I like those drapes. But will need 96” length I think.

You have to consider rod and drop from rod to drapery (rings?). That usually adds 3-5” so the rod needs to be either right under ceiling or midway between top of window molding and ceiling. I try to position so I minimize hemming alterations and buy drapery length that works.

I’ll see if they come in a long length, but I don’t think they do. Ceiling height is 94”, these a on the floor so I would have just a few inches to play with above the casing to install a simple rod…certainly rings would improve my ability to get closer to optimum length. I don’t particularly want to draw any attention to the rod so thought a nickel or brushed brass material would be nice?

What are you doing to the sides of the fireplace?

Not sure. Contractor had a plan but I’m not completely trusting his design sense. Do you have an idea ?

I have to look harder at your measurements for drapery. As for fireplace, can you get more of the tile used on front? We need two crafts for this project. A tile person and a carpenter. Here is a mantel that would look nice. Not sure on size. The sides either need to be the tiles or plant wood painted same as your window trim. I am not sure those tiles will hold up to heat? Are they Mother of Pearl?

The new arrangement looks fantastic. It definitely opens up the room. Flo is great at this.

Thank you for the complements on the ever-evolving room, it’s been fun with the help of users on houzz.

Flo the tile is from our local Lowes and likely I can get more…they did tell me it could stand up to the heat of my gas FP. As it sits today, the fireplace is 9” deep and 65.5”L. Background: After ordering tile, we decided to take off the wood surround and small niches that originally surrounded the FP, then contractor came in and tiled… It’s been a difficult project primarily because I wasn’t in town to think through these steps as work was being done. Under normal conditions I would have worked closely with contractor to ensure things happened as I envisioned. Covid changed a lot of things, this close connection and the ability to live here during construction was one of them, so I’m living with the consequences now.

Believe me I understand! Just getting materials has been tough. You have done very well under the circumstances! Just be patient. It will all come together. There is enough variation in those tiles that I think you can do the sides with same material. It just the edge that will be tricky.

I would have your trim guy do a mantel that fits like a cap. Smooth wood. Light stain. Probably maple is best bet. Unless you can find pre-made one in right size. I would look at Schulter Systems corner trim options in white so it disappears as much as possible. Something very slim.

Problem with doing edging is these trims usually have to be installed before tile. So might be difficult to do. You might have to have trim carpenter do sides and wrap around and over tile maybe an inch for a nice clean trim edge.

I am a little worried about adding tile to the sides at this point, for sure that could be tricky. I have a “tile guy” (that’s all he does) coming soon to install backsplash tile in my kitchen. I will get his advice before deciding what to do on FP.

My contractor is a great carpenter and made the kitchen (Oak stained) and bathroom (maple stained) cabinets but a tile installer he is NOT. I’m sure he could do a great job on the mantle and surround but he will need my input for the look I desire.

I watched a few videos last night on using drapery clips, that may be the way to go! Looks like you can achieve several different looks by using them and they nicely extend the length of the curtain. The inexpensive curtain from target (hung with a yard stick in previous photos) only comes in a 84” length. This would be a small investment that I wouldn’t feel bad about changing down the road if I had to. The curtain rod options are endless! I even found one made from a “washed wood”, light in color.

Thanks for the continued encouragement. It’s been a difficult process at best, a lot of renovation decisions and countless surprises along the way. Keeps it interesting!

Good plan. Yes, the ratchet hooks are great. With rings, the 84 might work but I hate you to put drapery rods up and then have to move them later. Maybe get the paper temporary curtains for now while you search for better look? Lowes and Home Depot have them. Cheap temporary solution for instant privacy.

Like these

I’ve decided to go with these drapes (photo 1)! I don’t know when I’ll get my FP done and do not want to wait. I have ideas on the FP and would love your opinions too. I might get a plain rod that I can add a finial to later (I think UMBRA makes them?) in case I want to dress it up a little bit.

