I posted this in the Decorating forum and wanted to share. My initial fear of doing this was removed after we had rain soak one and it didn't make a water stain. Since they were 100% polyester I tried it with the carpet vac and it worked. Here is a link that might be useful: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/decor/msg0716365932117.html?17

We moved 6 months ago and I'm also debating my window treatments on a daily basis! Woods, cellulars,or sihouettes?? I need to make a decision, and live with it, right or wrong!!! We have similar windows, I have 4, 118" wide windows. Tonight I pulled out my silhouette samples,I am able to order one 120" shade which is a plus!! Yes they are expensive, and won't do a good job on blocking light, they will only filter light similar to a cellular shade.The sheer view is nice, but the clearer view between wood slats suits me better. I worry that silhouettes are too formal for my rustic home. I wonder if others feel that way??? Your window size can probably accomodate one large IM wood blind, which I prefer. My larger windows require 2-3 blinds per window. Lots of people on the forum suggest white faux. I prefer woods,they are lighter, and for only a few dollars more I want the real thing. Perhaps the "no holes option "on the wood blinds may interest you. Also check out the Graber shutter style wood blind,a new concept, it is supposed to close tighter and block more light, I'm considering these. This 2 1/2" shutter wood blind is double the cost of woods, which are available in 2", 2 3/8" or 2 1/2" depending upon which company you use. I want shutters, but mine would have to be OM, and I only like shutters with an IM. I think you'd be happy with a white two inch wood blind. You could hang grommet black out panels, though the tv would need to be pulled a bit forward, and slide them shut when needed. You could order black out cellular shades and they would block out all the light. Is there really that much glare on the tv?? My TV is situated exactly like yours, and I don't have any glare problems with my LCD TV. Keep us posted on your decision.

My parents have them (or knock-offs) and they still look nice to me. Their home/decor is contemporary, if that helps. As an alternative, if you are hesitant to get the Silhouettes, take a look at the HD Designer Screen Shades (we got the the Flat Roman style), rather than the Silhouettes (we only have them in two recently reno'd rooms so far--the rest will get them as we go along!). We have our windows open a lot in the warmer months, and I envisioned the vanes between the sheer panels of the Silhouettes (which would be in the "open" postion during the day) becoming coated with dust and grime (the tops of our basemolding collect dust on a daily basis). I like the clean look of the screen shades, and the fact that they let light in, even when in their "normal" lowered position. Some "fabrics" are more sheer (open-weaved) than others. In our small guest bath, we opted to forgo a valance, but we got one for our "office" to give it a bit more "presence," while still looking sleek and non-fussy. HTH

Hi Roseanna. Just curious what route you went with your windows. We have similar decorating style and I'm in the same situation. I'm leaning towards shutters.