The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so the west gets the hottest sun. I would go with thermal backed grommet drapes.

These kind of window arrangements are always challenging, aren't they? I could tell you that if this were my home, I'd be tempted to cover the three higher windows with wooden blinds, and the two bottom windows with the thermal backed grommet drapes. As long as the colors of the two are compatible it would look just fine. Actually, it would look very custom.

If you have a limitless budget, the blinds can be installed with a remote control so you could open them in the AM and close them in the afternoon without having to climb a ladder twice a day.

It makes you wonder just what the heck the builder is thinking sometimes!

Last year I hung blankets over them because it was so hot. Not a very custom look. As far as the builder, he is sitting next to me on the couch ( shaking head )

Ooops! Well, maybe HE has a solution!

Hahaha! No he doesn't either! We are moving our kitchen to this end of the house so it is a big remodel. I suggested taking the top windows out. The night sky is so pretty tho

Oh whew! I thought I made you mad at me! Well, taking the windows out will cure one problem and cause another! I'd go with the remote control blinds, myself.

Another thought is the window film that has thermal qualities. It won't block all the light but just enough so you're not baking in the afternoon.

Hey that's a good idea! Then I could put the thermal curtains below?

Yes, exactly! What say the builder? hehehe

You could also think about awnings outside the window. The problem is the sun is a sneaky son-of-a-gun, just like water and carpenter bees, they all find there way in eventually;.

The builder asked for another beer! Ha! I'm on blinds .com now. It would be cool to have the remote control blinds. I should have posted a couple of more pictures. There will be 7 lower windows in that room

Well you're a better person than I am, I avoid washing windows at all costs!

How about solar screen shades in the Phifer Sheerweave 5000 collection. You could motorize them with solar powered motors as well. Check them out at http://www.solar-screen-shades.com

Hi Charlee! I wanted to post a newer picture for you to see. The windows look much better! Still wondering about blinds or something. Right now though we are just so stinking happy to be DONE!!! I need to get new furniture and decorate. I have learned a lot through this whole house redo and one of them is don't buy something unless you love it
Thanks for your responses :-)

Nice! Good job, and good job to the builder too!

If you don't have the need for privacy, window film will give you glare and heat reduction while protecting your new furniture from fading. Seeing the sun on the back of that chair in the photo is not something you want over the long term. Visit www.vista-films.com to learn more and find a professional near you.