I would apply a film to the 2 bottom glass windows.

https://www.wallpaperforwindows.com/window-film/frosted-glass-window-film-privacy/

https://www.wallpaperforwindows.com/window-film/lite-frost-privacy-window-film/

https://www.wallpaperforwindows.com/window-film/pebble-etched-glass-window-film-privacy/

https://www.wallpaperforwindows.com/window-film/line-up-one-way-film/

https://www.wallpaperforwindows.com/window-film/pacifica-one-way-film/

https://www.wallpaperforwindows.com/window-film/secure-view-one-way-film/

@BeverlyFLADeziner Thank you for the idea. The problem with that is that I want to have privacy sometimes, but also be able to see outside other times. I assume the films are fixed.

Pardon me for saying this, but I don't think you have thought your request completely thru.

Imagine: It's night and your exterior shades you want are down. Someone comes to your door at 10 pm. How can you see through the window when you can't reach the glass to raise the shade ??????

This is why I suggest a film that provides you with some view but still privacy.

Yes, and that's why I suggested film on the bottom two windows. I'm assuming you don't want to have to bend over to see out the window.

@BeverlyFLADeziner

Is that your photo? How well can someone see through from up close?

"How can you see through the window when you can't reach the glass to raise the shade?" From inside the kitchen the window cover would be on my side, so I could raise it.

"I'm assuming you don't want to have to bend over to see out the window." It wouldn't be very polite to look up at visitors from the bottom window, I suppose.

Frost all the windows and add a peep hole between the center and top window or in the side of the door. Any blind or curtain on the door is going to drive you batty each time you open and shut it.

@HALLETT & Co. I was worried about that. Do you have experience being driven crazy by that? They apparently sell bottom brackets to fix blinds from the bottom also, although I'm not sure if those are in my price range. I'd prefer to be able to see out at all levels at potted plants, and watch to see if the squirrels are eating the pie that is cooling.

Regarding peep hole, I'm not a peep hole person, although I haven't lived with one. I have a fear of ice picks. Also, the hole would void the warranty on the door.

Did you install this door or was it already there?

If you installed it, why did you choose this specific door if it doesn’t meet your needs? Doors like these aren’t meant to be covered. Why would you pick this door if you planned to cover it up? if you needed privacy, why didn’t you buy a door that was more solid? Or one with blinds built in? And you state it’s a back kitchen door, how many visitors do you expect to have knocking on it?

@suedonim75 It's a back door, but that's where the parking is and visitors do come knocking there. A window was removed and we want light there. There were delays because of COVID19 at that point, and this was almost the only door with a window available within two months. It was necessary to temporarily move the old door as it was. We were pretty sure that you would find a solution for us after the work was done.

Ah ok, I understand now.

Mini-blinds with tie down.

@apple_pie_order I was thinking along those lines at this point. I just searched for "tie down" at your suggestion. That, and something light weight so that it could be supported by glue or two-sided tape.

Another (less likely) idea is to hang a curtain on a rod above the door. It would have to be slid aside to open the door, by hand from inside, and from outside the door would push it aside (or back at least) as it opened. This has the advantage that if there's a grease fire in the kitchen, I can tear off the curtains to smother the fire. Reminds me of my cousin. When she was a child in the kitchen her hair caught on fire. Flames shot up her hair behind her back, so she was unaware of this. She just saw her aunt leap on top of her for no reason, but the fire was smothered and she was fine with a shorter hair cut.

Hi Aries, we are going to get a new front door and, like you, want to be able to see outside through clear glass during the day, but have privacy at night. We can order a door with internal blinds, but want to explore other options before making that decision. Can you please report back about what you did and how you like it? Maybe with a picture? Oh, and I thought your ax murderer and Publisher's Clearinghouse posts above were hilarious!