THe plantation shuter idea is nice but you could try something different. If you don't need light filtration how about beaded curtains? I'd get several panels though, so the bead are real close together. Check these at Penney's:
http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/for-the-home/departments/window-treatments/in-home-services/custom-decorating-/serena-beaded-window-panel/prod.jump?ppId=17f1bce&navState=navState-:catId-:subcatId-:subcatZone-false:N-:Ns-:Nao-0:ps-24:pn-1:Ntt-bead+curtains:Nf-:action-search&catId=SearchResults

Plantation shutters are a great solution.

No, I don't really need filtration, love the idea..very neat..Thank you Darzy.

YW..I did beads several years ago in my LR on a large window, but only beaded 24" on each side where the windows open. People always say..LOVE the beads!

Love beads are back!!! Love it, thanks for sharing, Darzy, I didn't know!

I think plantation shutters are a great idea! They really, really add character!

I love my plantation shutters. So easy to clean too,

I think white plantation shutters would look great. Nice windows.

Photo of windows with plantation shutters.

Plantation shutters.

I'm with judyg. Hang an attractive decorative rod and swag a single curtain panel.

I would cover the windows with sheer panels. This will soften the look but allow light to come through. Plantation shutters are beautiful in the right setting, but in your room I think you need some softness and they are not really the right style for your furnishings. A large colorful piece of art over the fireplace would complete the room.

Absolutely beautiful, but With you formal furniture I would lean towards one drape on each window , like the picture from michigammemom but leaning the opposite way from the fireplace and a beautiful and large painting above the fireplace ,because the fabric on your furniture is plain, I would do large patterned drapes, and choose the art piece as a choosing point in the pattern colors of the drapes, adding touch of colors with cushions some repeat of the drapes others one bold color from the drapes

Your furniture is dressy and beautiful- go with it! Single panels on the windows would work, but what about some beautiful Kennedy valances or swags with long cascades in a fabric that wold coordinate with the furniture? If you need some privacy you could add shutters to the bottom half of the windows (and even hide shades behind the valances for when you need more light control). That way you get both the softness of the fabric and the practicality of the shutters.

Thank you everyone.

Thank you everyone.

Pivoines is absolutely right on all counts. You could use some color in the room and her/his suggestions are perfect. I second the motion.

You already have lots of great advice but I will still add my two cents worth.

I agree with some of pivoines ideas, however not so sure about the large pattern on the drapes - would depend on colour, pattern and scale. But definitely if you swag them, they should swag the opposite direction to those shown by michigammemom - this would create a frame around the fireplace and look more balanced in the space.

We cannot see what is on the floor or if there is a rug and if it is patterned but from what we can see, yes - the room needs some colour. This can be done with artwork, drapes or pillows. I would replace the two pillows on the wing back chairs - don't try to match the colour of the chairs - these are meant to be an accent and with small things like this you can also have some fun if you want. From what you can see of the bits of cushion showing on the sofa, these also look to be beigy toned - okay to use some beige but pick an accent colour and introduce it in patterns and put bits of it around the room to balance it and connect it.

As for plantation shutters. Yes, they are great - in the right place but it always seems to me people use them because they can't think of anything else to do. Also a couple of things to remember with plantation shutters. One, you lose a lot of light due to the framing of them and nice ones are expensive! Secondly, if you want to open more than the louvers - where does it open into? In a formal living room the softness of fabric drapes is a more elegant look - but don't make it too fussy or it will start to look "old lady" sorry - not a good description but I hope you know what I mean!

Deborah

Hello!
In answering your question reading the windows, I am in complete agreement with single drapery panels on each window. I design and fabricate draperies myself and love the idea of flanking your fireplace. In reading that you do not need light filtration, do not spend money on plantation shutters or sheers, instead invest in beautiful drapery hardware. Use a 1" rod diameter, at a minimum, you could use a 1 1/4" should you like a bit more bulk, dependent upon your final drapery fabric chosen. You want to consider your fabric weight into the decision of your rod diameter, along with the wall space and window setting. I would choose two finals and 2 end caps. I would place the two finials on the two exterior ends accordingly with the end caps being placed on the two interior ends closest to the fireplace sides. I would hang about 5 or so inches down from your ceiling line. Should you want to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me directly, moniqueflesher@gmail.com. I can email a you some hardware component ideas and walk you through the measurement process.
Cheers,
M..

Looks to me like you need light filtering window treatments. Your furnishings look very formal and I think you should continue that at your windows. I would use a beautiful sheer, there are many with lovely tone on tone patterns and they are not the old polyester ones that we all hate now. Add a soft Silk side panel to each window with nice trim and swag it to the wall not the fireplace. Use a beautiful rod. If you want a simpler look just use the sheer or have it made into a relaxed roman shade with the silk panel over or a simple elegant valance. You can always use wooden blinds or shutter behind a treatment for extra coverage and interest.

Roman blinds are a good option .

Definitely add drapery panels on either side of each window. It will make all the difference in the world.

Looks like you enjoy traditional. Since you've many neutrals, ignore the saturation of color in this room by Tracy Murdock, but notice the use of different patterns to yummy up the room and how the curtains on either side of the fireplace are integrated into the moulding.

i think these would look great

Would do inside mount woven wooden blinds over the window to soften the light, then add stationary panels on each side that covers the small bit of wall on either side of the windows. A simple panel with single finger pleating, hanging straight along the side of the window with a simple one inch rod in a rich finish that extends to the inside edge of the windows. I would do a soft color with texture, then get jazzy with the pillows. I fabricate draperies and sell woven wooden blinds, and think this would give the room quiet elegance without being over the top.

