You know, now that I'm looking at this again, I would probably have to say I like the panels better than the valance -- however, I think two things initially threw me off. I agree that there's maybe too much panel. (And, as a hobby sewer I would personally NOT go to a fabric place to have my drapes made -- especially panels -- because they would charge way too much. If you did want custom panels, but you don't sew yourself, maybe go to your local fabric store, and see if they have business cards for local people that could sew for you, if you buy the fabric. Or see if there's anyone you know that could do it.) Also, could you have a more substantial rod. Seems to me something a little thicker might look a little better. And, one last thing, if you don't mind me babbling on (^_^), while I like the mirror you have over the mantle, I would personally replace it. I think on some decorating show I saw that they suggest against it, because when you're sitting (and really, standing, depending on the height of the mirror and wall), all you see reflected in the mirror is ... the ceiling. I would suggest either moving it (along with either other pictures/sconces/mirrors) to the blank wall, or get a larger mirror to put on that wall -- as a plus, it would reflect the light from the window opposite it. (It's hard to tell dimenions, but even a narrow console table against that wall might look good.) Oh, and random, but I agree with getting a more substantial side table to put in between the couch and chair, instead of the small pedestal table. Anywho, just some thoughts! ^_^ (And I hope you show piccies of your kitchen when you start on that.)

It's so good to hear that translucent header tapes are sturdy ShadyLady. Thank you. The functional drapes in my living room have a traditional pinch pleat header tape and have held up fine after 3+ years of use. Sounds like we are looking at similar window treatments Laurie... My guest bedroom's window has existing shades (pulled down halfway in the photo below), but since it's quite large (100" W x 108" H), I decided to add black out draperies to help manage the light, add texture to the room, and give myself a sewing project (ha!). So yes, they will be functional. Opening and closing with a baton hung inside the on the center edges of the 2 panels. Also, I added 30% additional width to my rod length to allow room for the stack back as I didn't want the opened curtains to block any light. But I read thinner fabrics and/or curtains without blackout lining need as little as 20% additional rod length for stackback. I linked below to an online tutorial I found loaded with photos that might offer additional help since she goes into great detail. My Fabric: medium weight Robert Allen Bella Porte fabric in midnight aka blue. http://www.robertallendesign.com/trade/fabric_detail.aspx?product=207642 Lining: Hanes OutBlack lining. This lining has been described as having a soft hand and being easy to work with (compared to other blackout linings). http://www.hanesindustries.com/blackouts.htm I wish my shipment would hurry, all this sewing talk has me excited to start! =) Here is a link that might be useful: Blog Tutorial: Sewing Pinch Pleat Lined Curtains

I am so happy for you that you fought to have them remake them in a style they were able to do! The euro pleats look much better than the boxed pleats they tried to do, and you will be happier with them as functioning drapes too! I love the long drapes - the height is stunning! Congrats

mnzinnia, thanks! It took me some time to embrace those stepped windows, but now I love how unusual the house is. The front room is not open to the dining room. The dining room is open to the living room, but the living room doesn't have windows other than the sliding doors to the sunroom. I understand, Patricia. I know you feel like I'm putting the cart before the horse and I'm sorry. I presented the case for waiting, but my partner is resistant to the idea, so I'm trying to make selections that will work with the colors we're most likely to use in this house. I hope you'll still help me make selections, even though it's not the order of operations you prefer. I have a fair idea of what sofa I want for this room and I have fabric samples coming. I should have them in hand before we place the order for the drapes. We are awaiting a quote from Budget Blinds for these fabrics: Front room: Left to Right: Front room, dining room, and a slate gray sheer for the master bedroom to be hung in front of the white blackout drapes that are currently installed. (I find it a bit hilarious that we have chosen two circle patterns.) Wave/Ribbonfold for both the front room and dining room. Front room hardware plain white installed on ceiling. Dining room decorative hardware in black (goes well with the bronze that the new windows will have) wall mounted due to the ceiling slope. Triple pinch pleat with bottom tack for the master bedroom sheer, and using the ceiling mounted traverse rods that are already installed. The wall color is Hint of Vanilla, and we're not planning on repainting. We have this color throughout the common rooms in our house - and I checked on here when we were having the interior painted and I was strongly advised to stick with the eggshell-like color, so that's what we did.