This is a tricky one. The integration of window treatments with window design wasn't something I'd fully appreciated until recently. We've lived in our house for 16 years or so, and with a replacement window I'm currently ordering, I am actually starting with the window treatments we need for privacy and sun blocking and designing the windows around them. The idea above with one curtain for both windows is good but more designerish than functional if you want to open/close the shades on the windows separately. My sense is that you need to identify just what your functional needs are for each window and go from there, and you may or may not have perfect design, but a functional room. Here's where I think I'd start: not having any knowledge of your house design process, I'd have to say those upper windows were just a mistake. Maybe there's a reason for having them that I don't understand, but to me they only look like a problem on a sunny side of the house. So I would look into something permanent to cover those, such as your sheers which are designed to be permanently closed, only better. Options now would include painting that fabric (see posts here about painting couches!) if budget is a driving force, or something like external roll-shutters if you can afford them. The roll shutters are great because you operate them with a switch on the wall, and they insulate as well as block the window. They wouldn't even rule out doing stained glass as well, which was my first thought - if you get an artist to make you stained glass windows (using mostly dark glass if for cooling), you could get some awesome artwork up on those windows while blocking light, but I am not sure just how cooling dark glass would be on its own. Inspiration website below :-) For the ground level windows... On the windows we need to block in summer we have old-fashioned metal venetian blinds. I hate them in principle, but boy are they functional; I'm addicted. A simple twist open and they almost disappear, yet they block a lot of heat when closed. Mine are augmented with some curtains, but that's not even necessary. But I think there is a glaring need here for something that isn't interior design: a tree or two outside. I don't know the lay of the land or the space you have there, but a tall columnar tree might even shade those top windows a bit, while a spreading type would shade the side windows, allowing you to keep them uncovered to watch the kids while remaining relatively cool (and they'd have shade to play in too!). (Funnily I'm recommending this on two threads today). KarinL Here is a link that might be useful: Stained glass windows

Isn't is complicated (and expensive) when the builders build homes with these beautiful windows and we have to figure out how to "treat" them? I don't think I would cover those windows up with a shade and keep them closed. Remote control may be your only choice. Perhaps they have remote control shades that can be purchased in a non -remote control version for the other windows so they match. For another option, yes, I think you can layer a shade underneath say a woven blind on those upper windows. I would definitely add panels from ceiling to floor to soften the look. Others may have input on the dropcloths but it sounds like it could work to me. You could always add some ribbon along the edge to add some color and make them look more tailored. Of course, I think you need to make them into panels with a rod pocket and hem. Your townhouse is beautiful!

If you do a search for My3dogs valances you will find lots of info, including directions which My3dogs kindly posted. Here's my version of this style: This is what they look like before they are ruched with the ties:

Another source to look is jcp.com. I noticed they have 3 blackout drapes (one in regular home WT section and 2 in clearance) in the longer length at low prices--if the colors work for you (always the challenge). If you can't find the grommet style that might be easier to pull open/shut on a daily basis, you might consider ring clips since they slide easily. If the hem looks too challenging to alter on rod pocket styles, you can cut off the top and rehem that quite easily. IMHO they'll look best if you have them full length, rather than end at the window sill. It seems like that would really detract from the effect of the window. Even your inspiration pic, while really cute, seems to just miss the mark a bit on the curtains. They're ok I guess, but full-length would have been better--IMHO. You may have to get extra panels to give the fullness you want across the window when they're closed unless you go with custom widths. Good luck with your project! Here is a link that might be useful: Clearance jcp.com blackout curtains