Regarding the original question, for that end of the room, if someone suggested floating that desk diagonally with the chair facing toward the rest of the room I second or third it. Also a second side chair that can be pulled up to or on the opposite side of the desk for a secondary conversation area, project, dining. Furniture and placement that suggests and is ready for function, even if not used that often .

$7 for the pair or $7 for each panel?

Ahhh. Great deal!

I think you are doing a great job. It is a real learning experience when you find out all these curtain rules that you never knew existed, right?

When you buy curtains you don't just buy two panels, on your size windows it looks like 4 panels would work which is $14 rather than $7. You will see that it makes a big difference on how your window looks.

Take the curtains off the rod, raise the rod, then rehang the curtains with rings and clips...

...like this:

I'm sorry, Jay, but I don't care for these curtains at all. Your first pick was much better; the color and large pattern on this set don't look nearly as good.

I much prefer the color and look of the first curtains too. I'd just add one more pair for each window so the width is fuller if you're going to close them.

I like the table behind the couch.

Your new console looks nice!

Jay, the width of the new curtains works and gives the fullness you need. The colors are neutral and work with your furnishings. I understand your being on a very tight budget and I think you’re doing very well all things considered. It would be helpful to let us know what your budget is so that we can respect that when we give advice.

Jay, I think you are a great decorator! I am also on a budget and I know how much harder it makes it... but you have a natural knack. One thing I do to save money is use a free app called Pic Collage. I take pictures of my room and then save (or screenshot) images online, and put them together to see if I like them. You can cut out images using the app so that you get a better idea if you like how something works.

I have always been interested in decorating (even as a child) and I wouldn’t say I know what I’m doing... BUT I will say that I’ve at least improved my skills by studying tons and tons of room designs, even those that aren’t my style. Are you a Pinterest user?

Someone posted a do and don’t about curtains... it comes from this site: https://fredgonsowskigardenhome.com/ He has very helpful guidelines for home deco that might be useful to you.

And on a final note... because I am always on a tight budget, I never ever ever buy anything “trendy,” if I can help it. To me, it gets really expensive to have a modern look because styles are always changing. I couldn’t afford to keep up!

Jay, let’s start from scratch. How many windows do you have to dress and what length do you need. If you can find grommet top drapes in your budget, there will be no need for rings. Finding things on sale is great, but if you only buy enough for one window, there may not be any left for the other windows when you’re ready. If you spent $50 on that one window, that’s too much. You can do better than that. What is your budget for all of the windows? If you can’t afford to do all of them at the same time, I’d wait and save my money until I can .

I think you did really well with this choice. Can you take a picture of them open too?

Those look SO much better! I like that pattern with your room.

Yes! Great work on the window coverings. Now take a few days to train your curtains--https://www.blinds.com/blog/1-curtain-mistake-most-people-make/--and they will look fabulous.

Big improvement, Jay!

Any chance of replacing the boob light?

What an amazing difference even just from the very first picture you posted to now, you're doing an awesome job! I've been following along and was really hoping you'd go back to these drapes. Hopefully you were able to make it work within your budget. Your room looks professionally designed and not at all like you were on a budget!

Looks fabulous! Well done.

I'm impressed with your abilities, you're doing great. I love the drapes, your place looks so pleasant and welcoming.

Looks great!

The fuller panels and clip rings look good. I'd like them though even without the clips.

From what I can see, the clips bring the curtains down to the right length. They appear too short without the clips. Also the clips make them easier to open and close.

Looks great! And I change my opinion on the above and agree K9arlene about the rings help the drapes to be a better length.

Looks terrific!! Well done.

Not sure I’d spend the money on replacing the booby light. It’s not horrible and it isn’t really ‘in’ the living area. What I would do is get another lampshade for your table lamp in a white smooth finish,

If you're not happy with the lamp you can replace it, but from what I can see, it's blue and seems to coordinate with the rest of your room. I would just replace the shade unless, like I said, you don't care for the lamp.

Good choice.