Notice the above valance -- the bottom of the valance is just covering the upper molding of the window. Inverted pleat too. Notice out it takes advantage of the upper space? Actually makes the window appear larger.

What type of rod is it--iron, wood? How are you hanging the curtains--on a rod pocket, rings, clips? What type of heading is on the panels? What style of room is it? For a window that wide, you will need several supports. Please post some photos.

I mounted them full-width of the room and LOVE IT THIS WAY! Thank you guys so much for the tip. Had it not been for you, I would have mounted close the window frame. Attached are photos and thoughts: - My room is actually pretty bright (window facing west), shooting against the light makes it look dark. - Yes, I know the curtains are way too short and not wide enough. I will buy double-width ones, and longer (then cut to the right length, just above the floor but not touching). - Yes, I will replace the ceiling fan. Let me know of any modern ones you think about. Either dark or light color is fine. - I will probably get rid of the vertical blinds and go for light-filtering curtains on the inside rod or bamboo/cellular blinds? The idea is to have an option to block out the harsh western sun at 5-8pm each day but not totally blackout the room. Any other ideas? - Are the curtains too high? I love the height but wonder if they are in fact crowding the molding too much. I also pulled the curtains too far out from the wall, I think if I push them in closer to the wall, it will crowd less. (I'm using Ikea curtain hardware with the adjustable slider mounts, btw.) - Are the curtain rods at the right distance from side walls? I think yes? - Do you guys think I should go for a lighter curtain color? I think I still like the dark rod. White rods kinda look too plastic-ey. - I love grommets because they slide and fold-up so nicely but willing to explore others (rod-pockets).

Actually had two shower curtains on my alcove shower. One was a fixed shower curtain that was hung on an exterior rod from wall to wall. It had a valance and two fixed panels, one on either side. Then, I had another shower curtain. This was a plain white cloth curtain that was on the rod. It was on rings that also included a plastic curtain for water protection. So....two rods. An exterior one. That was covering my end walls/tiles. Then, a regular bath rod that held both a fabric outer curtain and a plastic one. We no longer have this system or I would post a photo. But, yes...it can be done!