Thank you for input! Yes, solid lined drapes that meet in the corner with a larger return at the edges so view isn't blocked is what I also envision. My sewing skills are not up to lined drapes that homemaker wisely suggested but perhaps I can enlist my sister-in-law when my budget allows for this project. We will live with it as is for now but you will hear more from me as we progress - the entire house needs GW input on rugs, furniture placement and colors Thanks everyone!

If you are going to use drapes, you will need to hang them at the same spot on each window or it will look odd. I would do fabric shades on each window area. The fabric will give you the softness you want, but eliminate the issues with the beam.

@mimimomy Height from the floor to the lowest point of the arch of the outer side of the windows? I would guess about 7-7.5 ft as the overall ceiling is 10 ft. I can measure when home. Do you need full coverage for privacy? Not really but would prefer to be able to have the option for a darker room, and the option to wander around in underpants as needed. We don't have any 2-story neighbors behind us, and there's a wood fence between our lots. I can't picture how any sort of half-covering would look..... What style would you like to go for? Looking to head toward a more contemporary look? More traditional? This is our family room (e.g., casual living room; we have a separate formal living room). I generally prefer transitional/traditional with some relatively contemporary art/decor.

eld6161.........thanks. I too am in Florida. My second shutter vendor was here yesterday to measure and price, etc. The first told me I would find the slider "cumbersome", the second disagreed....and offered a reg. slider or a bi-fold slider. Did you have that option and did you use a bi-fold design anywhere? I do see where it would allow in more light, balance the visual appearance of the door when both open, but I hadn't even been expecting that option and I am typically NOT a bi-fold fan.....thx for any additional info you can share.