I wouldn't want to hide the view, either. I'd put a full rod that runs the length of each window and pull the draperies back to the edge of each window. For example, pull the drapes to the far left for the left window and to the far right for the right side window. I'd make sure they were full enough to cover the window if necessary.

As far as the light over the table, do you have any other pictures where we could see the rest of the room to get a better feel for the space? I wouldn't want anything that would block much of the view, however.

Due to the size of your windows - I personally would recommend putting stationary panels on each outside, as well as 2 panels in the corner. You would have a total of 4 panels. You can scrunch up the 2 panels in the corner so they don't cover too much of your view. I would install the rods across the entire width of the windows and they can be mitered in the corner, or you can get a corner elbow that joins 2 rods.

Generally, a single width panel covers between 15 to 18", but it can be scrunched together more and cover about 13" of width - or even less, but you don't want it to look wimpy!

If you are buying ready made panels - you can always return the panels for the inside corner area if you feel they cover up too much of your view. But I just think that those windows are pretty wide and you'll get a much cozier, warmer feeling if you have the panels in the corner too.

What a beautiful view.

I would mount the rods on the wall, leaving just a little breathing space (about 1") below the edge of your coffered ceiling. I would have two full length stationery panels that just barely overlap the trim 1-2", but they must cover it a little bit or they won't seem to be part of the window composition. I wouldn't put panels in the corner only because the trim there is so heavy, and the bottom is covered by the table, so you already have the feel of something vertical going on there and why ruin the continuity of the view with fabric.

Are you thinking of wood poles with finials? I have seen a couple people put stationery panels with just a pole the width of the panel and a finial on each end. It did look good in the setting. I'm not sure if it's too cutesy for you though. Otherwise, yes I'd say as unuseable as it is, take them the whole length of both windows.

Pleated drapes hung on wood rings would be nice.

About the fixture -- does it hang over a table, or out in the room where people walk? Are you looking to have a chandelier, a lantern, a ceiling fixture? What is your style? The island looks gorgeous and looks like you're not exactly into country stuff even though it is a lake setting. Still... I've seen the deer antler chandeliers used in all kinds of styles. What would you think of that?

bigdog lover,
I think we are on the same wave length here (except deer antler chandeliers (!) I like the idea of putting the hardware above the window trim and run the full length even tho the curtains won't (right?) and just having a single panel on either end of the window run. I think I want hardware that kinda disappears and doesnt draw attention to themselves. Wood rod or black?? Its all about the water view. Yes, I was thinking drapes in a natural linen-look (?) on wooden rings.
Light fixture will hang over the table- the house is arts & crafts shingle style era but Id like something clean and contemp *hubbardston forge) rather than rustic heavy. Any more tips? Thanks so much!

I don't think they need anything!! Gorgeous windows & view. I would wait until you find a chandelier and then make a decision.

Gorgeous.

Smiles:)

gwent, yes exactly as you said, hardware runs above window trim but curtains don't, they are panels that are just to soften. You have a good point about the hardware being quiet. The ceiling is stained brown, right? It could be that color wood with quiet finials though I am picturing a fluted pole. I suppose it could be the same color as the walls to really blend in but that seems a bit feminine. So does having it the same color as the trim. So I guess ceiling color is my vote. See if you can get a ready made with finial that comes close and have someone hold it up with a tan panel at the end.

Yes natural looking (but not eternally wrinkly looking) linen drapes, lined. Try to get the shade of the wall or a bit darker so they soften but don't hog the show. If you can afford it, custom might look richer, but maybe there are some ready mades out there of good quality in the right color. It will look good!

LOL deer chandelier! It was the first thing I thought of because I'd like to have a house like yours and if I did I'd definitely put an antler chandelier in it, but then I'm not Arts & Crafts. I don't know why but something is appearing in my mind's eye that's very clean and precision looking... candle holders would be cylindrical and base holding them would be a simple "spoke" design. I must have seen one like this and am not describing it well. Will look and see if I can find it. I think the cylindrical thing is an Arts & Crafts motif, isn't it? They were very much into clean and uncluttered or overdesigned.

Gorgeous view! My choice would be inside-mounted bamboos.

I understand the look you're going for--I did something similar on my windows. Instead of using a rod that extends over all the windows, I used a short, decorative rod (about 12 to 16 inches long) on each side of my bank of windows and hung a simple panel on each end. It visually encloses the windows into a single unit, but keeps the open view and softens the look.

Jboling:
I like this idea, also of a short decorative rod but trying to imagine how it would look just ending above the far right and far left windows... any photos to share of that look?

Ideally the rod should end at the same point to either side of the window. Since one end of the window ends at the wall, it would look odd to have the outer sides extend beyond the end so that the drapes would stack behind the windows and not obstruct the view. I'd consider using a corner bracket at the corner instead of two rods with finials for that reason or as jboling suggests just two shorter rods at the outer corners. My first choice, though, would be some simple woven wood shades which would go beautifully with the lake view/trees.

valinsv,
My husband wants simple wooden shades as you described but wouldn't that break up the flow of windows?

gwent--Here's a photo that might give you an idea of what it could look like with short decorative rods. My bank of windows isn't as wide as yours, nor does it span two walls, but I think you could achieve a nice look. I've done this on the two window groups in this room, one with a patio door and the other by the Christmas tree.

Here is a link that might be useful:

gwent: I actually think it'd unify your windows more since you'd be doing the exact same treatment to each window. I just did a quick google search but this is similar to what I had in mind:

{{!gwi}}

I'm picturing a pair of shutters on each window. I have a friend with similar windows and that's what she did and they are just gorgeous. You can open all the shutters to see the view, and close them when the snow is blinding. lol.

You could even get shutters that open on the top or bottom of the windows.

I wouldn't want to cover up the interesting muntins with a rolled shade in each window. Using side panels instead would frame the view. Below is a link to a woven wood drapery panel at Penney's that would work well in your room: natural, unfussy, architectural, textured, won't overwhelm the windows.

Here is a link that might be useful: woven wood drapery

I agree with awm03 that each window doesn't need a treatment and that your view should be framed and not covered. By the way, the photo I posted does show rolled up Roman shades in each window, but I'd do without them if I had a lake view, too. :-)

I agree with awm about not covering up the "muntins" (new word for me.) Shades in the window will visually shorten them, making them look wider. Floor length panels will give vertical thrust. If you are looking for coverage, cordless cellular shades would be good as they disappear into practically nothing when open.

Sorry I have not found the envisioned chandelier, guess I'm no help there.

Thanks everyone. Im also learning from some similar, current posts on this forum on same topic. Now I just need to find the right fabric and the $$.