First why is leaving the windows open a bad thing? But if you really want help we need pics of the space so we can at least get some idea of your style and the rest of the space . I will say I hate plantation shutters anywhere except maybe Tara (a plantation) they are heavy looking and block both views and air . I love drapes in bedrooms usually but I need pics

The bedroom is downstairs. So, leaving the house unattended with the window open is a security risk.

Secondly, leaving the window open on a rainy day risks damage to both the wooden window sills and the wooden plantation shutters themselves.

If the window was opened temporarily to air out the room and then forgotten about behind closed plantation shutters, it is also wasting energy when central heating and air is running.

The syle i would like best to replace these shutters would have a clean and modern look.

It would also need to slide sideways so that it is very convenient to access the window to slide it open or closed without having to completely move the window covering out of the way. The existing swing out shutters would be just as awkward even if the window slid vertically.

Maybe opaque darkening instead of "blackout" so you can see out through it just enough to be able to tell that the window is open or closed, while still providing privacy.

Cellular shades that open from top or bottom, vertical blinds, curtains, drapes.

I like the idea of cellular shades that open from the top for privacy, but then, how do you access the window to slide it sideways open and closed?

How about talking to a local window coverings company? is wonderful to support local small business and they can advise you. my guess on the cellular shades is you open them enough to reach the window slider handle.

2 drapes that meet in the center.

I just rechecked the window and found that the slider handle is at center height and is also in the middle of the two windows panes. So, the cellular shade would have to be able to slide more than 50% up or down to make the handle accessible.

Drapes/curtains that meet in the middle would be most convenient to access the slider handle, but would still hide the current status (open or closed) of the windows unless you give up your privacy by leaving the drapes open.

If the view is not great/needed, maybe consider film and lined drapery.

You could add a privacy film to the windows. Easy to install and inexpensive. But even so, outsiders can look in if the window is open.

I can't think of a way to keep your privacy if the window is open, if that's what you are asking.

Maybe some kind of frosted privacy film is an option. It could probably just go 3/4 of the way up the window so the top could still be clear while still providing privacy for anyone in the room of normal height.

Window film alone won’t be enough to block street lights that may be distracting for anyone trying to sleep.

What about some kind of room darkening opaque drapes that block glare, provide privacy, but still let you see out through them enough to be able to determine if the window is open or closed?

If you can see the window through the fabric, then the fabric is not room darkening or opaque. There is no fabric that allows light to come through from only one direction.

You could wear eye shades to block the street lights.

Maybe a combination of frosted window film with partially open cellular shades then?

If the shades can move enough to be able to access the window latch at the center of the windows, we can have glare blocking at night while still being able to leave just enough of the window exposed to be able to see at a glance whether it is open or closed.

During the day, the shades can be pushed all the way up to let all the light in and the frosted glass would still provide privacy.

Hey There: Bottom-up Top-down honeycomb shades are a great way to cover this window. We do not have a header, nor do we have strings across the glass. So, closing a sliding window is not an issue at all.