I would recommend one large shade, three will be too busy; opening and closing would be a challenge with the sofa in front of the window.

I wouldn't put anything on that window, you have a nice backyard

The drapes won't impede the view of the back yard if the rods are long enough.

I agree with Ingrid, drapes will add softness and warmth to your already beautiful room. I am very glad that you are removing the brown shade.

No, that's where the rod belongs - it is done that way all the time. Lower looks like a 1940's man with a hat on his head that is too big and is covering his forehead! Look into have an awning put up outside. I actually have roll up metal ones on the back side of my house (due West). I would never put them on the front - tacky - but no one really sees them on the back. I can roll them down when the strong spring sun starts, leave them down all summer, and room them back in the late fall. Or you could have a canvas awning permanently installed if this is a year 'round problem. I put one over my kitchen door and the stairs down to the terrace (which then provided cover for the double windows in the breakfast room.

I was very nervous about a canvas awning, but my great local awning company owner, assured me that this was NOT my mother's old canvas awnings that rotted and had to be replaced every 2-4 years. I could not be more pleased and we have STRONG wind storms where I live (tornado alley). I like awnings as I have a lovely garden in the back I want to SEE, but it blocks that fierce and damaging strong sunlight. I think I'm going to look into putting one over the french doors in my DR this spring.