Hi,
I suggest you to put shutters on the bottom part only, it will blend nicely with the window itself and won't look like a separate part of it.
Shutters can come half way.
You can use "the shade company" located at NYC - Shadesco.com

With shutters @ 1/2, the problem with eliminating the visual effects of all attention drawn low isn't solved though :(

I would do roman shades or faux roman shades. The scones prohibit you from adding window panels.

elizabethgallo
How do you feel the sheers would look if they were hung more stretched instead of gathered/pleated? It thought that it'd maintain the clean-lined deco look I'm going for and make the pattern of the sheer more visible and 'interesting. How do you feel about a simple cornice w/ the fabric in my post (slim in that it'd cover a smidge past the top window pane; hiding the top window molding and sheer hardware and wall before the ceiling molding. I though this would optimize the window height and hence the little tree view we do have?

Just saw the post now, will be back tomorrow morning. Have a great night !

There are shades for the entire window. Check out Smith & Noble and you will see shades as wide as your window.
I know you didn't ask for this, but I think the armchair is a bit too close to the corner. Also, the floor lamp seems a bit small. It might be the way the photo was taken, but that is how it looks in the picture.

I like the sheer idea , stretched not too much fabric.

I think the sheers will look nice with the valance. I saw this and it is so cool, wouldn't this be a great idea if you could find something similar ?

Decorative window film?

Or... cordless top down bottom up shades, JCPenney has them on sale now.
http://www.jcpenney.com/for-the-home/sale/view-all/jcp-home-top-downbottom-up-cordless-cellular-shade/prod.jump?ppId=176d39e&catId=cat100260228&deptId=dept20022800026&cmJCP_C=labeled&cmJCP_T=XGN3&colorizedImg=0900631b811fc672M.jpg

Not sure if you can fit them to your windows, you'd need to check how they are mounted.

Yes, privacy window film. Also, I have sheers on one window that are woven closer in the bottom portion, so now Mr creep next door can't see in at all in the day.

Black Roman blinds fixed above the window to extend the height and draw the eye upward should balance the room.

Matt, how far above the window would you put them? Just enough to clear the glass when fully opened? Or higher?

This sort of thing

Actually thinking about it I would use three and set them inside the reveal of each window. That will give the room enough contrast and height and you won't lose the top architrave.

I REALLY do appreciate this discussion and suggestions, but the thinking caps are still on:
Mark: The decorative grill idea, I actually had and have a gate post panel original to this house designed by the architect, who though the exterior is French eclectic, the interior intent according to his portfolio was Deco. Anyway, I stopped the install, because, I felt that the hardware of either sheers/blinds would make that space look too busy. There is only 8" of wall space between the ceiling and wall molding.
Carolins: Love the clings ... have them in the laundry room. Not in this space, because, though the bottom 1/2 is unsightly, the upper is relatively think spruce trees. and, that bottom attention issue.
Matt: Agree with the thought of needing to lift the dark, but roman shades would cover the attractive portion of this view, and when not in use, expose the unattractive view that I'm trying to rid of.
One idea that's occurred to and out there for a vote: are original swing arms with the sheers. Anyone up for that one? Just to educate this decor-uneducated woman; why not a cornice box?

Why not paint the window dark grey or even black and then apply the window film to the bottom half? I painted it quickly (bit sloppy, sorry) and applied the window film, so you can get an idea of the effect.

Cool! How'd you do that?? :) Hmmm... hadn't thought of this option. Now, tossing in a little wrench, or I should say; tape measure (lol). This area in question is an open space shared with the kitchen and casual dining areas. On the right; are pretty sizable doorways to the formal dining and foyer; the windows of all these rooms are clearly visible from this open area. Anyway, how would painting just these window moldings, affect the continuity of the rest of the open and adjacent rooms whose moldings are light in color?

Just little note, you can also only paint the inside window frames. Like this:


I do like how a darker colour attracts more attention to the window and solves your problem of 'cutting it in half'.
Can you post more photos of your room, so we can see how it relates to the other rooms?

If, for example, this room would have white painted trim in the dining area and kitchen, it would not bother me. It all depends... Would it bother you?

I'm liking the black and will post photos of the rest of the room .... as soon as I can locate my phone left at a party :0 Now; what of the privacy? I neglected to mention that i this open area that includes the kitchen an casual dining, none of those windows have treatments; they look out to a patio.

I 'applied' window film to the dark painted example of your window. See? Privacy problem solved, until you have your major garden revamp done and maybe have solved the issue that way.

Thanks carolins; for the hand holding :)

In a room like this, where you would be content to have nothing covering the window (if not for the privacy issue), I would recommend a sheer fabric roller shade. It takes up minimal real estate, while still allowing light and a partial view. We got our's from MechoShade.

daylightca: Yes the sheer roller was my initial choice, however; pattern, no problem in deciding color, however ..... back to that raising eye level attention. UNLESS>>> Flash thought: If I had one custom pattern and in pint AND color. For example: have 3 panel designs centered at each window with a complimenting deco design in either black or dkst brown! Votes on this idea?

If it is not a problem that you have to close them entirely to get your privacy? Assuming you mount them at the top?

Have you looked into the cordless top down bottom up shades?

Check out they many options in our photo gallery at http://www.solar-screen-shades.com

Contact Smith + Noble for an In Home Stylist consultation... Great way to discuss your needs and get exactly what you are seeking!

There are many options in window film that will offer privacy while still letting in light. Bonus - no hardware or cords! Www.solyxfilms.com has many DIY options or contact your local window film professional for help.