apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Stunning windows. Depends on terms of tenancy but if you can paint i would do a new lick of paint in white or an alabaster colour (walls and windows) then paint the inner frames in glossy black, eggshell 'storm grey' or matte 'french navy', then maybe just a fine wide adhesive 'frosted' film in a vertical stripe along the centre of each window leaving about a foot gap uncovered along bottom and top...but (and here's the rub) follow the shape of the top of the window with the film.
Repetition was a classic technique and style for the Deco period.
and you dont need masses of privacy because you arent badly overlooked, just a bit of shy cover up is all thats needed. :) post pics of what you decide ...

Try Emmaus charity shops for period net curtains.

I was going to suggest exactly what the previous tenants had done. Although I would have a long rod, that would go all the way to the wall edges, to be able to pull back the drapes all the way and frame that lovely window.

It looks like you have FOUR windows that open in each of your bays.

If so, you can't put anything directly against the windows and still be able to open them or have the curtains get sucked out through the window (making for some very dirty curtains).

A hefty double rod across the window wall could handle both beautiful sheers and light/sound/temperature heavy drapes.

The heavier drapes can be pulled back most of the time, if you go for the double rod. But use them freely to control heat and cold.

Fluttery sheers can add to the room ambiance, sort of like this image:
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/20070626chelsea1.jpg

The sheers can be drawn separately on the double rod. Or pulled back, sort of like the image shown here next to Door Window Curtains:
http://www.anthonycowie.co.uk/curtain_styles.html

Two layers of curtains, which can be changed, gives you many possibilities. White would be fine. But I'm also thinking you could pick up the color of the trim in each room with the sheers and solids.

You could try some copper pipe mounted in line with the highest piece of trim. The pipe should have right angles so that it comes out from the wall slightly. This way, you can hang netting or sheer curtains, have them closed and still have the windows slightly ajar.

Floor to ceiling draperies are the way to go...

What I would do, and it will require custom curtains which could be pricey if you aren't a sewer yourself. I would mount a long rod that runs from edge of the window to edge and mount it above the highest point of the window. I would then hang two set of curtains. One sheer that you can see the beautiful windows through and one that is a twill or canvas that will help you block light or give you more privacy. Also, having the heavier curtain option in the winter will help keep the rooms warmer since I'm sure those windows aren't sealed and will not insulate well. That way, you have options and when you want to see just the windows you can push them to either side and reveal the beautiful structure of the windows.

speechless with jealousy

floor to ceiling. definitely.

I think I WOULD just put a sheer on that, but another thing you could either instead of in addition, would be to create some window decals in an art nouveau pattern that you could find online, and just stick them to the middles of the windowpanes. It's probably sounding semi- to very- hideous as I type this, but as I picture it, it would help give some privacy, but also, against that blank red background which the building across the way appears to offer, it could actually show up kind of nicely. And I think I'd do the pattern in something like white if possible.

Something like a stencil in white directly onto the glass in something that could be easily cleaned off when you're ready to leave.

So jealous its hard to type. Because you haven't yet moved in, don't rush to commit to something until you've spent more time there! I'd say
1) paint as you desire, if allowed
2) use the prior tenants fixtures with sheers to see how you feel actually living there, see how the sun moves through as the day progresses, how it changes from early Sept to later in the month;
3) try the kind of 'film' treatment suggested by "Fred" and others. But I say the top edge should be several (6?) inches from the crossbar on the middle windows. I recommend using role of parchment paper and some masking tape for a little experimentation to find the right balance of aesthetics/privacy.
I also wonder if a combo of film on the windows and seasonably-rotated inner curtains would work for the insultation issues raised.
But really, congrats on that place. Major eye-candy.

I would do each window individually. Use a double rod-one with sheers and the outer one with a heavy light blocking fabric. I would do them more like shades, so you don't lose any of the interior architecture or the view of that gorgeous building across the way.The inner one could be a light solid sheer or a beautiful lace pattern. I would hang the rod on the inside of the frame at the angle of the frame. These could be made by someone else or modified by you, by cutting and hemming the bottom so it was straight.

I agree, floor to ceiling, very airy sheers.

This site has some great ideas for innovative sheers:

http://www.fabricteriamaki.com/html/fabricjewels.html

Guess I disagree with everybody here. I definitely would not do floor to ceiling sheers. I would put the effort into doing something inside the frame. Make the sheers like framed artwork inside this exquisite architecture.

i would use steel wire instead of a rod, and then a lightweight floor to ceiling curtain on rings, as simple as possible to not take away from the gorgeous windows.

I vote for the window film. It preserves the architecture of the windows and affords as much or more privacy than the sheers.

As the windows open in, you could also try spray-on window frost if it is available where you live. You could use paper tape to create a pattern if you wanted to get creative. You will achieve the best effect by spraying the outside facing panes.

http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=106

Wow lucky you that is a gorgeous space. As mentioned ceiling to floor and do a white woven sheer, the Italians do the best weaves for sheer fabric.
At least go two feet above the molding one rod for the center windows and you could leave the two side windows without any treatment.
The rod is equally as important nothing to skimpy, something simple no black or white finish but a brushed metal that works with other hardware in the space.

The sheers would allow the architecture to show through.

Or another idea would be to put drapes on the outside of the enclave, one long rod above the entry with curtains you can pul back on each side. That would be pretty cool-
look at Marie Antoinette's pad and in pink!
http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/080309marieantoinette?item_id=57467

I met to add that way you can enjoy the architecture of the windows and close off for privacy.

Since it's already in its own little nook - I think I'd put the curtains at the front of the nook, in the "doorway" on a long rod that would allow me to pull them completely clear of the nook if I so chose. That way the windows aren't obscured at all and you loose no architectural detail. Then I'd fill the nook with plants.

Yeah - just like LoriSF said. Same idea.

I would put a curtain in the opening of each window alcove. If the windows face south or West - which get the most sun/light then use a medium to heavy weight fabric to block out the light and then in the winter you can add blackout or heavier curtains (think velvet) to help with keeping the cold out (they dont look to be insulated).

then inside each alcove you can make sitting areas - buy a trunk or low bookshelf or cabinet and make a window seat - or a small table and two chairs for a breakfast/tea eating nook and definitely plants to take adv of that great light.

very envious !! enjoy!

I don't think you should do floor to ceiling curtains, as you need to see the architecture of that space! (drool)
I think you could hang small cafe type rods from each window pane/frame. The side rods would have to put on diagonally, with the fabric cut diagonally at the top and hemmed straight.
I also think a sheer linen or organza would look lovely.

Thanks to everyone for all of the great suggestions!

I will definitely post an update on what we eventually go with.

In the meantime, if anyone is curious as to what the exterior of the building and the rest of the apartment look like here are some photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/mtpenna/VillaParisienne02?feat=directlink

A bientôt!

I would probably make my own for this project (it would likely be a lengthy trial and error with different styles) but I would start by sewing simple panels with an untextured white fabric, hung from a small cafe style bracket tacked carefully to the trim at the height of the bottom pane on the tall windows, so that there are varying heights of glass peeking out at the top, and the arch isn't obscured. I would then play around with raising/lowering mechanisms- but a simple tieback would probably suffice for the time being.