I like the idea of using drapes and thanks for the pic @valinsv and I will probably be stealing your bay window look with the candles etc. it looks great. Our living room is tiny and I have noticed that since I removed the vertical blinds, the room feels so much bigger than before, which is why I wanted to go with something mounted inside the window. Do you guys think that using the drapes will make the room feel small again, or will using the inside mount blinds, make it even worse? The drapes across the window will certainly make my life a whole lot easier. Someone had also mentioned traverse rods which I had never heard of. I have looked into them, but I am not sure if it is a solution I would like since it seems as though I will have to use the little hooks on my blinds. Has anyone ever used them, and if so any thoughts? Thanks for the tip on the handles, I will look for them the next time I am at Lowes. Thanks!

We are not window treatment people either, but have started to add some as we've reno'd/decorated a few of the rooms in our house; two bathrooms and our office. They really do help to finish off a room. That said, we're not covering our kitchen bow window, or the DR bow window, though I might consider something for the DR window at some point--just for the window panes themselves, not to cover the whole bow-unit. We used Hunter Douglas' Designer Screen Shades in the Roman Shade style (ours are mounted inside the frames becuase of our window style/frame depth). The shades are very clean-lined and range in sheerness. With the sheerer weaves/fabrics, you can see outside with them down and they allow a lot of light in.

Oakley - That is something I thought of a few months back, but needed to see the wooden valance gone. Where would you install the rod? I like the look of the tall ones. I don't think I can make that fit that the rod isn't running over the moulding. This one is ok. This looks like skimpy napkins to me. I don't think my window is wide enough. Inside measures 27.75"W x 34.5"H. With trim is 33"W x 37.25" H to sill. You said about less fluff. I know it will be fake, but I figured there should be some fullness so it doesn't look unrealistic. Tina - Did you mean to attach something? Which one are you talking about? Annie - Thanks for the photos. They look nice. Tension rod definitely seems like the easiest thing for an inside mount. Ratherbesewing - That looks nice. Good job around the trim. Tannatonk - Thanks! That's a great idea. I'd like to let the max amount of light I can get away with so I probably wouldn't lower a shade in this case. Mtnrd & Annie - I know, the window is quite small and an inside mount means not much fabric. I don't know that I mind a header, but can't find a photo of a roman with one. Instead of an inside mount, I could keep the hardware where it's currently located. That's white wall, not trim, showing in the photo I posted at the beginning of the thread. I think I need to buy a tension rod and do some mock ups.

Since you have the cranks on the windows and need access to them, I wouldn't put anything there. Valances can be old fashioned and your windows are more contemporary. If I didn't need privacy, I would forego window treatments. The views are nice, but if you don't want to see the deck and its furnishings, try an inside mounted semi-sheer cafe curtain on the tall window. That still allows a view of the trees, but will block the deck and railings from sight. Add color to the kitchen with some colorful hand towels, pot holders, crocks/cookie jars/canisters, a kettle or small appliance. If you limit the items to a few decorative accessories, you can change them out when you feel the mood or the seasons change. Pops of orange A bit of lemon Turquoise