I voted panels unless you have pets. I would not want my pet rubbing up on panels at floor level.

I voted valances because the horizontal will balance all the vertical you have going on here. If you link the valances together, like a long swag, it will make the nook into more of a descrete area of its own.

See these valances: (not the particular color or fabric)

Bamboo Shades in Cherry, a New Rug with Red...

I think you need more color than what a valance would provide. I vote for 3 panels - one on each end and one in the corner, mounted about halfway between crown and top of window. I think a valance will look like an eyebrow and appear to lower the height of the room. Panels will give vertical height and offset the horizontal lines of the blinds.

PH Interiors- what do you mean by one in the corner? Do I get a corner rod?

Yes. They are typically 2 rods joined with an adjustable rod section - like an elbow.

I guess I am not a fan of fabric panels so close to the cooking area.

I find that A clean, modern looking Roman shade keeps things from looking too cluttered but still give light control and adds some color or texture.

Washable panels (and most ready-made curtains are nowadays) or a Roman shade with color or pattern. Everything else is brown, the area will perk up with the touch of color and contrast.

Panels and a nice rug on the floor to warm the space up more.

How come no one said anything about Wood Shutters ??

I will, blupirahna. White plantation shutters witha gorgeous colorful rug under the table. Nice wall color. Lower the chandelier.

I also love plantation shutters (I have them in my dining room) but unfortunately, they are too expensive.

Once my kids are a bit older I'll do a rug. I mop daily now to keep up with their messes.

I like it as is also, just the blinds.

I voted for other. My suggestion would be roman blinds, not valences. If you look at the 4th picture posted by Curlytop (removing the valence), that's what I mean. It is less fussy than panels, specially in such a small area like your breakfast nook and more comtemporary than valences, which for me is something that should stay in the past...good luck, Laura

Valances make the space cozy and intimate.

I voted for other. I like Urban Ideas Inc. comment about Roman blinds.

Personally just not a fan of valances. Went with panels!

roman shades!!!

Roman shades, mounted at ceiling to hide the wall space above the windows...

Curtain panels or simple, natural linen roman shades (the latter is my preference). Not a fan of valances.

Roman shades! if not, panels...

I like the fresh look of the windows as they are. I think I would opt for chunky wooden blinds

Panels but placed the rod about 8 inches from the top of window to create the look of a grand and large space.

My vote is for Roman shades: practical becasue they can give privacy/light block, and beautiful becasue they really show off fabric, without being fussy

Try Blinds R Us.. They did our BN and kitchen's roman shades and did a great job.. I bought the linen fabric from outside tho..see attached photo.

Jan- I actually do have chunky blinds. 2" white ones. Thanks! I love everyone's feedback. I think I'll start saving for Roman Shades. That sounds pretty and practical. My kitchen gets messy so panels, while very beautiful, may not be practical. Valances aren't really my style and I see that I'm not alone there. I love the idea of a rug to add color! Great idea. Once my kids get a tad older and less messy, I'll do that. Thank you all for so much feedback!!!

Love the idea of Roman shades...actually in the process of doing the same in my breakfast area.

As for those who love the look of Plantation Shutters,there are some made of vinyl material that offers the look without breaking your bank . I had the Natural woods ,and yes,it's pricey,,,but it added so much warmth to the room. If i had to do it all over again,i would ,,,do the same !

I used a composite here because I am so close to the ocean that using the solid wood plantations would be risky. They look pretty good for not solid.

I am a fan of 'top down / bottom up' shades and they can be purchased at Macy's, etc. and room darkening or limited see through. They provide privacy AND light. And a valance, if you wish.

Love top down bottom up cellular shades and roman shades! Very different looks but great options! Great ideas above!