I also have a window like that in our shower - it may, but doesn't normally get wet from the shower. I have put in a thin venetian blind in white (made from plastic) very cheap, under $5. I am in process of making an puffy austrian blind to hang above the window, for a bit of colour I am making it from a shower curtain). It will be there for looks, I may never pull it down. The venetian gives privacy and blocks the light a certain amount.

I actually like the view from the window. To admire other building's is really nice, see other people walking the street, etc.. A great view doesn't need to be clear open space's or the Harbour Bridge, etc.. I like building's so it would be great to have a chair there and look across the roof tops. To see it all through a wonderful set of casement window's is really special. I would probably have shutters rather than curtains. Thick bladed venetian blinds perhaps. Just in white would be fantastic. I like the look from inside and out that shutters and/or venations give. Have to be the chunky timber ones though not the thin bladed ones! I'm not a curtain person so it would take a while for me to end up loving them but I can see where the others are coming from.

Clau2000 our manufacturer was in Melbourne, supplier in Canberra. Despite being happy with the product we really struggled with the level of service from the supplier. Quite frankly the business owner was rude, uncommunicative and very difficult to deal with and I would hesitate to recommend her business to anyone. At one point we contacted the manufacturer but he insisted we had to go through his ACT supplier and could not order directly from him (either us or our builder). Our first set of windows were installed on a westerly facing wall & get direct sunlight for the hottest part of the summer afternoon, they have been installed for 4 years and are showing no sign of deterioration. We went with E10 glass, double glazed and they do an amazing job of blocking the summer heat.

is it too late to put the tin plate and foam beneath the original vent so they still look original but don't admit any draughts??