I am in complete agreement with Annie Deighnaugh. You could also try a geometric pattern --like the trellis she pictured-- in the reverse color way (blue on white ground). For a more finished look, you could add a tape trim to the leading and bottom edges of the panels and add a solid linen valance or pelmet, also trimmed with tape, which would conceal the drapery rods (and the fact they're not full panels!). If you're really looking to keep costs to a minimum, you could use the print for the valance and the solid for the panels. I have dozens of pictures showing just what I've described and will try to post some for you to see.

Thank you for all the kind feedback. My plan is to make the window treatments myself. I have so-so sewing skills. I think I can pull it off. After my original post I was at Target and saw blackout panels in the dark blue of the bedding. I grabbed two of them and I think I will cut one in half to make narrow, stationary panels on each side of the window to block the cracks, and then use the other to make the valance for the top of the window. The existing shade is not going to be replaced. I didnâÂÂt specify that in the original post. I love the applique idea, Annie, but IâÂÂm not sure what I would use. I havenâÂÂt had luck finding any of the patterns from the quilts, and to be honest, IâÂÂm tired of looking. Baby #3 is due in 10 days so I hope to get this done before the big arrival. IâÂÂm leaning towards just adding a red stripe(s) to the panels and the valance to brighten the pieces. Chestnut3: The headboards were so simple to do, and IâÂÂve never done a project like it before. I bought all of the supplies to force myself to do it, but was afraid to begin. But once I got going it was very simple. I used the video linked below as a starting point. If you do a Google search there are many instructional videos/blogs. They all pretty much do it the same way. I didnâÂÂt use foam because it was so expensive. Instead I used cheap mattress covers from Walmart for the padding. For a kids room it is okay, but if I were to make a larger headboard I think I would spring for the thick foam. I also skipped the batting because my fabric is pretty thick. Spray adhesive did nothing to help - skip it. Cut the wood to size and predrill holes if you want to add buttons. I also measured and marked where the hanging hardware would be. I used a French cleat from Home Depot on each headboard and they are very sturdy. I wrapped the padding about 3 inches around the backside of the wood and stapled it securely. Lots of staples! Then I wrapped the fabric about 4 inches over the backside so it covered all of the padding. Staple like crazy again, pulling it smooth as you go. The buttons were made using a button kit from JoannâÂÂs and I added them to the headboard using the jumbo needles (upholstery needles?) and string. I anchored the string to the back with more staples. My headboards are very tight to the wall because of all the padding and fabric. I imagine thicker padding and fabric would force one to have to build out the cleat so it can grab the wall cleat. Good luck. It was a fun project and only took a few hours once I got started. Oh - if you want to do stripes on the wall, Frog Tape is the way to go. Here is a link that might be useful: Upholstered headboard

Are you doing all individual windows with interior mounts in the bedrooms, or thinking of exterior mounted for the windows combined? Wood blinds are very heavy, and will have a huge stack at the top when fully up. Just something to consider. Maybe you're planning to keep them down all the time, but you will lose a lot of light that way. Have you thought about top down bottom up blinds for the bedroom, to keep some light but still have privacy?

@privateprivateprivate - - I'm not a fan of throw pillows on beds. There is not one throw pillow on this bed. -The blankets on the bed are all sleeping blankets - one wool blanket and one comforter. Do you find that excessive for winter in the US northeast? -Not one curtain in this room touches the floor. No pooling whatsoever. I'm wondering if you commented on the wrong post?