Jenna, you have a great opportunity to have a built in bench under your bay window. my dining room has the same type of bay and I would love to have a built in bench. for now I have a settee on one side of my table. but as for curtains, personally I prefer shades. curtains can get messy around eating areas and you could top yor windows with a valance or I would love to see a lambriquin type of top treatment with the shades. you could even upholster your built in bench to match. of course I always go overboard with ideas, but I would replace your curtains with shades.