Flo you mentioned a bit more black in my room…would a black rod be appropriate? I NEVER know what color rod to use! These drapes are 84” in length and I cannot get them longer. If I use a rod with rings/pins I’ll gain a bit of length…anyways. Just wanted to update you on a decision I was able to make. Sometimes I get “paralysis of analysis” and this is one those times!

Curtain rod color options? Bronze? Black? Matte silver tone? Or something fun (photo 2)

New room layout complete, furniture movers removed and I love this more open layout (photo 3 and 4)

All options/ideas/thoughts and suggestions are welcomed!

With black on chairs, floor lamp I think black would be nice accent. But the one you show is nice too. So your choice really.

And get rings that match rod. Getting a bit more total length allows you to raise rod which would be very desirable. I like the drapery panels!

I’ll be looking for those today! If I cannot find rings that match the rod (which was an odd, but PERFECT size - 33”-66”w), I’ll likely go with black cuz black rings will be easy to find. I’m happy with the way it’s coming together now :). I have 42” behind sofa to the window, and hope that will be enough room for a narrow table and lamps. I’ll keep you posted, thank you!

I am sure we can find a table for in front of window. I am thinking of one now. Bbl

Be sure to check out rings on Amazon. If you can get right size probably best low pricing. Get rings with little ring at bottom for drapery hook to slip onto. Like these. Get 1/4” larger than rod size. For 1” rod get 1-1/4” rings.

This table is on sale at Amazon. It’s cheap but size looks pretty good and you could add a couple round or square ottomans under or baskets for throws etc. Not sure what height works best at your windows but this one is approximately 28” high. You don’t need super long there.

There are better quality ones of course and 48-54” long is probably better length but I am trying to stretch your budget.

This has a bit more interest if you don’t want stools but would like shelfs for a few books and accessories. You need at least 14” deep (front top to back) so a lamp and shade fit.

Idk, but will post --

Not black, but near it - in 2 diameters: .75" or 1.25"

https://www.potterybarn.com/products/pb-standard-curtain-hardware-collection/?pkey=csale-windows

forget that one! this is something to just see-

• Distressed oak finish on Wood/metal
• 3" ring diameter
• https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/farmhouse-oxford-clip-rings-in-distressed-oak-set-of-7/5265616

Good options for a table, I’ll take a look and check measurements too, I like them both! I’ll be keeping my eye out for similar options, I remember seeing one in a store that was very similar and I really liked it.

On the curtain rings…I was thinking I had to use the rings with clips, but I actually like the idea of rings w/drapery hooks better because it’s a more finished look IMO. The back of the curtains have tabs and a rod pocket, so I guess I can play with that when I get the rings and pins. This is great! I also picked up a simple pair of black rods to see what that would look like too. In time, I’d like to soften the edges of the front window by using stationary panels using the same curtains; however, smaller rods are not available in my first beige/white round finial rods option. Finding shorter black rods will likely be easier to find, even if they aren’t a match!

Thanks for the advice on the size of the rod/rings, I sure do appreciate understanding these details.

Black rod option is pictured here

Everdebz, those are the ones I ordered this morning from BBBeyond. I ordered the weather oak rings from Bee and Willow…Maybe I can remove those clips?

Using the wood look rod makes it just a bit harder to find the right rings, I don’t like the metal ones but finding the right wood ones might prove difficult. I also ordered some from Walmart, they had finished and unfinished wood rings. Thank you Everdebz :)

You can use what’s referred to as French Return Rods for stationary panels.

Just have to find size you want. Much easier to find black finishes.

The table can be any shape, but it needs to have legs since there is a vent on the wall under the window. Vents should be unobstructed. I assume you will be getting (or already have) an area rug for the room. Since the windows have blinds, you may not need full draperies for privacy, but I would at least hang single drapery panels to frame the trio of windows. Is the hearth in front of the fireplace non-combustible? It doesn’t appear to match any of the colors on the front of the fireplace. The mantel would look good extending just a bit beyond the sides of the fireplace. You might check with your electrician to see if he can bring the electrical outlet closer to the side of the fireplace so the cords will be less visible. Is the mantel the only place you can put the tv?

