The builder model has floor length drapes on each of those as well, but it doesn't look right to me and I'd love an alternative!

I don't like the look of those types of high windows, but if you have to have them, shades might work.

I would not place anything on those windows.

They are just like giant 'portholes'. Privacy doesn't appear to be an issue.

Hmmm, watch out for drapes near a fireplace….

Unfortunately, I don't like them either. It makes me feel like they forgot the lower half of the windows. If I leave them bare, can I still do drapes around the fireplace windows?

We see windows like this quite often in new Florida homes but the windows are usually much smaller

They are about a month away from breaking ground, but have already told me that they cannot even leave the kitchen backsplash off so I could do a different tile on my own after we settle. Everything is picked for you and absolutely no changes, even if it makes less work and saves them money. Unfortunately, I'm not in a price point high enough for making my own selections this time, this is very common in my area now.

Thank you, Beverly! Maybe I need to find a few Florida homes online to get a feel for them.

I love windows, but I'm guessing it would be an expensive idea to put a full length set in there after we settle. Although, it still may look a little odd having three full windows spaced apart like they have them.

Maybe you could wall them up after you move in? I'd rather have a wall than those type of windows too. Makes me glad I'm not building in Florida.

I agree that the idea of the 3 windows seems to be for above a TV.

I’d suggest Roman shades in a neutral color. They will all match when open and not look strange for the shorter windows. Hope you enjoy your new home!

Some option from HGTV

Love that, Celery!

Cover them with a window privacy film (on Amazon, lots of options) This provides privacy but allows light. Very clean look. Works great.

Thank you!! I've not had much success finding photos like that one from HGTV. The builder's model has drapes, but nothing under each. I'm not sure these at 3'x3' will allow anything too big below them. Here's a pic of the decorated model, which may show better scale with the long sofa. The transom wall is 16'Wx9'H.

Could you add artwork over each one?

It seems to me that someone thought higher windows add more light but also more wall space for furniture, or a tv. Since the changes you want from the builders got you a big ”no”, we need to find a solution you can happily live with.

I have used the “window film” idea for privacy in a barn bathroom and I think it’s not a great solution in an important room like this. Roller shades, long drapes, or just nothing seem to be the options offered so far. My vote would be nothing when you move in and see if your living room furniture arrangement favors that wall for the tv. (Much better than all the warm televisions over fireplaces these days…)

Louver shutters would be a nice design statement...play up a perceived negative.

Otherwise leave bare or get top down bottom up shades if you need privacy and leave them open on the upper portion only.

We have a porthole window in our bedroom and have floor length drapes to match the other windows and it looks great. Actually just one panel on it. So that is an option...open them to one side.

My parents have the small windows you see in FL. Don't know why builders feel the need to add them, as the neighboring houses are close, so it isn't like you get a lot of light from them.

I had these laser cut panels made for their windows, so they didn't look like small black squares at night. My mother would have preferred no windows so she could place art above the sofa on that wall. Their windows have no muntins to conflict with the pattern of these inserts.

I would want my TV on that wall - would probably just cover the center window with something like this

I like the idea of leaving out the one window. You won't have to do anything built in. Just purchase a wall hung media cabinet and hang the TV over it and you're done.

That is an intriguing idea! I love windows and I would hate to cover one, but that is something to seriously consider since it would solve the issue of tying the 3 half-windows in with the rest of the room. Spatially, those 3 pose a challenge in both size and where they sit on that wall too --high and spaced apart. That is definitely an option!

You would need just one drapery panel on each high window that slide open in either direction if you use curtain clips.