Window Covering - Question on floor to ceiling bay window covers?

Question on floor to ceiling bay window covers?

OK DH and I are looking at a remodeled home that is great-it is move in ready and it is goregous. There is one big issue though in the living room. It has the original bay window with about 20 square single pane glass panals and it starts maybe 8 in from the floor. We have a toddler, 2 cats, and a 40 pound dog. Yikes. I am trying to think of ways to cover this window that won't be awful to look at but will give some safety. One recomendation was to put a 1/4 in piece of acrylic inside the bow of the window(just run it across the flat part) that goes up say 36 in. Then install shutters across that portion and a seperate row across the top that way we can open the slats on the bottom to let in light and still have the safety and the top shutters can befully opened or adjust the slats what have you for light and looks. I love the shutter idea and just didn't think they would give enough strength to add safety, but with the acrylic it might. Does this sound like a possible solution? Oh-I should say that we know the windows need to be redone at some point. The folks who flipped this place replaced all the windows but this one due to the scale. As soon as it is in our budget we will do that but for the present time we need a workable solution. Also, anyone know of shutters that increas the R value of the windows? I know honeycomb shades can do that but doubt that they would last against my gang.

Public Comments

The plexiglass sounds like a quick fix. Just be careful of sharp edges. And be careful cleaning the plexiglass, use only a soft towel. Plexiglass scratches easily. As far as replacement windows go, I suggest the Big Name stores for expert help. Just my 2 cents.
Just a suggestion; how about decorative sliding wooden doors with some glass/acrylic panes to allow light in? :) Maybe you can even hang some picture frames or paintings on it. And so the view from the outside of the bay window won't look so shut, you can pretty up the back with a nice curtain :)