Does the neighbor's house have windows on that side as well? If not, I would probably leave them naked unless you're uncomfortable at night. I wouldn't do frosted windows, I'd install light-filtering shades (cellular or something of the sort) on a motorized control so you can easily raise them during the day and close them at night (or leave them closed all of the time). Cellular shades give the most beautiful filtered light!

I wouldn't overly worry about it, the windows are in the stairwell after a couple of days you won't even notice what is outside the window, you spend a few seconds going up and down the stair you're not going to be sitting or standing there looking out the windows. You can always put a blind up. Vertical which you can angle the slats a little and allow the light to come through.

We all worry about people looking into our windows but who has the time, were all too busy. LOL

Seriously, seven picture windows? It already looks like an office building, not a home. Perhaps the plan should have been better adapted to the actual site.

I'd suggest using 2.5% light transmission auto window tint. It give enough of a darkening effect that you feel privacy but not enough to make the window useless. Its really nice if its done right so the snowglare doesn't come in the house.A roll is 14$ but an auto detailer who buys in bulk might do it on the cheap compared to frosting. Theres also window clings to that same outcome but they seem to be crazy expensive and suited to conventional window sizes. As a DIY job it looks like a 120$ but it does take a knack not to get creases/bubbles in the film Just make sure your windows are usable elsewise ,why have them?

"I'd suggest using 2.5% light transmission auto window tint. "

And kiss your insulated glass warranty goodbye. IF you tint get it done by a professional so you maintain the glass warranty. But I also agree with cpartist, I would clean up the 3 different window types with three different muntin patterns first.

Agree with cellular shades!

Good architectural design starts with the site, and the 'site' includes structures on adjacent sites. Window placement and size are part of the design, and if there is no view desired from a window, but natural light is wanted (natural light is good) frosting glass may be the answer. I know of one architect (FLLW) that used leaded and stained glass to achieve a degree of privacy AND to add to the architecture design of his houses.

I'd start with them naked and then go up the expense scale if naked doesn't work. I have some frosted film (self applied, because it's CLING film - not "stuck") on my front windows because of a reactive dog. It's about $15 a roll on Amazon, easy to apply and peels off without any reside when you are "done" with it (in my case, dog passes away or we move...)

I'd see if I liked that before I went to the expense of a custom pleated shade.

I don’t have a problem with the horizontal windows at all but I do think all the windows should have no bars and should have some sort of connection to eachother. Please no stained glass in what looks like a modern exterior.Right now the windows look like they belong to different house.As for frosting unless you go up and down the stairs in the nude , who cares and if you don’t like what you see go with blinds as mentioned. IMO they would defeat the whole point of the windows.

I live in an area where the homes are possibly even closer to each other than yours.... if the windows don’t face windows opposite I’d leave them open, some of my neighbors have an obscure glass in their windows, looks fine. I have two skylights in my stairwell, one in the area above the first landing, the other at the top. Tons of light. I wouldn’t do a window treatment of any kind (e. g., shutters, blinds or shades ) , who is going to clean them on a regular basis? Might be rather inaccessible in a stairwell without a tall, tall ladder.

I personally would prefer stained or etched glass because I like my privacy, but it just depends on whether the windows are for the view or just illumination. I also agree you need to simplify window type and placement, it’s kind of a mess ;)

re Millworkman:

I found this website indicating that new windows aren't prone to those problems. These are new windows and a new build so its really a convenience of checking with the contractor to see whats available and put the liability on them.

https://az-solarcontrol.com/2015/10/05/window-film-safe-for-double-pane-windows/

I would also start with them bare and see how you like it. That said, I'd probably run low-voltage wiring to the windows so that you can add motorized shades later if you decide you want them. You really won't want to be dealing with batteries to change on shades in that location.

Apologies for my previous hasty comment. I think the more vertical windows that harmonize with the others look better. You'll surely receive plenty of thoughtful advice from the folks here.

The last thing you want is to feel like you can't run down the stairs without someone seeing you. I think you can look into Mirrored windows (think you can see them but they can't see you, 2 way mirror , frosted windows or rain glass to decide which fits best with your aesthetics.

Since you seem hesitant on frosted glass, you could add hidden window coverings. These can be housed just above the window and pulled closed when you are desiring more privacy, like at night. Then, opening them during the day with no detection of a window shade present. Here's an example from one of our projects. You can see the bottom edge of the window covering peeking out at the top edge of the window. Theirs were motorized which might be ideal for your stairwell windows as well, depending on height.

I would adjust your window wall elevation like this. I think this solution fits your home. Those horizontal windows have no place on your building. Maintain a unity on the divisions of the glass.

The windows don't have to be double hung. They can be fixed glazed.

Mikki Bench, yes solar control window film made for house glazing. You specifically stated "I'd suggest using 2.5% light transmission auto window tint." which is not the same product.

Some windows can be ordered with rippled or obscure glass for privacy. You have to be careful with aftermarket film as it sometimes voids your warranty on the windows.

When we lived in the townhouse, I just bought a small fortune in window shades from NDB. I got the cellular ones that can be operated such that they lower from the top or raise from the bottom. Left most of the windows on the side of that faced the other unit with only the tops uncovered.

I would rather have slightly frosted glass than have to add a bunch of window treatments later. On a staircase, you will probably never adjust them, anyway, Plus it is just more “stuff.” But I like that lightly diffused light.

Hope the thread has helped you ceebeezee .Where is this house being built? State/City. . I would like to address this call out since it does seem to be distracting civil discourse..

re Millworkman. Yeh see I respond to Ceebeezee's request and he/she can take it or leave it,. Nobody indicated it was insulated windows either. While your first response mightve indicated some caution IF OLD insulated windows were being used , I did clear up that point. , If you want the last word, by all means go ahead. In the future I feel you should respect the thread owner to do the moderator work and take a horsesize (chill pill). #Schwing

I like the idea of frosting the windows, leaded/stained glass or glass block. I especially like the Reed style of glass showing in BeverlyFLA's post.

Thank you everyone for your input! At this point we are still looking into redesigning the windows for the stairwell in hopes that we can avoid any type of treatment. Thanks again!

How about using smartglass? http://www.smartglassinternational.com/electric-switchable-glass/

Years ago when I worked for a hospital, I designed SmartGlass between a CT room and its control room. When the price came in it quickly changed to clear glass with horizontal blinds.

The other option is to just apply the "frosting" to the inside. They make contact paper-like stuff to do this. My wife "frosted" our basement windows when we put the swimming pool there. You can peel it off if you decide you don't want to go that way.

I kind of liked my window treatments. I could look outside and still block the view in.

My new master shower has glass block up one side. There are two courses of clear blocks at the top to allow me to look at the view while showering.