apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

How about decorative glass film? http://www.2jane.com/emma-jeffs-adhesive-window-film.aspx

Have you considering having some sort of pattern cut out in a adhesive vinyl or perhaps a frosted glass vinyl (its translucent). Maybe only cover the bottom half to the light comes in still up top 100% while still keeping your bedroom private from the other rooms.

There was a posting recently of some creative ways to obscure shower windows with contact paper and other creative materials. You should look at that and see if you can find any inspiration.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/good-questions/good-questions-how-do-i-frost-my-glass-without-etching-it-003594
Or there are those fabulous Tord Boontje curtains that are available in various colors from various website-- here's one link...
http://www.unicahome.com/p14687/artecnica/until-dawn-curtains-by-tord-boontje-for-artecnica.html

I think a wall of sheer drapes would look nice -- they would allow light, but add softness.

Agreed. Sheer drapes, across the entire wall, from floor to ceiling, on both sides of the wall.

You could get some sort of stained-glass decals to put over it. Or get some translucent paint and just paint over it, maybe even just one solid color, so that the light that flows through has a cheerier hue?

Two layers of sheer drapes equals opaque drape-- so long, natural light.

What if you hung a piece of art over the sofa, treating the glass wall as a regular wall? While you couldn't attach it to the glass, you could hang it from the molding above. (It'd block a little light, true)

something like the screens from japanese houses could be interesting, like a rice paper look, with natural wood framing. it would bring in a more organic feel than the frosted glass. my hesitation with the floor to ceiling drapes is that they can be major dust collectors. good luck!

Wow I love this, but yep, I agree, drapes would be perfect, would really soften the space. If you get a lot of light in the front room your drapes wouldn't have to be sheer, just light in color. We get a lot of light in the bedroom in the morning and we have blinds and thick white cotton drapery panels. If I forget to close the blinds behind the drapes the light shines right thru them, good or bad depending on how late I want to sleep in.

I second the thought of sliding Japanese paper screens (shoji) or even one solid built in one. It would soften the space and you can get the paper in plain white or with watermarked patterns (from geometric to floral).

Ikea Lill sheers. $4.99 a pair!. Buy 10 pairs and hang as suggested floor to ceiling. They are so sheer that light will still come through.

If you've got some $ to burn, 3form panels would be an nice switch. There are some lovely organics to choose from, plus tons of textures and even photos.

http://www.3-form.com/materials-varia.php

Otherwise, sheer curtains are probably it.

The vinyl wall appliques would be wonderful...like a grouping of flowers or trees...great!

Organic Wall/Glass stickers would go a long way to making this more cozy. Try this source:

http://www.miraentuinterior.com/index.php?seccion=catalogo&categoria=1

I have a big, plain mirror permanently installed on one small wall in my apartment as well, and I'm in the process of dressing it up. The idea may seem "girly" but it's turning out really cool and I'm getting a lot of compliments. I took a cue from the article on here about the butterfly installations by Paul Villinski (seen here: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/inspiration/inspiration-paul-villinskis-beer-can-butterflies-at-modish-078317). Instead of mounting them on wires I just tacked them to the mirror and it looks incredible.

I think the "soullessness" that you identify is not so much because of the glass, but rather, the frame. It is harsh, shiny, and cold. And to top it off, it doesn't look as if the glass can be moved -- slid open for ventilation -- which would feel lovely.

I think that multi-paned wood-framed windows which can be slid open would transform the space.

They could be natural wood -- mahogany or walnut would be lovely -- or painted, as is this entry:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bQbSlS4HD8g/SWPhGbCmsOI/AAAAAAAABtE/37wvqZtXXn0/s1600-h/interiors12.jpg

The frosted glass would be very nice in that context, and making them operational would add a whole new level.

Another option would be to try to find (ideally vintage, through salvage yards) industrial metal windows, like these (note the small central panes which open):

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/real-estate/industrial-modern-in-montreal-the-new-york-times-9208-061688

or these:

http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/CLX020109_088_1_7-de-54784558.jpg

or these:

http://www.crittall-windows.co.uk/casestudy/sector/10/39/300-central-park-west--new-york.html

I get what the intent of the frosted panels are doing and I agree with the 'soul-less' character. There's just too much of it.

But you still want the light in the bedroom.

How about taking advantage of the lightness of the panels? Another idea would be to hang artwork from the ceiling.

Here is another suggestion for Window Film that would give you a bit more privacy but still keep the light coming through:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=88113-74130-PFW486&lpage=none

I was also going to suggest art in front of it, though the OP did state her desire to keep the light pouring into the room.

I'm all about the sheer drapes. it'll definitely soften up those hard edges.

I'd opt for floor-to-ceiling sheers on both sides of the glass partition.

If you have money, i agree with the posters who suggested multi-paned windows (my initial thought), or Japanese screens. Both would be visually interesting, warm, and still let as much light through.

I could also see some night hanging plants with climbing vines around it to soften everything visually and add a bit of life.

Just hang some floor to ceiling curtains that look great front and back on one side of the partition. Open them when you want light.

That's a tough one! Do you go to bed at the same time, or is the soundproofing needed? You could take the windows down entirely and have it open like a loft/studio space.

Of course then you'd have to make the bed every morning. :-)

I actually think it looks really nice from this side, I think if you hang any curtains it should be on the bedroom side, if you can maybe side something shear the same nice green color as your bedroom walls I think it would help the privacy without adding to much to the room.

I too think glass film (as has been shown on AT before) would be a good and easy idea. it will let in the light but give it a 'softer' feel and be easily removable.

I agree with mschatelaine. I think the frame is your issue. I would make a faux frame out of old wood. I think if you add panes they should still be strong and graghic. Maybe an x design or three vertical panes.
On the other hand you could go with the silver frame and add silver framed mirrors. or add a design with silver faux panes.
On the bedroom side I would go with a very light non-pleated sheer.

Ripplefold, floor to ceiling sheers on recessed track.

Otherwise, leave it alone. They built it that way for practical reasons (light). Blocking or covering the glass would probably turn the place into a cave. Dressing up the glass with stickers isn't going to change the soul-less nature of big sheets of frosted glass.

when I was in school many years ago the teacher had a pull down map and/or spelling words - anatomy - I think would it would add a interesting conversational impact to the room up for daylight down for instant decor and privacy

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZpullQ20downQ20mapQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ

Definately, some fabric. Add some warmth.

The frame looks cheap. I agree with what a couple of other folks have said, but before you spend money on other materials to cover it, just try painting it. It might disappear into the wall if painted white, or maybe you could opt for dark brown to coordinate with your furniture, or even one of your contrast colors like orange.

I think a wood "frame" is a great idea as well. Flat long pieces of wood are cheap enough and you can stain them... If it were my window I'd do that AND put up giant vinyl decorating decals. :)

or the giant school map idea, that would be awesome if you can find one!

ayesha they have them on ebay for a variety of prices
here->http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZpullQ20downQ20mapQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ#item300300235548