This is a great thread! There are so many considerations for us summer out/winter indoors people. In the summer I have cattleyas, dendrobiums, oncidiums, and bulbophyllums out on a porch, with direct sun in the morning and late afternoon, and shade overhead at midday. This year I put out paphs too, on the bottom shelf where they had more shade. Everything does very well and adds a lot of growth. In the winter, they all move to a sunroom facing west but with a south exposure too. Life for my orchids improved immensely when I added Wonderlites (in the west and south windows) and big humidity trays to this set up, and it cost very little. Most winter days it is about 60% humidity, high of 80 F and low 55F. I have a tiny space heater to boost heat on really cold nights. My electric bill is just $25-30 a month. It helps that this room can be closed off to retain the humidity. I have the catts in clay pots and water about once a week. I think the humidity helps them cope with drying out completely. Another factor I think is that I choose catts that aren't seasonal bloomers but bloom at various times of the year. Originally I chose them just because I wanted to get more blooms, but I also figure they have a built-in urge to keep growing and not go dormant when the light and heat wane. They make lots of leads and lots of blooms during winter. My only basket plants are brassavolas that I water every other day. Calvin, I think your plan to cut back on water and fert until you see signs of growth is exactly the way to go. Generally I think it's important to observe the plants really closely and follow their lead. By the way I suffered from tinted windows for a month or two before I realized what was going on, but mine came with a little label that warned against using ammonia or detergent to clean them. The anti-UV tint was just a surface film that was gone with a few vigorous washings. By the way, I also remove the screens in winter as they cut down on the light. Good luck and keep experimenting! Margo

Usally the top is left open. But if light is a issue, you can have a cellular shade made to fit into the opening. Cellular shades work out well on this type of window. You can get either one to cover both windows for a clean look, and better light control. Or 2 so you can have one up and one down if you want.

Well hang them the way he wants...will the blinds go or are you keeping them? You could add some trim like shown in the last picture. That will make it look like a deliberate design choice, rather than a bit of a crazy moment where you forgot how to open drapes :) Although I would choose something a bit more exciting that that...

I agree that the Romans look good there and I wouldn't add curtains. However, to answer your question, the rod should be about 46 or 47", so about 5" out each side. I would mount it 4" up from the top of the molding. I think a little bit of space under the ceiling looks better than right up to the ceiling.