I would replace the existing frame with a single pane with a much more streamlined frame (that could still open if you need the ventilation). I wouldn't bother with curtains, but, to shut out light when necessary I'd install a plain rollerblind in the recess.

It looks as though you have a floor to ceiling curtain of some kind on the other window. I can't really tell from the photo if it is sheer or not. I would duplicate that same treatment across the entire wall with the odd window, hung at the same height. When you want privacy, leave it closed. When you don't, there is plenty of space to the right of the window to pull it open.

Change the appearance of the window by disguising its shape through the use of fabric (for color, texture, and pattern) on a mechanical or electronic roll-up screen. The wall contour near the ceiling looks like it would nestle such a configuration. A large element in the space could overwhelm or transform, so take your time when selecting the material. But have fun working it into the design!

Tinted film... add colour and reduce light transmission. Perhaps a dark tint for the operables and a light tint/colour for the fixed.

Thanks, Klaus

A new frame would be pricey, but needn't be prohibitively expensive, particularly if they then put in a plain roller blind which would be quite cheap. The single slot would make the view the art, rather than the scary prison bars they have at the moment!

Wow that is such an awkwardly placed and sized window. It took me forever to find this again, but I thought this didn't look too awkward: http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/re-nest-cissy-and-richard-home-tour/item/236097

The only problem is that your's is more centered vertically and it might look a little weird... The plus side would be you could hang a rod that spans the entire wall and when you want to look out the window you could just pull the curtains all the way to the right.

Good luck!

I think a curtain would work best if something is definitely needed- a roller blind would just be too awkwardly short. I like Abigail's suggestion of a new frame though, and if that was too expensive perhaps it would be possible to paint the frame the same colour as the wall? It's detracting from the view.

I'd question if you need anything though. My mother has windows like this in her attic room (because the walls are short) and having tried blinds they actually look much better with nothing.

Unless super pricey or not possible for other reasons (pipes in wall, only renting) I would simply change the window shape - you say there is a good view outside - make the window bigger, making it twice as high and reframing nad installing new window - not as pricey as you might think, probably would increase resale value if you own.....

Thank you all for your help and comments so far!

We never had an issue with the window's shape and until now we never thought of it as weird, but to be honest the "prison cell" comments made us have a second look...Does it really look that bad?

Maybe it's the awful photo or the fact that only a portion of the room is shown but we feel that the shape enhances the room and is in tune with the house's architecture. Yes, it's not the usual window you would find in a bedroom but we would still like to be able use it's "oddness" as an advantage.

The issue we have is finding a window treatment that would not look extremely misplaced on that wall and that would allow us to see the view when wanted while utilizing the unique shape. We would definitely not want to change the shape of the narrow window into a bigger one as there are enough large ones in the house causing heating and cooling issues.

Next to that window is a rather large wall to wall window with ceiling to floor opaque white curtains. Repeating this to the other wall as mentioned, is a good idea. ohmeursault's link also was something to think about. I also agree that rollers might look very odd.

All the suggestions though provided us with something to think about and we are forever grateful!

@Klaus I like your ultra wide format photo idea. In dynamic symmetry or the same size as the window, especially if its placement mimics the off-center window orientation, could provide balance.

@AbigailC Any offense at the idea of art on a window shade roller within the window frame?

I was going to suggest a tinted film, but spinningscreen beat me to it.

Oh, and AT? Many thanks for the 'flag this comment' facility! It will make reporting spam so much easier.

I'd put a roller shade, the width of the entire window, hung above the window (but below the little recess, I guess) so that it looks like the window is taller. You can cover the window when you need privacy, but get the full view when you want to.

You can even make the shade out of an interesting fabric.

Here's my lame attempt at showing what I mean...

http://i55.tinypic.com/15qtdfa.jpg

@citron - Didn't mean to upset you with the 'prison bars' - it's just that the frame is so heavy and dark it is out of keeping with the light and airy feel of the rest of the room. I think the window is a good feature that just isn't being made the best of at the moment - painting it a lighter colour may be all it needs.

@dansx - no problem at all with a design on the blind, but the OP seemed to suggest they wanted something discrete.

I have this and hang sheers from near the ceiling, as you have on the left.

I have similar windows and came up with a solution that worked for me. Check it out here: http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/diy-window-covering-for-awkward-windows.html

Alternatively, try full length ceiling to floor curtains that can be moved aside easily.

I think a curtain is too much material for something like this, especially since you already have a "wall" of fabric with your sheers. What about installing a cornice above the window? That would visually enlargen the space of the window on the wall without incurring the construction costs. You could then easily hide a roller shade behind the cornice and use it when you want a little more privacy.

I'd go with something fairly sleek and straightforward to match the style of your room. If you enclosed the top, you could even use it as decorative shelving to draw even more attention to the view (and draw the eye upward toward the ceiling). I'd be tempted to extend the cornice along the entire wall, but I think that would draw even more attention to the assymetry. I think you'd be better off putting something tall/vertical in that corner to offset the window (tropical plant?) and draw attention away from the window placement.

I do agree that painting the window frame might help with the current distraction from the view - a lighter color will allow the frame to disappear into the wall and will direct the eye outside.

If you decide to get a sheer curtain or Roman shade, try etsy. I found a gal (MiLuCouture) to make us custom curtains for a similarly hard-to-outfit window in our house. It's a joy to be able to design exactly what you want.

try frosted contact paper and if you like that then go for the more perm pricy stuff.

@ Klaus Now I'm totally convinced that I like your idea of using "wide-screen" panoramic photos. I checked out your quality, prices, and selection and am quite impressed. Danae may even have a subtly dramatic photo that you can print in that size.

I'll second the roller shade or an accordion shade set inside the window frame or a film. My neighbors down the street have sort of a glass house—all the windows have been treated and it's really pretty cool all the things those windows do depending on the light. It's for sale right now and I think some of the pictures show the different looks the windows with film on them can have. Very reflective during the day (from the outside) and tinted so you really cannot see in the windows even with the lights on at night.

http://www.55ridgeave.com/

Wow, for such a small window.. there is a lot of talk here!!!!!

Simple wood blinds. done.

Build Morgan's DIY Pipe Shelf around it! You can build it to accommodate the rad at the bottom too, and customize the depth of the shelves so they're flush with the adjacent walls.

http://www.the-brick-house.com/2009/09/shelving-unit.html

I love the window as is. There are Transom windows with small wood built in blind sandwiched between the 2 layers of glass; I saw the in a B&B in Canada. Very unobtrusive, and it was a similar window.

I'd leave it as is. Curtains will still show the shape of the window and may just look bulky If you collect anything colorful or visually interesting line them along the window sill. That's what I did with my oddly shaped window (used my kid robot figures and deer collection). Also, if you hang some art pieces around the window, it won't be as noticeable!