That's good to know, thanks. The Lutron battery operated shades are about $2200 per window plus install for this size - don't know about the wired option yet. But yeah I think roller shades are going to be my only option.

Hunter Douglas makes designer screen shades (roller) in varying degrees of sheerness. You could choose one that will allow light in but still give you privacy, and also install blackout micropleat shades behind them (they can be raised and lowered independently of the screen shades).

Perhaps patio shades would be available in larger sizes.

I would look into solar shades in the ecterior sizes it allows the light in but not the heat or the UV and then drapes at night I like the fact that solar shades let you keep the view in the daytime even if the view is not graet it is still nice to be able to see out. I use 10% solar shades they work IMO very well .

Patricia, can you recommend brands of solar shades?

I recently remodeled and on the advice of my designer who does a lot of commercial work, used a company called Q-Motion for my motorized shades. I opted for their system which also enables me to control the shades with an app from my iPhone. She said they were high quality but less expensive than the more widely advertised brands because they were more of a direct to the trade brand.

My shades include a wide sliding door to the balcony as well as two relatively wide windows although I don't think anything as large as yours.

I am in a high rise with a view so I wanted to somewhat preserve the view but eliminate glare. I don't have any need for privacy or being completely blacked out at night as my mine use is in the morning when my Eastern exposure creates way too much glaring light.

I also had "film" put on windows to block UVA to protect my floors and furniture. It's completely invisible in terms of blocking actual light.

I wouldn't worry about changing the batteries as they last for a fairly long period of time. At such time as they need changing I will have one of the guys who do maintenance in the building change them for me and I will tip him generously. Those who live in the suburbs could easily find a tall teenager to do it for you as well.

I use Steves blinds often have never had a problem and the prices are great remember the darker the material the better the view you could do something like this motorized if you like

Patricia how is 10% for privacy? Is it possible to walk around inside without anyone seeing you?

I know everyone now a days like shades better but I would do blinds. You can adjust the light flow much better and still pull all the way up and down just like a shade.

Me Ora, do you mean mini-blinds? For this size window, mini blinds would be hard to raise and lower daily and the stack at the top would be quite big and unsightly.