Ange, we had a similar situation with 12" molding that extends along the ceiling plane about 8" in towards the center of the room. We ended up finding a thin rod from Renovation hardware, but it was only 12 feet long. Your 18' length will def be a custom item. If it is fabricated in sections make sure you can put a support at the join. Initially, we ordered a custom wrought iron rod from a blacksmith in California (we are in GA) and the join fell right where there was a wood keystone for the arched top of the center window. There was no place to attach the support bracket and we were relieved that that rod would go in DS's room, which we were also redoing. Felt lucky to find the RH rod that was reasonable after spending so much on the custom item that could not be installed. I'm afraid that experience convinced me that I should stick with the designer for window treatments. Of course, I can't sew and don't have the talent to devise my own treatments....you probably would have spotted the problem and not ordered the rod I chose in the first place! Those chairs are knockouts, and I look forward to seeing the curtain material.

There is no window in the dining/playroom? If so, I think it would be fun to paint the back wall with chalkboard paint (any color you like - would not have to black), or use cork panels. With flat molding around it, it would look nice, and be frequently used by kids. It would also serve as a focal point. Alternatively, you could wallpaper the rear wall, or hang fabric panels as an accent. What is the room with the mirrored sliding doors? I have never been a fan of sliding doors - I would consider replacing with a pair of regular doors. If you like the mirrored aspect, you could have mirrored inserts in a panel door. Or with kids, maybe not.

Hi fifamom, thank you -- I will hang a rod straight across above the window, about how Barbara has suggested, except closer to the ceiling than halfway above high point of the arch. The room is probably not as formal as the window seems to call for, The window itself is great. That room is the primary front living/family room, feels less formal because that is a massive lounging sectional where I read, work -- wouldn't have planned that sofa for this space. Spent a fortune on this comfy sofa and brought it from another space where it fit perfectly. The rug doesn't have to stay. It's relatively new but cheap and can probably move to a bedroom if I find one I love:) Actually prefer geometrics to florals in rugs.

Hanging drapery rods, by even a HANDYMAN is a few hundred dollar endeavor. Ask the contractor to credit you back in the form of a check. It will cost MORE to patch and re do/paint when they end in the wrong spot by a few inches too high, or too low. I FEEL for your frustration, and the sorrow of a fire. But you are going to end with a do over. The very bad news? My bet is the drapes return from the cleaners and the scent of smoke is still very much THERE,. My sister lived through this, the cleaners.........even coats could not be salvaged . They still reeked. Fire is a nightmare. It just is horrible. Ask him to credit you the rod install. Please. It is dependent on the curtain, the header, the rings, the drop of that ring.. It is the why and how of pros who install drapery for a living. The curtains, the rods, the rings, the brackets,the finials, THE CURTAINS..............all must be on site and together, for a decent install. Ask for the credit , a check to YOU. Or a written promise to return when you have all together on site. The ps to all of this? There really is no such thing as "full replacement coverage." Is not.