I used a board-mounted box pleated valance on the box bay in my dining room. I screwed the board right into the soffit above the window. The way mine was framed, there wasn't enough room to hang a rod high enough to cover the top of the window trim. I made long panels of the same fabric for my living room windows. I used honeycomb shades on all the windows (not room darkening, but I did consider them). Most of the time I leave them up, but we don't have a guest room and the sleep sofa is in the living room, so privacy is an issue when we have overnight guests. Totally Confused

Love the Shoei pocket door! I am assuming you wish to keep the minimalistic look for the space. I would go with fabric roller shades inside and against the window, for reasons of simplicity and function and cost. You could go with light filtering or opaque. You would still be able to use the window sill for a decorative object or two if you wish - something that you would not be able to do with shutters. You mention wishing to block noise. If noise is an issue then cellular shades would help a bit more. Get ones with "fingertip lift" so that there are not tangle-y cords laying on the window sill or trailing down the wall when they are up. If you wish to maximize the view out, since the windows are so small, keep in mind that cellular shades will still block about more of the window than a roller shade will when up.

Thanks for the helpful replies! Starnold, thanks for your lovely compliment, and I like the idea of a small chest next to the chair-I hadn't thought of that! I've been looking at rods, and I'm thinking of a bronze color to match the rest of the hardware in the house. I'd like find some back-tab linen drapes--I like the simple classic look and they always seem to hang nicely. Tibbrix-I like your idea on the placement/width, that's close to what I was thinking. My only concern with the look of the full length draperies is the top of the window being uncovered--for some reason that bothers me! To me, it looks a little naked and unfinished. So, here's my second question: I've considered a simple matching upholstered cornice board to cover the top of the window frame, with the drapes hung behind it. With this set up I wouldn't need a decorative rod, and could use simple clip on rings on a hidden rod. Is a cornice board too dated? Thanks again--I'm hoping to get your opinions on the upholstered cornice. Diana

Maybe some kind of frosted privacy film is an option. It could probably just go 3/4 of the way up the window so the top could still be clear while still providing privacy for anyone in the room of normal height. Window film alone won’t be enough to block street lights that may be distracting for anyone trying to sleep. What about some kind of room darkening opaque drapes that block glare, provide privacy, but still let you see out through them enough to be able to determine if the window is open or closed?