We both thought of them, funny! Idk much, like Flo knows... lucky for you seriously. :)

I think possibly that 2 items dark black of tv and firebox... why add another... somehow I like the soft wood, or metal that seems like floor lamp.

Flo I saw those French return rods a few weeks ago when I was shopping - those are so interesting and different, I really like them and maybe I’ll use them. I began to realize how difficult it might be to find matching rods if I did NOT choose black, so I’ll really need to look at both options carefully.

Felizlady hello! I do already have an area rug for the room, it’s tone on tone, a good option at a price I could afford (lucky me to find a 9x12 bound remnant at a GREAT price)…I bought this before I started this long and informative thread.

So the FP isn’t finished yet, I’m going to have a carpenter build me a mantle and “sides” and have saved ideas here on HOUZZ to show him. Part of that project will be hiding these outlets better. This fireplace was built in 1950 and had dark wood on both sides, including a mantle. It extended to within 1/2” of the window moulding - just a terrible design…perhaps the windows were added sometime after. The mantel is the only place the TV fits well. Thank you for your input and opinion, I realize this thread is long and has touched many aspects of my living room design, it’s been so much FUN!

Here are the designs I like, of course they would be scaled back to fit my small home. Something simple without a ton of detail :)

Those are all very traditional. Might need something with cleaner lines. Bbl. Dinner time.

These lines are more modern but still do the trick. Not saying buy these. Just show carpenter so they can duplicate.

Great looks on these FP pieces Flo. I have some time to consider…these offer a great option and different than what I’ve seen. With this smaller area, I feel simple is probably best. I’m anxious to start delving into the possibilities. Thank you for providing a great starting point!

Your welcome! Simple lines are easier and usually less expensive to implement.

Not full black not my vote. This has softer look - cause some of your furniture is dressy...well good reviews for this:

https://www.amazon.com/Ivilon-Window-Treatment-Curtain-Rod/dp/B079K3H3RK?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

My curtains' telescoping rods were too long, I sawed off the length that made it fit right - in the center where it doesn't show.

Well that works everdebz, certainly more than one way to skin a cat (my grand mom use to use this expression). The BBBeyond rings arrived today, unfortunately I didn’t know the guideline for sizing and they are 1.75” rings, rod is 7/8”, so while they are a decent “match”, the size may not be right! I’m waiting on another set I ordered to arrive before deciding, but here they are, FYI

They could work and would add length. Color works pretty well. So let’s take a wait and see attitude.

I’ll be traveling over the next week or two but will revisit once back home and I’ve received the other rings. I threaded curtains on both rods just to see the color/combos and I like both! I like the black more than I thought I would but a lot depends on how they look once hung :)

I like black best and it ties in with other elements. Safe travels and will check in as you post.

Tufts clipped short, nice... with white/carved finials nice too. Can see that cause of your furniture. The contemporary finials are a touch of floor lamp...wish I knew if they're handmade, metal, what. :)

oh and the rings are light, with curtains a bit lighter/ linen color?

... esp. if furniture has that "finish."

Everdebz both curtain rods are from Target and the rings (bee and willow from BBBeyond) match the rod quite nicely. I really like both sets, and I think the black/wood-look simple finial rod is a nice touch. Overall my room is very monochromatic (flooring,furniture, rug,tile), and the lighter rod w/carved finials feels like “more of the same”.

Flo thanks for checking in again, you’re the BEST! I’m in the Charlotte area and will take a little time here to see if I can find anything different/better (and budget-friendly) for my living room project. I have a spot where I can look for tables too ;)

I read and got it, that the carved one is more of the same...

`everdebz I was finally able to read the reviews on the amazon curtain rod, that looks like a good one! Will remember that for other applications. I like that it extends just over 4” from window, some have real deep extensions, which I don’t love.

oh good. It seems a middle ground of styles... [?]