I would do windows. That way you still have space for furniture under the windows.

No... !!!! To short and high windows.

Nothing worse. If you want more view and light? Add via casements tall. Or a fixed tall window.

So casements about 2' from floor?
Would it look silly to have onely a casement on the right?

I would be tempted to get two fixed panels that match the panels in the new slider. Casements have the option to have screens if you want fresh air.

so basically a 5 panel sliding door?!?

Well you could do that too of course, or two three panel. No what I was saying was a fixed panel in a jamb- essentially it’s a single door from the same line as your slider but the door doesn’t open- it functions as a large window. This allows the sight lines to be continuous on that wall.

Yes, as per Hallett and exactly what I said above : ) "fixed." Light, but no air.

Our current slider has two fixed panels and one sliding panel. we could do three fixed panels?

The only issue with adding one fixed panel to the right is that the space to the right and left of their door is not equal then. If that's an issue at all

.. a thought question -- why add? the other wall has a window.

Would you really want fixed panels that don't open facing south? Can you afford to lose the wall space with long panels? Do you want to wash kiddies fingerprints off of additional panels?

Is that your only common area? If so, then I'd skip the extra windows. They will also add more glare to your TV.

I’m a visual person so in case it’s at all helpful, here’s an example of a fixed panel next to French doors vs tall casements approx. 24” off the ground. Our fixed panel is intentionally separate, but you could have them all connected.

What are you trying to solve? ( I am tempted to ask if anyone was hurt in the explosion.................: ) )

If it's that you don't have art with enough size impression? You don't need windows.

First, add curtain panels and add them BEYOND the window casing and to just cover the casing.. You will need three minimum on each side. and a nice long rod, well supported with a total of four brackets , two at mid points. Now.......what's left in wall space , left and right?

Lost the small storage piece on the right side. Frankly? Get two appropriately sized closed storage consoles. Add sizeable art above. Both. Bigger. Add Lamps.

Presto.............I think its a proportion that is bothering you. With curtain panels about 12 inches beyond and stronger sizes at flanking ends.. Sorry for the quickie sketch.

We are trying to add light. that wall is the only southern light and we are desperate for more light on a shady lot.
Ive considered curtains before, on the other slider behind the dininf table too. but seemed cluttered.

Its' not a sin to remove/move trees that are too close to a house. : ) Depends what it OUT there. Often , you can add all the windows you like, but If tree line is too close? Negligible effect , especially with anything less than a very high ceiling. That's where the light comes from on a southern exposure. The sun is higher in the sky. I had a client with a ton of high windows on three sides. In a "woods" of deciduous trees. Bright and blinding in winter........dim as a tomb all summer long.

jan, i think your sketch convinced me i need curtains......
im thinking maybe enlarge the doorway by a foot or so for a tad bit more light. add curtains.
The sml storage by the dining isnt permanent, but i do need wine storage. Likely going to end with something similar to the buffet on other side of door.
Does the art over the buffet on the left of door seem undersized?

The only thing harmed in that explosion is my anxiety! kids and winter..... ugh

It's a lot of expense, header work etc for a foot. Yes even the art at left seems small, but may NOT feel that way if you go a foot beyond those casings with the rod and curtains. Also, while unframed wall decor is inexpensive, even a float frame provides more "finish" to a piece. Why don't you post a drawing of the ENTIRE space, and add all wall, window dimensions, and mark in the kitchen island etc? Just as it is now.

PS. If the large window is south....the adjacent is WEST , is it not? More afternoon light ? Maybe you're obsessing on the wrong window? Or even the wrong tree line?

I will add that the use of electricity in daytime hours is NOT a cardinal sin. : )

Unless you have ten foot ceilings, and transoms....most everyone needs some electricity. Height of windows is actually far more indicative of potential light, than is breadth.

In the meantime, try something. Go to a Home Goods. Drag home the biggest mirror, casual that you can get your hands on.Hang it up, right of the slider. A round would be great, anything can work. Ignore the rule of "don't watch yourself eat lol/

When you do this ? You will find the expanse of mirror, reflects the ADJACENT window. It will obliterate wall. It will bounce that available light around. Try it. At least 36 wide and 48 tall. Or a 42 inch round...: ) Clean everything up, ditch all clutter, kids ,and then stand back. Stop at the grocery and get a few bunches of tulips and put em on that dining table. Pink is nice........one color.....Steal a lamp from somewhere and put it on that left console turn on all the lights....Try all that. You can even flip that larger console to the other side when you do this Then measure accurately as above. ( Take the three small pics and hang VERTICALLY one over the other , right side of the other slider.. Do that too. They're lost on the walls

What does the exterior of the house look like? This wall specifically.

This is the best mock up i can do! Thoughts? what the wall to the left of the slider without curtains? It has the three vertical pics on the right but nothign on left.

anyone??

Omg!!! Told you!That looks GREAT!!!!! Longer console at right side... And Turn the mirror to vertical! hang.

A longer piece on the right side would look great! Panels helped a lot . On my phone , .... :(

i do really like it. Even the husband does!
Would it be ok to get literally the same buffet and put it to the right if slider? Obviously new mirror. and what, if anything, should go on wall to left of the other slider?
alternatively, instead of the same buffet to right if slider, i could do a corner wine rack? any opinions?

