And meant to ask- am I cheap? Doesn't it sound like a LOT of $?

And now here's another weird thing- we have what I thought are the same shades in other rooms facing south, and they are very bright ( as in lit up) in daylight. The ones in the foyer almost seem like there is a sunblocker on them and it makes the foyer even darker. Interesting . I think I am going to see if I can find out about motorizing the shades. Somewhere I read it is possible to add the motor to the existing shades. (obviously I couldn't do it but there is a good handyman locally ). I need to research and see if what I think I read is so.

I paid about $1100 to do (as I recall) about 9 windows, so your quote seems high. I obsessed over which tint to use--I didn't want to block the light!

In the end, I went with the one the sales guy said is what almost everyone chooses, and blocks 97% of the UV rays (or close to that). He was absolutely right, I don't even notice that it's there. And now I want it on ALL the windows in our house.

Then, you can assess whether you need a motor or whether you just want to take those blinds down.

We have high windows (now with film on them) and I don't notice any glare or have any need or want to put anything else on those windows. It's fine.

I haven't done anything.....

To clarify, currently there are the honeycomb shades on the foyer windows and I had them closed due to the extreme heat we are having. When I said I like to look out, when I walk down the stairs, at the landing on the 2nd floor, if shades blinds are open (all the way up) I can see the street, the pretty views, the sun or clouds, the world outside :)etc.

Privacy is not really much of a concern, but I love the light and I love to see outside.

Currently the view is nil because I have the shades closed.

In this photo, the shades are all the way at the top.......... hope this helps. Appreciate your comments.

The film is going to solve your problems.

Mrs S-- did you have the film applied for the glare and for the sun on fabrics? Because that is totally not the issue here- it's really the excess heat that comes through and our bedroom is right next to the foyer. I am just trying to understand if the film would solve that... thank you for your input!

I have not considered the "heat" protection, and since the film was applied a few years ago, I don't recall those attributes....but I think it does cut down the heat. Definitely something you can google.

Mrs. S. What product did you have applied? Thank you.