This is what we currently have:

Ideas:

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Well, for two reasons, yes, light infiltration is one of them as we like it dark in the mornings so that the sun doesn't wake us on weekends. The second is I think it looks better than just a bar.

Sorry, I don't have an updated picture yet, just this photoshopped photo.

This is the bed wall.

This is opposite of the bed, window wall to the left, closet wall to the right.

The 1st picture is the most appealing to me. With valance( wood valance ) it might look too heavy for the room? And will define your narrow window.

With Narrow window, the curtains hanging down will visually make your window appear wider than it is.

Are you keeping the wood blinds?

None of those. Imo (not a pro) you need to extend the curtain rod out on both sides, to widen the window. I would prefer a light coloured rod and light coloured curtains to counterbalance the dark colors. By light coloured rod I mean something along the lines of brushed nickel. No valance to me they are dated.

Misa, You like the what we currently have picture or the first idea picture? I'm worried the valence might look like a bit much, but I'm not sure.

I don't really like the wood blinds, but yes, we are keeping them. We bought them about 10 years ago and my husband will not change them out unless there's something wrong with them.

Also I like the colors on your bed wall, altho... aren't those pictures a little turbulent for a bedroom, would like the art in my bedroom to be more peaceful, restful.

doods, how far out would you go on the rod and for light colored curtains, would you match the gray wall or do a white?

Good question Olivia, think I will leave the answer to the pro's on here, but I would guess a foot or so on both sides. Also am thinking a colour for the draperies close to the wall colour. Let's hope the pro's chip in!

Like this?

I’d replace the wood with black out honeycomb shades (I have 3 large windows in my bedroom and with these it is pitch black) and do panels up to the ceiling.

Yes, but you need fuller curtains that extend a foot or more out on either side, right now the curtains look like toothpicks.

I just posted this graphic on another thread. Full, high and wide is the decorator standard but IMO curtains crammed against the ceiling look awkward. If standard curtain lengths don't work for your space you can always add some inches with rings.

I'm not a fan of the dark, narrow valance right over the top of the window, it visually chops up the wall. Can you post a photo of the room with a wide view of the space?

Olivia- answering your question-I guess what you had originally is what I like. Navy curtains straight down. Skip the valance, would be great if you got rid of those wood blinds, but I understand if its a no go zone. Can I suggest room darkening curtains, they work well with blocking sunlight in the mornings. I did this in my room, just to avoid the whole blind thing and when I open the curtains the full window is exposed and lets in all the light.

Agree with doods- longer rod, fuller curtains ( wider in size ). I have had 2 curtain panels stitched together to make a wider curtain before..

Not too high curtain rod setting either. Maybe a little puddling on floor to give it that romantic feel. Navy curtains I like, nice contrast against the lighter wall. Is that gold ( yellow ) in that artwork? ..so maybe add some gold accent in the room, either in throw blanket or throw pillow.

Good luck!

Nothing says traditional like a valance.

I dyed indigo curtains for my son using the Shibori technique (crazy easy and so darn pretty) and since it's indigo dye, it would be a nice option for you. That said, I'd go with a generous curtain and rod and the curtains would be a linen color or something that would disappear against the wall.

I used blackout curtains behind the indigo panels and I am duly impressed with their ability to "blackout." Just a thought since light control is needed for you.