Mrs Dirk I agree w/fly - I don't see roller shades with our without valance for your particular application - it seems it would be taking away from the formal lovely room btw can't wait to see more of that LR looks lovely - I had similiar dilema - I just put up solid cream colored drapery panels in our LR - my windows aren't as large. I love the old windows & trim - but the room/windows needed some softening - the panels take up minimal glass so really don't obstruct view - I really do like the outcome - just what I wanted & what the windows needed. I am considering putting up internal mounted flat fabric romans - as I need something to keep the hot summer sun out. Good luck

I think bamboo roller shades will be just as cumbersome and top heavy as blinds, and not nearly as attractive. But then I don 't see much that is attractive about bamboo shades, anyway, and my windows with a view are bare. You have a beautiful view and windows. What direction do they face? Would just fabric valances work?

Becky - don't know if you remember my room and link from up-thread but I've continued to follow your situation and thought I'd give you an update on mine since we have similar large, private settings and goals for views. Much as I love roman shades whether fabric or some kind of woven wood/bamboo, I just didn't want to cover up that much glass with the stack height. We did a test run with a textured roller shade on 2 windows in our living room. That way if we hated them it wasn't an investment in every window and we'd keep looking. Here's what we have, a roller shade behind a cassette. You can see the texture, it's not room darkening but offers excellent light/glare control and privacy. When they're open, they are very unobtrusive and leave the glass bare. The cassettes aren't invisible but if you match your wood they will disappear as much as anything can. Mine are in between my wall and my wood color so they have a bit of warmth to them. We are probably going to use these throughout the house where we need light control. Some of those windows may get additional decoration with curtains, and that's an opportunity to add some pattern and color. Personally, I don't think these have a modern look or really any definitive style look because I chose a neutral to basically disappear. If you chose a wood tone or a color of course they will be a focal point and that to me is where the clean lined modern look comes in. But as a first layer with curtains or even on their own matched to your wood, IMO they can work with any home or decorating style. Hope that helps. It's a tough decision and a lot of money, that's for sure!

Still waffling on this project, but I am leaning toward bamboo with an outside mount. @Design Girl do you have any photos you can share or specifics on which blinds you chose? Option 2 are Levelor cellular shades that can be inside mounted - though the headrail would protrude. I would add decorative curtain panels to cover the ends. Window trim is Benjamin Moore White Dove and walls are Wythe blue (dining room where one shade would go) and Candle Glow (living room where three shades would go). Looking to achieve a warm welcoming vibe.