Oceana: The decor is/will be mostly Victorian. Maybe it'll end up being "Victorian Eclectic" if there is such a thing: mostly Victorian with whatever else I happen to like that seems to "go." LOL Right now I'm trying to figure out how to "victorianize" our queen-size waterbed 'cause it's so comfy and I love having the storage drawers (to say nothing of being rather attached to the heated mattress). Of course, the waterbed doesn't match the 50's (I think) era maple bedroom suite that used to be my parents' -- which is nowhere near "victorian" to start with. Yes, I'm a frequent CL browser. I like your idea of a shade with valence. Where did you get your shade kit? I know the Victorians used window treatments based on the weather, and I like both lace and velvet. But, even though I'm sure the velvet would help retard air infiltration I probably won't go that route just to avoid covering the woodwork. (Besides, velvet is a cat hair magnet! LOL) Powermuffin: The room isn't going to be terribly formal -- that wouldn't be "us." But I'll probably include some more formal touches. Do you know of any good patterns for Roman shades? I've done lots of sewing and was planning on making the valance or shade or both. And I'd mulled over the idea of a Roman shade -- but haven't yet gone so far as to search for a pattern. Mclarke: Yes, I was planning to use tension rods. After all our work to reveal the wood, I'm *not* going to cover it up. Dilly_dally: Thanks for the reminder on flexible paint. I probably would've overlooked that requirement (since I was thinking of using the wall paint I used for the ivy stencil). I would've been very frustrated (and he'd've never let me live it down) if I'd stenciled the shade and then it wouldn't "roll" correctly. *sigh* Thanks for the ideas everyone. I'm adding to my "list".... Lorree

Take down the curtain rod and remove the painters tape. Since you don't need privacy, find some art that will fit on the wall by the light switch and the wall at right angles to the right side of the door.

hey jack, how is she supposed to attach 3 separate blinds? Zen has a good idea. just run the blinds on the outer ends and attach them to the solid part in the middle. this would keep the entire top section open. it would basically look like this one in the middle

Your windows have beautiful trim! You could use panels hung on rods that are wider than the windows so that the trim would not be covered. Do you need privacy or light control? Do you have a nice view? I prefer lots of natural light and a desire to see out the windows. You could use Roman shades, cafe curtains, etc. I much prefer curtains and do not like shades . It is a personal choice.