Love the Shoei pocket door! I am assuming you wish to keep the minimalistic look for the space. I would go with fabric roller shades inside and against the window, for reasons of simplicity and function and cost. You could go with light filtering or opaque. You would still be able to use the window sill for a decorative object or two if you wish - something that you would not be able to do with shutters. You mention wishing to block noise. If noise is an issue then cellular shades would help a bit more. Get ones with "fingertip lift" so that there are not tangle-y cords laying on the window sill or trailing down the wall when they are up. If you wish to maximize the view out, since the windows are so small, keep in mind that cellular shades will still block about more of the window than a roller shade will when up.

One of the 5 windows in my office has its right drape panel a bit behind a secretary desk in here. It doesn't bother me, but you may feel otherwise. My roller shades block the sun and gives me total privacy if I choose to close them at night. My shades cover the full glass part of my windows, but not the outside trim. My windows are standard double hung, and yours appear to be sliding windows. If you do get shades, no matter what material type, and close them at night (just an assumption on my part) wouldn't you need to raise them in order to open the window if you choose to? Would that bug you at all? I may be prejudiced toward drapes, as I make them myself and love fabrics, so change them more often than others might. Here is a pic that I found online with a window similar to yours that may help you decide.

Thank you so much for the suggestions. I am so glad I found this forum--this is exactly what I was looking for. Sometimes you need fresh eyes. I can see that this site could be a bit addictive! So I didn't think I liked shorter length curtains either, but I'm reconsidering that. Thanks for the helpful photo & input, roarah. I never would have thought about the difference between sill-length and a bit lower, but I see your point. I don't really want Roman shades, as I want to keep the blinds, and I'd like something to cover the sides of the blinds, but thank you for the suggestion. As for the panels to the floor, that was my first choice, but the radiator cover extends out so far that I'm not sure that will look right, even with holdbacks. I have printed out a couple of pics of the window above the radiator, and I'm going to sketch out your suggestions to see how they look. I'll let you know what I decide. Oh, and the bed: There is a floor vent between the bed & radiator cover, so we can't move the bed too much closer. Luckily the frame is on wheels, so it's easy to roll when making the bed. One more question: Normally I line draperies, but since I'm using burlap, I wonder if unlined might look more light-diffusing & charming. Thoughts? Thanks again!

What would be helpful is to see pictures of the windows with and without the curtains.