Let's see ... The curtains would be closed most of the time but they need light. That sounds like sheers or lace curtains are needed. Either would give them privacy (but enough for their comfort?) When curtains are closed I prefer them not to make a statement so I like curtains in that situation to be close to the wall color. Curtains (panels) that never close can be bolder.

I say no to a valance. I'm okay with them on small windows but on wide windows they just look silly. MHO

It seems silly to invest in a decorative rod with finials, etc., then cover it up with a valance.

Could this work? Use fixed drapery panels, hanging from the decorative rod, to frame the windows, then hang inside mount matchstick or woven blinds on the windows that could be adjusted for light or privacy.

Good luck! Maybe your friends need to spend some time looking at magazines or on the web for window treatment styles so they can see current trends and options.

Since the curtains are closed most of the time...can you sew a valance on the top of the curtain...like a curtain with attached valance. That is all I can think of unless they buy a plain rod to put inside their decorative rod....I believe it has a bracket on each end that goes over the top of the bracket....course the drapes would have to be on the inside rod and the valance on the outside..decorative one.

What kind of valance?

NONE!

Thanks for your input, everyone. I can't think of how to make a valance work, unless they are willing to give up the decorative rod. They bought that when we were out shopping for the curtains. We didn't find any curtains on that trip. I think they wanted to come home with SOMETHING for this project. But buying the rod is working backwards, in my mind. I need to figure out the functionality of this first. My problem is this is so far away from my own perspective, that I have a hard time getting into what will work for THEM, and not for ME. To me, if I needed privacy, I would put up opening and closing drapes, end of story.

But they have nixed the traverse rods, saying they always break and are a headache to replace. I understand that, mine do too. I've replaced my patio door traverse rods more times than I can count. The one I last bought was over $100 at Loomcraft upholstery and drapery supply, for the heaviest sturdiest one I could find. But now I'm still pulling the drapes by hand, because the cords broke for the third time, and I'll be *&$#ed if I take those down again and replace the cords. Traverse rods for big windows like theirs will cost a fortune.

I bought a decorative rod and a separate one for my panels. The panels are attached w/rings/clips then the decorative rod goes above that and a valance goes on the decorative rod. I don't close mine, as I have an up/down blind that I use for privacy at nite. I bought mine at JC Penney and the brand is Chris Madden. The side panels and the valance are the same group. I think it's thier Majestic line.

I don't see 100" as that wide an area since it's the width I have to cover with my sliders.

I'd show them more options of using shades, blinds, woven woods or silhouettes for privacy, with drapery panels on each end.
They'll have a layered look and can control the light & privacy as they want, without having to look at a wall of fabric. Depending on their style, they may not need the drapes at all.

Here is a link that might be useful: Silhouettes

Well, I've never seen it done before but I came across this on the houzz site. Just had to share!

[traditional family room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-family-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_720~s_2107) by boston interior designer Michelle Jamieson Interiors / New England Style

I also say NO valance. The only thing I might do would be a drapery with an attached valance, like this: