Thanks team. Here's another idea - what about white wooden blinds? I actually like having no coverings on the windows for most of the time. eg. We have great views west and east, so the doors/windows are normally open 6 months of the year. They still need to be dressed, but with something that doesn't hinder the view. They could be up for most of the summer, and only let down if I need to keep some heat out or in winter to keep the cold out. I'm concerned they would be too heavy to operate being most of my window/door widths are 240cm. I've never worked with a consultant before... should I get someone to come in and give me a professional opinion?

Great advice

No, not without losing the curtain pole, and it gets cold in the winter so we want to keep it. Sliding shutters would look great but we have two similar windows and as you can see there isn't space for them to fully open, or is there? I think panels might be best but I don't know what would look best. I want to have full sun coming in in the winter and shade in the summer, this is a west facing window.

Hate vertical blinds too! So much so put curtains on my sliding doors. On my casement windows have holland or cellular blinds as easy to pull up to open window I suggest block out blinds which can perhaps be made big enough to cover all or at least half windows so gives you flexibility re light control if separate controls without having too many separate blinds