With your description of your hardwoods, neutral stone, and dark sofa, I think you could go in many possible directions with paint. You could definitely head towards monochromatic by doing something in the brown family; Restoration Hardware Cappuchino, Benjamin Moore Shaker Beige, or even something like Macadamia by Sherwin Wms. It's a little more in the yellow tan tone, but it would still give you that mono look. You could go dramatic with one of the new turquoise colors. Sherwin Williams Quietude is a blue green that would look great with hardwoods and dark furniture. Pratt & Lambert's Contemplation has similar tones and feel. You could try a subtle gray-green like Nantucket Gray by Ben Moore or even Flowering Herbs, which is soft browned green. Even a nice creamy white like Navaho White or Mascarpone could be nice for a little heavy accessorizing later. Any of those colors would lend themselves well to touches or red or raspberry, yellows and brighter lime greens in pillows or pottery or even floral arrangements. What I think we need to know is, What style are you? Do you want your room to give off a contemporary modern vibe? Perhaps even Pratt & Lambert Feather Gray, (check it out on Cote De Texas today) something soft almost no color and yet modern looking. Do you want the room modern but cozy and warm? Rockport Gray, another BM color, is medium dark on the wall. I tested it for my study but needed something with just a little more light for that small room. What mood or feel do you want to convey? Are you looking for sophisticated and subtle? Do you love color and want the room to lift your mood when you walk in? When you look at photos in the Decorating magazines, what kind of look appeals? Barely accessorized yet looking finished? Or more earthy with lots of books, lamps, flowers, and throws? Do you love Traditional rooms or even maybe Transitional spaces? We just need more info really......... Red

I like the idea of using drapes and thanks for the pic @valinsv and I will probably be stealing your bay window look with the candles etc. it looks great. Our living room is tiny and I have noticed that since I removed the vertical blinds, the room feels so much bigger than before, which is why I wanted to go with something mounted inside the window. Do you guys think that using the drapes will make the room feel small again, or will using the inside mount blinds, make it even worse? The drapes across the window will certainly make my life a whole lot easier. Someone had also mentioned traverse rods which I had never heard of. I have looked into them, but I am not sure if it is a solution I would like since it seems as though I will have to use the little hooks on my blinds. Has anyone ever used them, and if so any thoughts? Thanks for the tip on the handles, I will look for them the next time I am at Lowes. Thanks!

Try posting on the Home Decorating Forum. This Windows forum is more about the actual windows. Though I personally prefer the curtain rod to be closer to the ceiling. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/decor

I'd do blinds. I hate short curtains. Plus, w/the wood, brick, carpet, beams, it just weighs down the room. go to Blinds.com they always have sales. (to see the samples, go to Home Depot. they are owned by them and carry all of the books) I've ordered woven wood blinds and cellulars from them. they're perfect and well made. customer service is exceptional too. I had an 8' window and ordered a woven wood blind from Bali. it was under $500. Cellulars. this one is in my sons room. it's a double, 3/8" in black, cordless these are Silhouette or Pirouette blinds. a little more money. Here's a woven wood. I'd also paint your trim white. it just looks fresher. if you do use drapes, raise up your rod to a higher position over the window