I would also look into different ceiling installation options because 118" will need at least a couple of middle supports if you installed on the sides.... 96" is a very manageable ht to diy! I have regular sized sliders (that are recessed about the same amount as yours except with a lot of molding around them) that I hung a tension like curtain rod on except it is mounted on both sides... I hung open weave linen sheers on them and almost always keep them pulled to cover just one half... anyway, I couldn't have used the center supports with this rod even if I wanted to because I have the rod hung tight near the top like you need to do-- in my case it works because I only have sheers hanging, so less wt and i don't close them too often, so very little tugging on the rod...

I appreciate the answers so much! This community is great. A few things: We have an entry table on the wall behind the 2 seater couch (the couch blocks the view). I want to create a nicer area, but living room is first. The couches are brand new and staying, we love them! Maybe we aren't traditional style, I've just been saying that because we don't want modern or farmhouse, rustic doesn't fit with our house style, and I don't really know what a lot of the other types mean. We want something relaxing, not too bold or eccentric. My husband has a high stress job and we really just want a comfortable relaxing home. Gray isn't a color trend for us, its something we really like. Also, the blinds were a quick fix for privacy when we moved in. They were about $3 each and allow us some time to figure out what treatment we really want. @Mon Thank you for your ideas! I love the curtains, I do want something with a pattern (except geometric which makes me feel like I am in college for some reason). I like what you said about the feminine touch, I didn't realize the sofas were masculine until you said that. I think I can balance it out though with accents. I'm having a hard time visioning the chandelier instead of the fan but I will highly consider it. The fan is new, I get the feeling the sellers just put anything up there because it isn't really large enough for the room. @Elena Ermolaeva Your designs are excellent! Is this to scale with my living room? This layout gives the flow I was wanting but I was afraid of putting teh couch in front of the window. I didn't want to try to force the tv as a focal point because I am in love with that large window. I'm definitely not afraid of going a little darker with the walls. Even though our area isn't large, I feel like with all the windows and natural light I can afford to go a little darker. Plus adding in light curtains balances it out. When you suggest shelves, do you mean on the 7'7" wall where the large sofa is now? I didn't think of that, I was just trying to work around the wall. Great ideas! Since privacy is a concern, should I go for nicer blinds, or a shade, along with curtains? Thanks everyone!

Hunter Douglas makes a couple different shade product lines that come in co-ordinating fabrics/colors in both a horizontal and vertical version. These vertical options are not going to be the traditional PVC clanky, vertical blinds most are used to. You can get soft shades like Duette® Honeycombs, Skyline® Gliding Panels, or Luminette® Privacy Sheers. All these vertical products come in a horizontal version as well. Check out more at Hunter Douglas.

My house had the original 1980s drapes. I also never need to cover my picture window for privacy or to block light (I live in Seattle), so I just left them off. I love how open and bright it makes the room feel.