How can I Cover these windows?

Those stairwell windows are great for light, yet during the summer months can be a curse. I have one similar, though not as big. When I purchased my house, funds initially were low, so I had custom vertical blinds installed so I could open and close when needed. Then as time went by, I changed the glass in the window to a new uv protecting glass that let the sun in, but not the heat. Made a huge difference. Shop around, as to have something custom made may not be as expensive ad you think. If you go with a vertical blind set up, have them draw to the middle and use the same treatment for the windows below.

There are many ways to make them more pleasing, a quick and easy way is to dip lace in a baking soda mix and stick it to the wundows, it is easy to remove whenyou want something different, or you can purchase window clings that look like etched glass, or use window frost and stencils to get the desired look, just to name a few

Personally I would have a professional person who deals with window tinting, or application of a contact type product do this project. You get the light without having to have blinds or curtains specially made.

Vertical wood slats (1X3 Clear, kiln dried Redwood?) attached to furring strips above and below the window spaced according to your desired, calculated ratio of light/shade. It can be done in a test fit process allowing you to adjust slat spacing, finish cut and paint the slats before a permanent installation. If the slats are screwed to the furring strips with button plugs installed over the screw heads, the slats can be easily removed for a future color change if desired.

You can get a sun blocking film. Lets the sunlight in but UV rays out..

I had a similar problem in a family room of a home that was built in 1880. One wall had 9 windows that were 34 inches wide and 88 inches tall each. The room was the recipient of the hot, afternoon sun. You could nearly fry an egg on the back of the sofa. In the warmer months, the room was nearly unbearable for most of the day.

While investigating what we could do economically to solve our dilemma I learned of a DIY window film made by a company called Gila (like the lizard-like creature). It came in a nearly unnoticeable shade that I applied directly to the inside glass surfaces of the windows. Easy application and lasted well over 15 years, even with inside pets around.

The room became immediately habitable and no one could tell there was anything on the glass. The temperature drop was amazing, just amazing. The UV was no longer a problem, so the wood furniture in the room did not dry out and fabrics in the room did not fade any more.

I liked the stuff so well that I've applied it to the windows of our current house that have the greatest sun exposure. Again, immediate difference was noted.

You might check your local Lowe's home center for Gila window films or, like nearly anything else, Amazon or other vendors on the Internet.

There are many ideas depending on your decor. You can use lace, other see through fabric, window film, or home depot has these curtains that go up real easy and stretch to fit and are dirt cheap. So are the blinds, but they work in an area you are not going to mess with them . Another idea is to make the area a kitty area. They love the sun. I also used a roll down outside curtain outside the windows so they didn't get as heated up and used it on 2/3 my patio door to keep it cool. We bought a gazebo, and that kept some of the sun off the house. Many ideas depending on money and talent.....

There are also solar screens that you can buy or have custom made and installed on the outside of the window. They let in some light but block a lot of the heat.

I just applied Gila too. Bought it at Lowe's. It was easy to apply and made a WORLD of difference with the sun beating in. I highly recommend it!! It comes in several different shades.

The window film mentioned by other Hometalkers sounds like a great idea. If you try it be sure to let us know if it works for you.

I will. I just love this site! I wish I had more supplies and time to do all the things I have saved here for future projects.

I got this film (static cling!) at Lowes - it's thick and therefore much easier to work with than the other sun-blocking films (you need 2 people for those!) Since I have a one level home - all windows are basically ground level and I LOVE LIGHT - so without curtains I can leave my windows "open" to the light.