bump. We will have a french door flanked by a window on each side. Because of hurricane regulations in Florida our french doors must swing out. I was thinking of mounting curtain rods above each window and the door that would extend out far enough to draw the curtains completely open to expose the windows and door when I wanted all the sunlight to come in. The idea I have is to mount the rod 6" or so above the trim and have the curtains all the way down to the floor. Will this work if the curtains are closed and someone wanted to sort of pull it aside to go out the french door? Hope this makes sense. Thanks for any help you can give.

When they are direct mulled to one another like that, it normally means there is no structure between them so you can yank out the window, cut the brick down, put in a proper brick sill, and install a custom set of French doors to completely fill the opening. Not "easy" but not as expensive as having to do all the structure work and get the engineering.

ninegret - that is a good idea w/ the 3 shades. I can ask a store but I'm curious how they would attach since we don't have 3 separate windows, it's one long window. The other issue is the middle window is about 10inches longer than the two outside so would you order one long shade or 3 separate and hang them from the top? I also agree french doors would be nice but we don't want to spend thousands to demo and close off that area and create french doors when there is a door to the 'game room' a couple feet to the left of the couch. It's a very large living room that is completely open to our kitchen and dining room on the other 2 sides and a fire place on the 3rd side so there are no other windows/coverings. It's an odd look that is difficult to figure out how to decorate so I appreciate the suggestions and any further comments. The previous owners had a good thought to enclose the back deck and make it a game room but it's created a little confusion on how to decorate the existing 'former' exterior window.

oh man,,,no shades for that door. it's a beautiful door. (are you doing a UV clear coat to protect it? It doesn't look like anything was applied to the exterior. please look in to Penofin oil, the Marine one. that mahogany is gorgeous but you have to protect it or it will turn a horrid gray shade over time this is Ipe, but your mahogany will react similar. It will deepen and look even better after applying this oil it will protect it from any sun/or water and UV rays. it's easy to use and only needs a touch up every few years. if you don't do anything else to that door, do this product! if you MUST have privacy, then call in a glass guy and have them install some type of glass to the panels. A rain glass would look great. or, maybe they can apply a reflective film that is not noticeable from the inside