Rod and curtains look ok? I just took them from the living room but thnking i like them.
And lamps took from.bedroom....but i like them too. Would be easy to just order the same thing :)

Don't be afraid to do the other window:)

Sooooo much better. !!

what should go in the circled areas for wall hangings? Anything?

I lthink the kids went back to school? I see you recovered from that explosion!! Hahaha

Do the other window !!! I like the neural white. Yes you can match the sideboard s

You don't meet to fill every wall with a " thing"

Do the other slider.... first. You don't need more than four panels and even two might be fine.

left of the small slider is a good spot for greenwry

Wow is right. After you adjust the mirror I would put the other lamp to have a pair on your console. Once you install other panels on windows I would have nothing on those walls and move your sweet family photos to another wall. Looking good.

If i try curtains on small slider I could put photos here?!?

Mmmmmmm One frame and vertical . So gather three 8x10 that you can mat/ frame as one!!!!

A tall bit of greenery ? Even better in that corner! You can't put stuff on EVERY wall.... You need some negative space

following

following

On this:

Move the lamps: to Left side on the left console. To right side on the right pine chest.......after you center it between curtain panel and end wall. And re hang the mirror...........vertically. If you feel perky, the frame on that mirror could benefit from a wash of blue paint: )

Left of the other slider. ONE important tall plant/tree. ONE. Hang the other curtains. Leave the three vertical pictures ........No more than that is necessary in that corner.

AND USE THE ELECTRICITY : )

Since it seems you are over the idea of adding windows to that wall for the additional light (the curtains look great, btw) you could just replace that 3-panel door with a 2-panel door when it comes time this summer. You'd be surprised how much that little bit of framing blocks additional light from coming into your space.

Glo European Windows & Doors - Great thought! It will also be a few inches taller and without the lattice. I think everyone is right - no need for a window.

I wouldn't change the doors. There are kids and the last thing you need is a bigger heavier thing to slide. Go cut some trees instead!!

Also remember ! The same expanse of glass that lights your days? Is the same expanse that sucks light from a room when the setting sun and daylight are gone!

That is F. A. C. T Call it the black hole effect.

This is why the glow of lamplight is so important .

Would not want small short windows that high.

Instead of a single wider three part door w/two high windows, consider recreating the wall to have a pair of sliding glass doors for each room -- one distinctly for the dining area and the other for the living area -- with solid wall in between.

While I'm likely in the minority on this, I like vertical blinds for patio doors, especially for those that will actually be used as doors (not just windows). Vertical blinds permit you to better control the light/privacy -- panels turned left or panels turned right and/or or either partially open or fully open -- and they're easier to clean that drapes or curtains which, inevitably, will get touched as people enter/exit the room.

Vertical blinds come in vinyl and wood and faux wood (as well as fabric ... something I'd not recommend.)

No vertical blinds. :( Just.... no

We have to replace the door, it's old and lets the snow in the house LOL. The current one is a few inches short of standard so the new one will be a bit bigger. No lattice. maybe 2 panels instead of 3.
Mirror will be replaced, that is an old one i found, hung quickly on a stud (why it isn't centered). This weekend I'll get a new one :).
Here are curtains on the small slider. And the three reasons my house isn't ever clean.
Good to go on size and color of lamps? Need to order more so my bedroom gets its lamps back.

With two 50 lb picture hooks, and d rings on the back? You do NOT need studs. Don't use wire.Use the rings and picture hook/2 50 lb

Get the new mirror even bigger : )

Try navy lamps

...

https://www.overstock.com/Lighting-Ceiling-Fans/Safavieh-Lighting-26-inch-Navy-Roxanne-Table-Lamp-Set-of-2/9043087/product.html?option=12954005

ADORABLE kids, and get iron on hem tape for those curtains to just graze the floor, or raise the rod. Unleess you love the dirt line that will accumulate. No puddles : (

Think about using a different shape over chest when looking for a mirror. Even can stack three.

One big mirror.. That's the one that gives you the adjacent slider view and the extra bounced LIGHT. : )

Sorry to disagree lol

That huge mirror would quickly become very annoying.

Really cute kiddos. Is a toy-box-storage-ottoman for each in your future.

IMO you are in desperate need of storage so I would use those walls for some good storage instead of windows . That room looks quite bright to me as it is .

Nothing useful to add. Just think your home is lovely (kid tornados included). Great changes so far.

Obsessing over the mirror for your chest.

Jodie White Designs - I often keep choosing the same decor and colors so thank you for suggesting something outside of my zone! Going shopping on Sunday and will let you know what I find!

JAN MOYER - Lamps ordered! I thought the ones you posted were smaller than what I have but they aren't - hopefully they aren't too large.

Do you think I need 3 curtain panels on each side of the large slider? Or would two be enough? And just one panel on each side of smaller slider? Or?

jslazart - Thank you!

These doors are used correct? The photos of your family will have to be moved because the drapery panel will monopolize this space. Basically you are going to soften the wall and it will make the doors appear larger than they are by just framing the outer lines with the panels. Are you duplicating the panels from the other window?

Best of luck with your shopping.