I understand exactly what you're saying! They will puff out some, but with the depth of your bracket being similar to this on in my DR, probably not enough. You might try some double stick foam tape to pull the sides back and tape it to the window frame. No one would see it, and it's just a matter of testing it to see if you like the look, and can 'finger fluff' them enough so the sides don't look too 'pulled' back. You may have a problem with that right up at the top near the bracket... How many windows do you have? If you were able to buy new brackets that didn't have that extension depth, it might be better...

Thank you all for your replies. threegrad-I am sorry if I was not clear. I get to wordy sometimes trying to explain, but it is not that I want floor length drapes for my shorter windows. I want a drape longer than the width of the window to give it more balance, but not to the floor. I think the short drapes look 'dumpy'. (I just went and looked again and if I were to use the drapes that end at the bottom of the window the word is UGLY!) I was thinking if the drapes are closed most of the time, the length of the drape would not matter since the window is not seen. BUT, I like the drapes open during the day since PA is not sunny CALIF. or FLA. Our present drapes do not 'puddle'. They are an inch off the floor. I might try hanging some fabric from the valance rod and see how it looks at different lengths. If anyone has drapes hung lower than their windows but not to the floor, I would appreciate seeing a photo. If nothing else presents itself, I might have misunderstood my DH when he was talking about the length of the drapes. : ) Jane

You should have double studs next to the window trim so install your brackets next to the trim, or within that vertical area. Then extend the rod on each side to the length you want. Once the drapes are up, you won't know where the brackets are, unless you have really large, decorative ones. Of course, doing this won't allow the drapes to open beyond the window but I would prefer this over not hitting a stud. I would try to put the center support bracket on the wall. If you mount it on the trim it's going to throw off the depth of the end brackets. Plus, I think it'll look better on the wall. If space is a problem, you don't have to use the same bracket (that's on the ends) for the center. You may want to use one that is less visible. Since there should be a header across the top of the window, hitting wood won't be a problem. IMO, you really need to hit a stud with the type hardware you intend to hang.

There are lots of other things to do with a blank wall…paint it …a pretty color?…add colorful hand painted flowers or decals?…stripes (horizontal or vertical)… I agree drapes can be problematic safety wise….another option to make the room more baby/ toddler friendly is to invest in some big,soft baskets to fill with toys, books that will be at baby level….i do believe more colorful surroundings are more stimulating for babies,toddlers…but don’t forget a comfortable chair for you for feeding the baby…reading to him or her…just relaxing while you watch the baby roll around and play ….and even an extra chair for visitors..