There is a popular blogger whose name I am not allowed to mention here. Her first name is the first name in the comedy duo ------ & Hardy. Her second name is the name of a large German speaking city in Switzerland begining wth a B. She has a piece about window treatments for hard windows, complete withan info graphic.

For the uppers windows, I'd probably use some sort of clingy window film. For the lower windows, I'd get a long rod and 4 cream panels from IKEA. Or put a film on them as well.

I'd consider cutting the film into shapes and treating them as decorative giant stickers. Stick them up in a random pattern rather than trying to cover the entire window from end to end. Which can get frustrating.

Zalco, good thinking!

L … aurel B … ern. :D

Bb, the apt is so cool, love the bedroom!

Some ideas:

https://streeteasy.com/blog/best-window-shades-for-your-apartment/

https://housely.com/different-types-window-shades/

One idea is a roller shade on top that will just stay pulled down, and shades on bottom made specifically for sliding doors. He could have curtains on each side with those or not.

Another idea (pricier) would be motorized shades to cover all, and he could raise them to different heights he prefers.

I like the window film idea the best for the uppers. It will let the most light in while giving privacy. It's difficult to install w/o bubbles, but give them a poke with a very sharp pin and you can push them out. I've tried samples from Decorative Films that seemed like they could be removable, but I'd ask them first. They weren't the "static cling" type (which may curl and peel easily).

For the lower windows, honestly, curtains are the easiest and lowest cost option. Check Ikea or Target for stylish ones that don't break the bank. Sheers if he only needs partial privacy, Or double rod, sheer and room-darkening if he needs nighttime privacy and to let light in during the day.

Does the whole upper window need to be covered for privacy? If not, I would use inexpensive paper pleated bottom up shades from Lowes or HD on the lower part of the uppers, raised just as high as needed.. Then inexpensive draperies on the lower part. Or matching shades. Often they can be strategically opened or closed to just block what is needed for privacy.

It looks like there is another building that looks straight into those windows, so I would probably cover the top half completely -- that will look into his bedroom. He could use anything from a paper shade, mini-blinds or roller shades -- whatever he can find ready made to fit the space, trim to fit or be able to hang on the outside. I'd use curtains on the lower half, with shades or blinds if he wants more options and has the budget for it. He should keep in mind the sun exposure on that window -- if east or west, he may get very early morning light or hot and harsh afternoon sun, in which case having blackout or thermal coverings could be important to him.

He could also ask the apartment management about installing mini-blinds that can stay in the apartment.

Tinted films may give daytime privacy but not protect at night or when lights are on. A frosted film might work. Ikea used to sell the frosted film, but I don't know if they still do.

He'll measure twice and cut once :)

The rolls come in all sorts of sizes, from smallish to large.

Thanks, y’all. I told to my sister that a number of you had mentioned a privacy film on the upper windows. She had an of-course moment. She and DBIL installed privacy film on the window in their bathroom 8 years ago! All this time, I thought it was textured glass in her bathroom.

The films are a great idea for adding privacy and they are removable. Only thing is they won't help with light control. If that's a problem for sleeping, he may need to get eyeshades.