Can't use curtains because of respiratory issues. I wanted something durable and beautiful to actually use in my windows as a privacy screen against snoopy neighbors or just passersby at night or on those cloudy days when you have the blinds open and your lights on. In the daytime it's not really an issue. I figured if people are seeing the window at any angle, that 1 inch of decorative wood will take care of night privacy, with a light on in the room. Otherwise, there is enough detail going on to stop their eyes from going further into the room, unless they're really trying to see. I'm not at ground level--I don't know how they'd work there. But I'm happy with how they're working for me so far. I have 1 in horizontally when I don't want the window open too much and 2 in vertically when I want it opened all the way. There is still a little room on the side for kitty to see out her windows. I don't put them in the channels because I haven't cleaned them out yet. I take them out if it's going to rain but I don't know how necessary it is. These are reclaimed teak and waxed, which seals them to some degree. I just don't want to get them dirty! I'm thinking of getting some good floor or car wax to keep them really sealed against any troubles. Now that the hot weather is starting, I'll see how much they block the breeze. So far, I don't notice that they do very much air at all! I want more of them! I could hang them on the wall as an architectural decoration in the winter because they are nice enough.