My Orchid was bought in September of 2012. It was blooming then and is still blooming now. It sits in the kitchen window sill on the south side of the house. In the summer I put the shade down so it doesn't get too much sun. I give it 3 ice cubes a week and it seems to like what I'm doing because one of the stems that had already bloomed is setting new buds. The purple blooms are the real ones. I didn't have enough faith and I bought an artificial stem so everyone that sees it thinks it is two different plants.

Hiya Jill, thanks for sending those images over. In response to your first question about your bedroom, I can think of a couple of solutions that may work. The first is the same solution as my previous French window answer to @montbray and fit something that moves with the window, either a Pleated or a Venetian which operate under tension and open with a thumb tab rather than a cord. Alternatively, it would look quite nice if a blind, particularly a Roman blind was fitted right to the top of the wall above the window, at the ceiling. This will allow the blind to be ‘dressed’ to form a valance effect above the window when the blind is open, giving full view from, and use of the window and when it is closed, it will give the illusion of the window being taller. In the case of your bathroom blind, you might like to try a waterproof Roller blind made from PVC fabric. Alternatively, Faux wood blinds are a really great idea, as they have all the look of traditional Wooden blinds, but won't warp in wet or steamy conditions. Admittedly, it is a difficult window to dress and there are not a lot of options, but hopefully, these will give you some ideas. Sarah

What about a vintage piano stool with storage? You could find them on eBay under £40.

Ayrton for fabrics in Silsden West Yorks, a small shop with helpful staff especially the owner who fitted our kitchen blinds. I like dealing with local shops for a more personalised service. He is helpful and gave me a tip to match a small piece of wood imbedded near my floorboards 'stain it with tea' and it worked.