to look at getting customize blinds for the upper windows either Hunter Douglas or Levelor. Could you add a darker tint to the upper windows? And then for the lower windows beautiful insulated/room darkening drapes.

Those windows are amazing but I understand your problem. Please take a look at some of my pictures and let me know if I can help you with anything. Thank you so much!

I posted a good example of the half curtained windows in my "Bedroom Ideas" ideabook.

You can get cellular shades that will fit those windows, although the "specialty shapes" might take a little extra work or money. You may have to install a palladian shelf to separate the palladian window in the middle, but there is a bullet type shade available from Comfortex. http://www.comfortex.com/cellular/specialty.php It would be easy if you have a decent size budget and can order through a window treatment dealer, but if you are strapped for cash there are some alternatives. You can do pretty much whatever you want with the rectangular windows as you know. We do have an Arch Redi-Shade that might be easy to adapt to the quarter round windows and is only $30. http://cellularwindowshades.com/redi-arch-shade.html Let us know if you have any questions, we'd love to help you explore your options or just offer a second opinion to any sales people you may talk to! Contact info is on our profile.

Wow, thank you all soooo much for your suggestions/comments! There IS hope for some sun-relief. Not that we need any relief right now . . . wettest/cloudiest spring that I can remember here in upstate NY. I really appreciate your help!

Chicarica, that's a great idea too! Thank you!

And cellularwindowshades.com, I love your ideas! I will be checking all of these ideas! The top arched windows are the worst for sun. They allow the sun to shine in the family room all afternoon. I really do need to cover them somehow. Very disappointed in the builder, knowing very well I had a southern exposure here. He was all over us wanting to put in the bigger windows, never hinting we might have a problem with blinding sun in the winter. No surprise, though. Just wanted the $$ and let us deal with the sun.

That is what I'm here for. I hear many cautionary tales about unique windows and huge skylights, especially when installed in an extreme environment (hot or cold). Sometimes small size/shape considerations and tweaks make all the difference. We do have a saying here - "those in glass houses, really need shades!" I am looking forward to seeing your solution! You do have beautiful windows and a beautiful view!

The options offered by cellular window shades are a great solution for architectural windows like yours. You may also consider adding stationary drapery panels between the lower windows to soften the overall look.

Can I be completely honest? I'd look into removing the rounded windows altogether and framing in the wall. It would obviously help with the sun problem, but even more importantly, it would make your room look classic and well-designed. To me, the fussiness of your windows and window treatments both date the room and distract the eye from your great view.

And then I'd hang curtains between the remaining windows, following these (almost encyclopedic) guidelines:

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/08/top-ten-design-elements-4.html

I have no affiliation with this blog, I just think she's exactly right.

risris, I have entertained the idea of removing those upper windows before. My concern is how it would look because the ceiling is cathedral and it would be a large empty wall above the lower windows. If I do this, I need to make the decision now, as I have painters ready to paint the room next week. Let's see if I can run this by my husband . . . oh, I can hear him now! Wish me luck!

I think if you invest in custom drapes you might as well have the windows removed because the cost will probably be close to the sam. That said, your re-sale value will go down because you have this great room with beautiful views that has been closed in. People will wonder what the point is of having 20' ceilings (I'm assuming they're that tall.) I think your best bet would be to get the shades and where ever you are able to, make them operable by remote.

I really need to provide a better picture of the whole wall. I was sitting on the couch when I took the one picture. I can do better than that!

Please post a pic of the whole wall! And good luck with your husband :)

Well, the upper window removal idea was met with some opposition from my husband. But, it was not a clear "no." Since we are in the process of installing an in-ground pool at the moment, any sizable job added on is most likely not going to happen too soon. I will revisit the idea with him after some time has passed. I did take another picture. As you can see, the window grilles are not as noticeable at night because of the window tinting being on the interior of the window. There is one exception on the lower right side where my son broke a window and we have yet to have the tinting re-done. I have an open view to the windows/family room from the second floor hallway, which is where I took this picture. Clearly, we made an error selecting this window design with a southern exposure. Even in cloudy upstate NY!

another good example of covering only the bottom half of the windows.

Is that redi shade a temporary paper shade, or a permanent solution?
I think you need to consult with a pro about getting hard wired motorized shadesblinds/roman shades. It won't be inexpensive, but in the long run, will be easiest on use. I hardly ever recommend panels installed below upper windows, but I think you could hang panels below your top 3 windows for added softness if wanted.

The Arch RediShades are thick fabric (not the paper ones), and for the $30 price, they can be either a temporary or long term solution. I don't have information on how long the adhesive strip lasts, but I think they will offer the immediate solution you are looking for without the commitment/investment of replacing windows, or getting the custom shape shades quite yet. I believe taking time and fully investigating all possibilities is the best solution and in the long run provides peace of mind and prevents buyers remorse. Perhaps you will opt for the treatments for the rectangular windows now, and get a custom arch treatment later, once you have some of the other projects are complete. It sounds like you have more information than before. If you are in the NorthEastern portion of NY, I may have a window treatment company I can refer you to.

I'm in Syracuse, CWS. I really like your ideas.

Ironically, the sun is not so bothersome during the summer months. It is during the winter months, when the sun is lower in the sky, that it shines directly into the room. : /

Thank you! I'm seeing if I can get someone in your area. Our old salespeople in Syracuse has recently retired. :( But I bet we can find another trusted contact.

Thank you!

Surprised no one has mentioned plantation shutters :)