I like the multi-stripe - the sage seems to blend into the background too much. I would also use all valences - not panels in the family room. It just seems to fit your furniture and the space better.

I like option 3 because it seems to pick up the colors you have in the throw and pillow and spread them gently around the space. However those panels are too narrow to have only one per window. I think you would have to decide between valences on those windows or to purchase 2 panels per window and hang them on a rod high on the wall above the window with the rod extending beyond the window so that you could arrange each panel on either side of the window. This means some of the panel will be hidden by the TV, but the window itself will appear larger.

sky

I can't vote on pattern today. I have another question. Does the set of windows behind the t.v. cause any difficulty with your t.v. viewing? It seems like they would. So, although I do understand about satellite connections and cable boxes and other important electronic-equipment placement issues, I was wondering....Could your new console go on the other wall somehow, so you could place a table, a chair, an armoire, or something else between the windows, and use some drapes there? Valances are fine and I've used them for years myself where I needed something, but I'm just kind of thinking about Susan's room where she has the two windows and the armoire between them.

And which WT's are you liking? Do you have a strong preference? Do you sew? Can you find fabric you love and make the valances yourself, perhaps a little fuller?

Red

I agree with sky Option 3!

I like Option 3 also.

redbazel: Actually the location makes for better TV viewing since there is no glare as can happen when the TV is on the wall opposite. If you look close there are something like 8 separate wire connections--DH said we could move the TV, but hte components would have to stay on that wall--which the only way I'd move the TV is if we could put the sofa on that wall. One nice thing about it the way it is, is we have a view of the backyard from the sofa. The valances will definitely be fuller as most likely I'll put 2 per window whereas when I taped them up, I only taped up a single one--so it's really more to see how the colors look than anything else. Yes, I do sew and have made valances before. In fact, I just made one for my DD's room and making them myself would be another option if I cannot find something off the shelf. I actually prefer the stripe myself. I would have to visualize how option 3 would look a little better in terms of the style of rod and how much I could clear from the window since it obstructs the light. It's hard to tell from my pics, but I already have 2" wood blinds on the windows and there is a view out my backyard. SO my vote would be either 2 or 3 and tonight I'll find out what DH thinks, though he also thought the sage plaid was a bit on the plain side and wanted something like the pillow pattern.

sky: I don't think I could do as you desrcibe with the new console on the way since it will go against the wall and will extend under the windows for about 6" per side. That was why I was considering pulling them to the outer sides. I could still put 2 panels per side and just pull to the outer sides and that way they'd be fuller.

The multi stripe is gorgeous - so much brighter than the others. I like that one.

I love the stripes and I think option 3 is best (with two panels on each window in the family room for fullness).

My vote is for the stripe panels pulled to one side.

I vote for option 3... with two panels on each rod and pulled to the side with interesting holdbacks... how long will the panels be? If they are not going to be floor length maybe you would hang them up higher so the bottom of the panel hits a good length near the window ? The colors really pop!

ruthie: The panels are 84"L so if I mount higher up, they won't be floor length, particularly if I pull it all to one side. I like the idea of using the holdbacks and 2 panels per window. I just need to figure out what to do with the rod if I keep do one side. Do I do a short rod over 1/2 the window or extend the rod the full width of the window similar to how I would if they would be divided in the center?

That's a good point. Will you ever use the panels to block the sun when you are watching TV? I think I would use a full rod for flexibility.The rods are so nice now. Believe it or not I found the cutest rod at Walmart... it looks like a million bucks and I only paid 34.00 for the rod,finials and clips in Southern Ca. The 1/2 rod idea is great too if you just want it to be decorative. Whatever you decide it's going to look great!

Have you considered treating the whole wall as a single window?

Hang a couple of panels behind the TV,and single/double panels at each end (for enough fullness), so they're covering only part of the window and the remaining wall all the way to the corner.

I agree with the others on the multi color, striped print choice. It picks up enough accent pink/orange from your rug and cushions.

I would do the striped valance in the kitchen. I would do the rings and rod with panels on the slider, pulled to the non-opening side. In the family room I would do a double rod, and put the valances on there, with the panels hanging down on either side, extended out a bit on the sides of the windows rather than stopping right at the edges of the trim. I don't like the panels pulled back like that in an informal room - I think having them hanging straight down on either side shows off the striped fabric better, too.