We replaced vertical blinds on a sliding door with lightweight curtains that let light in. I put blackout drapes over that so we would have complete privacy at night. For the window could you put window film on it? if you want to see out, perhaps window film up to eye level and above that leave it open.They also make top down roman shades that would work on the window.

I’ve never seen vertical blinds on a counter-top window like that. They look so overpowering there. I think I’d look for another option for that window. It doesn’t need to match the sliding door treatment. How about operable wood shutters that match the wood tones of your cabinets?

Do you need privacy at the window too, or just the door?

I too still have vertices. They were here, replacing them is costly, they serve their purpose. DH made wood cornice's to cover all the top hardware then I hung a single drape panel to hide the vertical stack. WE have them on two picture windows, a slider and a small dining room window. The only one's that are ever pulled are the front picture window. We do not need the privacy, on the other windows, and really they could just come down but why not keep them--just in case. Back in the day when we had gatherings we would pull them to lessen the 'black hole' effect at night. Now we don't bother. Have you looked into woven woods? They are beautiful vertical blinds. I think a roman shade over the window would be a softer look but you are correct the versatility is not there. It's really rather ironic. My MIL got them late 80s. She thought they were soo modern and clean. I thought they were UGLY from first glance. Later, two homes we purchased had them and they were in good condition and not the light weight cheap ones so they are still here.

I would do a top-down-bottom-up shade for above your counter and maybe outside mount roller shades for your doors. Or something like the Hunter Douglas Silhouette shades for your door if you want something that's down all the time.

These are in two different rooms, so they don't match, but you could get some that do.

Thank you everyone for your input! I don’t know how to reply to each person so will reply this way in order:

@corgimum - looks nice! I like the idea about the sheers. Mine would have to pretty close together bc you see I have my pantry cabinets next to the door. I usually like to hang curtains up high and wider than frame, like you did. A possibility! Thanks!

@littlebug zone 5 Missouri - me neither! Here a year and ready to make a change to them now. I keep them fully open in the day and they look less harsh. Photo below. I do need the privacy - have a neighbor on this side. Not too close, but still, I don’t have large trees in between us. Wood shutters might be a nice idea! I’ll check these out. Thanks!

@Valinta - yes, the window actually goes nearly flush to my counter top. I usually keep these open in the day time and they aren’t so obvious. See below for an additional photo. Nice idea about top down…. Combines privacy and light. Thanks!

@arcy_gw you get it! Same boat. But I think I’m ready to make a change and brighten up this kitchen! Doing small things to modernize it. I’ve updated the cabinet pulls and will be replacing backsplash. Cabinets and counters to stay as is. I like them. That’s a nice update you did with the cornice! I will check out woven woods. Thank you!

stiley, I like the second photo with those 3 panels! Very pretty. Someone also mentioned top down and I think that might be my choice there. Combines light and privacy when needed. Someone also mentioned both don’t necessarily have to match… good reminder - I’m not usually matchy matchy anyway. I like hunter douglas. We have them on all the other windows (older but neutral and work well!) Thank you!

First is a photo when we painted. A sneak peek of having blinds down! Second is an older pic before we made some minor kitchen updates.

I too have the verticals on my patio slider in the kitchen. They were here when we moved in. I had them in my last house as well. I really dislike them but after trying to figure out an alternative, nothing really came close. In both houses, I've always kept them open like 95% of the time.

That picture Stiley shared with the 3 shades is maybe the first time I think I might entertain something else. I don't love cellular shades and replaced a few in my house with blinds but for the sliders , blinds wont really work. Part of what I don't like with the cellulars especially in a kitchen is that if dirty hands mess with them they can't be wiped clean so easily. I think if I had the cellular shades installed as shown, they could remain raised for most of the time and not really get handled so often. I think they look really nice and would be practical.

Glad I stumbled on this thread.

Thanks for sharing that about cellular shades. Didn’t think of that but makes total sense. Vertical blinds are easy to wipe down. I’m looking into shutters on the window and those 3 panels on sliders.