So doesn't anyone think panels would look good? My neighbor thought they would look nice and the Ethan Allen decorator agrees, I was really just hoping someone had some creative ideas as to how I should hang them. I do agree that 4 panels might not look right because of the different size windows. I really don't think the upper windows will be a problem as there is enough wall space separating them. So if you were going to hang to panels, how would you do it? I would love some pictures for inspiration.

The wall color is your biggest problem. It is easy to make the mistake of thinking that yellow will make the room sunny. Strong yellow is the most anxiety producing color, particularly in a closed, underlit space. It really only works in a place with lots of strong natural light. So if it were me, the first thing I'd do is choose a pale, creamy, yellow-toned neutral like Benjamin Moore's Linen White for the walls, and a bright, high-gloss white for any trim. It will lift the room up out of the ground, and keep the sunny warmth you want better than any other color. Then you need a more workable and less disjointed arrangement. I'd rotate the sectional and TV 90 degrees - put the television on the wall where the bookcases are now, with one on either side of the TV. Then you can paint the one wall behind the TV and the shelves that great terra cotta (firenze, from Benjamin Moore's Affinity line, is a gorgeous one...not too pink, not too red, not too dark), and add movie posters on either side of the bookcases. Place the sectional so that the support column falls right at the corner, and the back of the sofa that crosses the room is flush with the back edge of the column. Set a long narrow sofa table behind the sectional, and a side table between the sectional and the wall, with lamps with clean white shades on both. Hang a tall mirror on the wall above the side table, to break up the expanse of wall on that side, and throw the light around. Find a slender bookcase that is the width of the little window and comes up to the sill (or as close as you can get it). Put a matchstick blind at the ceiling above the window, and let it just cover the upper trim. Hang a slender pair of very simple curtains out to the side on a rod at the ceiling. Those elements will settle the window into the room. Then find an attractive table for your computer, and set it against the wall to the left of the window, with wall shelves above it if you need them, or a nice pale pretty print...or both. Add a good swing arm lamp on the side wall to light up the corner, and give you task lighting. Move your pretty floor lamp to the corner to the right of the window, and set a comfortable chair there, facing into the room across the corner. Set a round or square table and four slender chairs in the corner where the computer is now, with a swing arm floor lamp, that you can use as a game table. Hang a long mirror on the wall there, too, to elongate the view and increase the light. Put a pair of lamps on the two bookcases flanking the TV, add an ottoman in front of the sofa with a big tray on it to use as a coffee table, and you're done! I think you can find everything you need at the consignment store, or yard sales, or on Craigslist...be prepared to give some things a coat of white or terra cotta or deep green paint, to do this on a reasonable budget. Rugs can come last, once your arrangement suits you. Whew. That was fun!!

Awww, shucks ladies. You make a gal want to do a happy dance. I have to tell you that DH came downstairs this morning before work and asked, "Have you gone on 'your' forum yet? What else did they say?". I let him read the comments and he was absoultely tickled! Considering there are many of you who are the doyennes of substance and style, including some pros, he knows if there's honest critique, suggestions or praise to be given, I can count on the GW'ers for an honest opinion. Thank you one and all.

While color is important, it isn’t as important as of what the fabric is made and recommended double rub count (abrasion) which is at the minimum of 15,000.00 Professionally, I would advise you to go much higher than that count for a family room sectional. Of your choices, I like second from left. Even showing on a monitor, I can see the interest in the fabric. If you choose what I like , consider painting the walls B.M. Gray Owl. If painting is out of the question, get a some green/gray fabrics in throw pillows.