Full-on pleated lined curtains on a traverse rod that is brass.

I would love to see pictures of your library before commenting. What is your tartan pattern? What a lovely statement to your heritage to have wool tartan curtains in your library.
Brass is very traditional and depending on your fabric and room accessories, can be lovely. So can bronze, black or pewter.

I only have one picture of the library and the stain is not complete in it, but it will give you an idea of one wall. The wall to the left is all bookcases and the wall to the right has two windows and a built in storage bench that's a nook for playing chess, etc.

My family tartan is a beautiful deep green, navy, with white window panes and yellow panes with blue borders.

It's amazing to me that you have such beautiful craftsmanship in this house and that your contractors have given you such headaches in the bathrooms. It's looking amazing to me. I'd say brass, too.

You mean like the Mackendrick (Henderson) or MacAlpine tartans? They're very dark, with no red. I would consider a traverse rod with exposed rings in typical pleated drapery style. A dull brass (not bright) would seem right in a traditional room with other similar fixtures; but I wouldn't discount a pewter colored metal. Rings would work, but over the long haul, I think pleated draperies would be less cumbersome if you're opening and closing often and also have a lasting traditional affect.

Thank you, Kevin, it's so nice to hear a compliment. Our carpenters and cabinet makers are incredibly skilled and they really exceeded our expectations (and I am very picky).

The tartan is Macneil, either the ancient or modern version is correct.

Not to be ignorant, but do pleated draperies need a chain to open or close? The rod would not be visible on this type of curtain, right?

I have brass and pleated fabric shade sconces for above the little game bench nook to the right of the door, but do not yet have a ceiling fixture chosen. I was planning to do an unlacquered brass to keep with the rest of the house.

Chain? Traverse rods require something to pull on one side, which can be hidden behind the drapery. Any rod that is going to accommodate a open/close curtain is going to be exposed.
Oh, I think I know what you mean. The exposed rings are large rings that surround the rod (usually a large round rod) and the curtain whether pleated or otherwise hangs below the rod. If you don't want the rod to show (through the rings) you'll need a regular traverse rod that allows the pleated drapes to hang slightly above the rod so it's not exposed behind the draperies. However, the rod will be exposed when opened, and IMO some traverse rods can be unattractive. That's why I suggested the open rings which are most often on a more decorative rod. It's a matter of preference, both are appropriate in a traditional room.
If you go to curtainrods.com or google drapery hardware or restorationhardware.com you will better understand your options. Unlacquered brass would be very nice.

I agree about the open rings looking nicer, Annie. I'll look for some in the finish I want online. Thanks.

Maire, I'm going to purchase from one of the mills as our tartan is not as common. Silk would be gorgeous, but I've not found the Macneil in silk. What weight wool would you suggest?

I absolutely will post finished photos. :)

I would use whatever the middle-weight is for kilts. It may need to be backed to prevent sagging over time.

Some of the tartan sites that I've dealt with described the middle weight (13 oz) as suitable for home furnishings. Pal mentioned the option of having the fabric backed to add strength. Your workroom can examine the material and offer advice. A few select mills also offer a 'homespun' fabric - it is woven by hand on a manual loom and has nubs and knots which can add to the charm. There's even an 18 oz. regimental weight.

You might want to check with several manufacturers because different mills offer different fabric widths - a wider bolt will help minimize seams. In the past I've ordered swatches but they are fairly small. Once or twice I had to order a single yard of a few different fabrics in order to help decide which one looked best.

I've never dealt with the company in the link but their fabric guide is helpful.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tartan Fabric Guide

Thanks for the very helpful link :)

Hello,
Your library looks good and the color of the wood panels look nice. If you use contrasting colors like light colors on it would look beautiful. Printed curtains would look rather nice in my opinion. You could also use pictures, portraits, photos or canvas prints to enliven the atmosphere. For great canvas prints you can Visit the Magnipic.com site

threeapples - I was looking for another post on curtain rods and this one came up in my search. Have you hung your curtains in the library? I'd love to see photos.

Maire

Just wanted to say that your paneling is gorgeous! And your tartan plaid will look fantastic on curtains.

Thanks to both of you. I just had someone here to measure for curtains last week. The fabric is coming from overseas and will take quite awhile to get here, then it supposedly takes 4-6 weeks to have the curtains made. :( It will be awhile, but I will definitely post photos as soon as they're hung. Thanks for thinking of me.