I don't think it's too high. I think the rod should go wider so you're not covering up so much of the glass. Let the the light in.

The average is about 6 inches if your not going to the top. Two things, first honey bee is right open them up to expand your view. Second lower and they need to be hemmed. Its the wrong room for a puddle and thats not enough if your going for a puddle effect anyway. It looks like you have a warm comfy room with a nice view. No need to get over formal

Extend the curtain rod beyond the width of the window opening and use the curtains as "dummy panels" so the natural light can come in. Also, but a longer door mat (the width of the 2 doors, to give it a more elegant touch.

Agree with the others above. Something like this pic
Here is a link to help http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/curtains-window-treatments-00000000056530/page6.html

@ A Blind View, LLC, good eye on the curtain length, my intent wasn't to puddle, I was just waiting for a judgement on rod height before I went ahead & shortened them. I am also looking at getting a more substantial rod as I think the existing one may be too narrow in diameter. Thanks