Hi - more of my two cents worth! First - sorry, but I disagree with littlemissk, your drapes are your drapes, crown moulding is crown moulding - nothing to do with drapery. Keep the two as seperate entities. If you are going to do drapes the suggstions of Interior Details, Ltd. or Monique Jacqueline Design will make a much nicer statement to dress the windows properly. And my apologies again, but to me roro95's idea looks like window covering when someone is trying to save cost on money and fabric.

The photo speaks for itself ...

Love the shutter idea, that or floor to ceiling drapes with sheers.

i agree with skipping the shutters and doing beautiful floor to ceiling drapery to match the style of your home

I agree with judyg that you need a nice mirror over your mantel. As for the windows I feel shutters, in particular plantation shutters, are too informal for your room. I recommend full custom draperies with valances. I understand your concern about the closeness of the insides of the windows to the fireplace but if you run the draperies and valance all the way to the outside walls as well, that will offset the imbalance. I think your windows are quite formal and elegant and I would treat them as such. If the draperies are not in the budget I suggest Austrian shades with a valance. I am attaching some photos to give you an idea. Hope these help. :)

I agree. Beautiful drapery done in a sumptuous fabric that frames your fireplace. Add color with your drapery and patterns with pillows and maybe an ottoman. I would also place a great piece of art, (in fabulous colors of course) over the fireplace!!

Consider painting your walls a rich deep color- possibly plum. Extend silver/gray full length draperies to the corners of the room for extra elegance. Use sheers to diffuse light and add daytime privacy. Install a spotlight above the fireplace to catch sparkle of silver or crystal items on mantle piece. Find a white firescreen to soften the black fireplace or a grouping of large leaved houseplants in silver pots. Add pillows of deep velvet green and shimmery plum with details of silver.

Like many before me I opt for curtains. You have a very gracious room and I believe the curtains swagged to the edge of the room would finish this nicely. A gauzy type of fabric would be great if privacy isn't an issue. Love your room. Have fun.

I disagree with Deborah Daniels about her statement that crown molding is crown molding etc. The photographed room is beautiful, and the extended crown is a lovely touch without being heavy. I see the move to reduce the heavy look of traditional window treatments to using this type of valance more. It was done in the 60's and is being done again better. It is just a matter of individual taste. The only thing I would have done differently is extend the molding across the entire wall. Still a lovely way to dress a very posh room. Also, the tray ceiling is the star, so too the chandelier and fireplace, any more would have been overkill. Know when to stop adding new elements and let the ones you choose shine.

As an old boss of mine always used to say "Some like apples, some like oranges". It's a good thing we all like different things or the world would be a boring place!

Please, please do not add jabots or swags to your windows. They are so out, and they will make your room look old-fashioned!! Plantation shutters are not a last resort! They will make your room look classy and neat. You can add color in other ways!

IMHO: Consider your mantle and fireplace to be the focal point of the room and the flanking windows as its frame dressing them in something soft yet simplistic in design. ie: Ceiling to floor sheers with a closely shirred rod-pocket heading on a substantial rod. You might even consider puddling them. (Though I do like shutters, I would not use them in this case.) With the $$$$ saved, invest in a 'large' piece of framed artwork that makes your heart sing. Don't hang it, but perch it upon the mantle leaning it against the wall. Ensure that it has some colour!

When I looked at your picture, I thought I was looking at a picture from my house! Here are photos of my window treatments. A cord is tied to the rod, pulling the silk panel back. Very simple. I just built the house and haven't finished decorating. The items on the mantel are temporary.

Re my comment above. Though not quite your windows and fireplace here is an photo edited example re the type of rod and dressing I am referring to including a large piece of artwork perched on the fireplace. If a two panel drapery is preferred, fabric choice could even be a loosely woven linen or something elegant as silk.
Footnote: The artwork is by Van Gogh.

Awesome Terrygg: Love it!

Thanks mrsben! I am still undecided on artwork vs large mirror. I have to ponder on it.

@Home Diva: You are welcome! IMHO, a large mirror is nice provided it reflects something pleasing or being used to visually expand or lighten a space. Your furniture is wonderful. Happy decorating!!!!!!

Soft, light panels☺Some might say to use a heavier rod, but I was not in the mood to change existing hardware

Oh, mirror over fireplace

You have a lot of ideas presented. But since you room is so formal and the windows are long. I think you could well use a cornice board. You could make them yourself too! All you have to do is use plywood. I am sure someone would even have a video on you tube. You could make a design that you desire on paper as a template so you will get them both alike. If you don't feel you can use a power saw you can just use a straight board. at the top. You don't have to get fancy with cording. Just staple some upholstery fabric to the boards tightly. They you can hang sheers or drapery beneath. You could choose either a print and make matching cushions or use the darker brown that is in the decorator pillows you already have to cover them.

Thanks everyone. I have so many ideas now. I don't know where to begin..haha. Love this site!

I would suggest a white semi-sheer or white lace panel on both windows and then a left-draw fabric curtain on the left and a right-draw fabric curtain on the right. You do not have much color in the room, so an accent color like emerald green or aqua in the draw curtains might be nice, provided you could have throw pillows and bolster pillows covered in the same accent color to unify the color scheme.