If your walls are off-white I would not have white curtains, but rather also off-white curtains. I wouldn't buy a carpet if your husband doesn't like it. I'm wondering what you do in the living room that makes your carpet wear out so quickly. Try the polypropylene rugs at esale.rugs or rugsUSA. Make sure you buy a pad which will make the carpet last a lot longer. I'm confused about the furniture in the living room. All I'm seeing are three haphazardly arranged chairs.

You chose a perfect off white for a North facing room. I would do a linen look, lined. You can find a vendor on etsy who will make them to order. I chose a dark lavender, because it too, is perfect with North light. https://www.etsy.com/listing/197302774/window-curtains-pair-of-drapery-curtain?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=purple+draperies&ref=sr_gallery-4-39&organic_search_click=1&frs=1 You can go in any direction with this combo, contemporary, boho, tradition…possibilities are endless.

Here’s a pic! I’ve thought about doing roller shades on the bottom rectangular section and leave the arches at the top open. For curtains, I was planning to mount them above the arch.

Thank you all! Definitely following the consensus and going with blinds over curtains - I'm thinking something neutral since I don't yet know what color we will paint the walls (and also, since these windows are so small, I don't necessarily want to draw attention to the window area). decoenthusiaste: You are right, we don't actually need blackout. We just need something that will provide privacy. Beth H. : This was so so helpful, thank you! Will definitely play around with all these ideas - this is really giving me some inspiration. everdebz: Unfortunately no other windows. Definitely agree that we need to bring into more light, especially table lamps, to warm up the space. Maureen: I agree that ~white walls and light furniture is the way to go. I think the brown armchair is on its way out (which is a pity, because it's so comfortable!) I will try to update this thread as we make progress. First up is blinds...