(This is kind of a poll)

Hi all. I've been working forever on an order for two long, double casement windows. Finally settled on everything, only to discover, from the shop drawings, that they're not the French casements I'd wanted - didn't know to say "French" but they're the kind I have over my sink and told everyone that I wanted to match - but the kind with the stationary bar down the center. The company (Kolbe) doesn't make the French kind, so I'm stuck deciding whether to accept these or start all over with another company, which would p*** some people off plus delay things more.

Been taking the weekend to think it over. I'm now wondering whether accepting them is such a big deal for these reasons: 1) I think we'll almost always only open one side of the window, judging from how we use the one over the sink, in which case the center bar isn't that noticeable, 2) It's not a big ol' view out of those windows - just into a fairly narrow part of our garden, with a fence beyond (but pretty fence covered with fragrant climbing plants), 3) they are a bit more secure than the French kind (but not a whole lot). 4) though in the same room, the windows are fairly far from the sink window so the mismatch on the hardware (need a different type for these) won't be very noticeable - hopefully.

Anyway, what do you think of the casements with the bar vs without (French)? Or about taking something that's probably fine, vs going to the mat to get exactly what you wanted/envisioned. I'm including some random internet photos to show the difference. Our windows will have a view more like the first pic - except the yard even narrower - but will be bigger like in the third one (in a less grand setting). They're 64" L x 40" W flanking a fireplace in a new "family room" open to the kitchen. French doors with sidelights on adjacent wall.

Appreciate any thoughts! I'm all up in the air. (And wondering why this kind of thing seems to happen all the time.)

So, this?

vs this (center bar)?

These are more the size of ours

here's casement with center bar with one side open

Ours are this style, btw (but with a latch and surface bolts - as I'd envisioned them)