I would go with white plantation shutters - keeps your architectural look/lines. You can also select the shutters to have two parts in one panel also for the ones down the bottom - so half way have one part (of one so its not two different ones) you can shut completely and the top part you can adjust to still see but with complete privacy in the bottom (you could have in the morning when lying in bed), or you open and shut them around the same amount. I did that in my hall way so that I can completely close the bottom half but the top part of the same shutter I can open slightly for the light etc etc but still have privacy. Shutters give you so many possibilities for privacy, lighting etc depending on the person.

To Australian Home Designer. Thank you for your advice but I'm not trying to replace the doors with a window. The double glass doors are on the study, and they open onto the very small balcony which measures approx 2M X 0.9M. The balcony has slate type tiles on the floor, there is a roof above and it is enclosed either side by concrete? walls. The balcony has an opening about 2 M wide by 1.5 high, which is what I'm trying to addres. The balcony is next to useless as it is and I could make more use of it if I could enclose it. I tried to add another photo to give a better idea, but for some reason I wasn't able to. So, I'm not trying to replace a window but install something in an open space to act like a window. As this area is considered common property (even though no one else can have access to it unless they walk through the apartment), I have to advise the corporate body. Chances are they'll ask for me to arrange for a by-law to be drawn up. It never ends does it? The other thing I should mention is that Council said (when I first approached them) that the developer would have used every available space to the enth degree. The developer has confirmed this with me. The block is almost 2 years old and all owners are the first occupants. Thank you for taking the time to respond. It is much appreciated.

Something to consider with roller blinds- The blockout ones can really block the airflow in Summer, and if you do leave the louvres open, the slightest breeze will cause the bottom rod to bang against the window frame. You can fix them so they don't do this, but again you have the reduced airflow.....which is why you have louvres in the first place. We have the same problem. My son's bedroom. He seems to have adjusted to no window coverings. Luckily we have no privacy issues.

We put similar gates on our first house, many years ago,ours were western red cedar, we bought then at a place on the Princes Highway at Arncliffe an area of Sydney, not sure if they still trade. try Trade Cedar Gates 0428268664 might be able to help.