Q: I just bought a small, narrow 1950s house in Richmond Annex that has been cosmetically remodeled. The problem is, all my windows face directly onto the neighbor’s walls, or else provide a grand vista of the junk in adjacent backyards. Do you have any suggestions for letting in light, but blocking out the “view”?

Ran Bush

A: Having grown up in an apartment in a large city, I’m quite familiar with the issue of maintaining privacy. Of course, window coverings are the solution. There are countless approaches. Here’s a list of several window covering categories. You can choose which best suits your style and budget. Naturally, within each category there are many options, so consider this list a starting point and let your imagination guide you. And, as you read through the list, keep in mind that you can combine elements from more than one category to create a more dynamic effect.

Honeycomb shades: Also known as Duette shades, these are constructed of a synthetic fiber that gives a clean, crisp appearance and allows light to come through. They come in single, double and even triple honeycombs to make them highly energy efficient. The texture includes sheer, semi-sheer, semi-opaque and opaque fabrics, and they come in a wide selection of colors if you don’t want white. They can pull down from the top, or be “bottom up, top down” shades, so if you need privacy at eye level but want some of the window free of covering, this is a good choice.

Natural woven shades: These are shades that are made of natural fibers including bamboo, reeds, exotic grasses and woven blends. They are generally made of renewable resources and are considered environmentally responsible. However, without “privacy backing” as part of the construction of the shade they are transparent and offer no privacy looking either in or out. But all manufacturers offer this option at an additional charge. Decorative fabric borders can be added to complement your color scheme and upholstery. And they can be bottom up, top down.

Shutters: These are window coverings that require not only detailed measurements but also professional installation. They’re available in white, natural wood, or can be custom colored to your decorating style.

Venetian blinds: This window covering can be made of wood, metal or synthetic material. They’re available in natural wood colors, decorative colors, and metal colors like silver and bronze.

Shoji screens: These window coverings are handcrafted from hardwood and then rice paper is stretched across the framing to create a Zen-like feeling in the room. They provide privacy but are more fragile than some of the other options. They’re also measured to your windows’ size.

Fabric panels: These are panels of decorative fabric that are custom-made to fit inside the window casing. Select a fabric that complements the upholstery in the room. Or use simple white linen to make a dramatic, contemporary statement. If you’re especially creative, you can paint a design on them with fabric paint. The panels can be hung from decorative rods or tension rods that are invisible when installed. A person who is handy with a sewing machine can whip these up in no time, or professional sewing workrooms can make them for you.

All of these products are easily found on the Internet. An online search will provide you with a comprehensive list of vendors.

Typically, any of these shades are custom-made to fit your windows exactly, and manufacturers have very helpful online instructions about how to measure and order them. They also have customer service by telephone if you need additional assistance. Many of these vendors also are represented and sold in local retail stores with product purchasing assistance available.

Remember that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one category; you can have natural woven shades inside the window casing and add drapery either as stationary panels or sections that open and close to cover the entire window.

Have a dilemma?

Send a description of your interior design dilemma to home@sfchronicle.com or Home&Garden, The San Francisco Chronicle, 901 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103. Include your city, daytime phone number and, if possible, photos or a sketch of your floor plan. Selected questions will be answered in this column.

Beryn Hammil is a Corte Madera interior and exterior designer featured on HGTV’s show “Curb Appeal.”

source ; www.sfgate.com