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I manage a gold buying location that's very small. I don't want it to look like a pawn shop, I'd rather it look more like a jeweler or something a bit more classy. Anyway, I have to do it out of my own pocket so I can't afford much. Attached is the picture of the front of the store. As you can see, it's ugly. It's all glass and I hate the blinds. It lights up the entire inside and I need to lessen that.

I'm thinking that I want to paint the top of the windows black (giving the illusion that the top of the windows is actually on the same level as the top of the door. Then put sheer curtains on the windows down to the ground and maybe some dark brown curtains with a valance on the sides pulled back to look more fancy. This raises several questions:

1. Should the sheer curtains be connected at the top and bottom of the windows to prevent blowing around when the door is open?

2. Should the sheer curtains be separated and confined to each individual window, or spread across the separation between the two windows making it look like one big window? If so, how?

3. How do I put the valance across the separation between the windows (which sticks out a couple of inches)?

Thank you so much! I'm desperate for help!!!

The first thing you need is to determine how you are going to mount the hardware for any window coverings. As with most commercial spaces, the windows are probably aluminum which could pose a problem. Check with your landlord.
I would recommend you put sheers on each individual window and by all means anchor them so they don't blow around when the door is opened.

You might do some research into Velcro fasteners to attach sheer curtains instead of using rods. They have various types of products, even an industrial strength fastener.

Instead of painting the windows (which may tend to look tacky) you might color block the curtains using dark brown at the top. Or just use a brown valance to the top of the door across the entire expanse and the sheers below. I wouldn't recommend dark side panels as I think it will make the space look even narrower.

If you don't want to use Velcro, rods could be attached to the ceiling if that is easier than attaching to the aluminum window frames. A double rod could be used to hang valance and curtains.

To make the room look higher end it needs a color scheme, wall decor, and better furniture. Craigslist may be a good source for affordable items. Perhaps your boss will see your POV and give you a reasonable budget to upgrade, especially if you start with the windows on your own.

I once used tension rods on top and bottom of sheers in a bow window where I wanted privacy. Loved the rods as they just popped into the windows and out when needed. This was the only pic I could find that was similar to mine. If you don't mind the gathered look, it works really well.

Here is a better example of sheers with and without the bottom rod. If there is even a small bit of frame the rods will pop right in.

You could also ignore the windows as far as treating them and have screens on either side that passersby would see. The screens would not have to be ceiling height, but any height you choose.

Your main objective is to promote your business so such screens could be used as advertising even subtle. You could use text or images (rainbows with pots of gold or whatever would be appropriate)

Emily's solution is a good one: no curtains. And, I agree with the suggestion to avoid painting the top of the windows.

Storefront windows should not be completely covered over; it's not inviting to customers. But, I understand the need for light control, as it appears you don't have an awning over your storefront.

You might want to arrange some of the furniture in front of the windows flanking the door, not only to create inviting seating areas (chair + small table) visible from outside, but also to block the views of the parking lot from inside.

Plants can help screen the windows and light. Place tall potted palms or a rubber tree (the real deal, not the fake ones) closest to the window. Then, put the seating in front of the trees.

You can also hang baskets of seasonal blooming plants outside the shop to screen part of the upper windows. Conversely, you could hang a fern basket or two inside, in front of the window.

Can you paint the walls? A bold accent color on the wall nearest your counter and wall art would look great from outside. The boutique I worked at many years ago had all the walls painted bold red. It glowed at night, when viewed from outside.

Good luck!