I would coordinate the DR with the LR, but they need not match.

Thanks for the suggestions on both post. It really helps.

Pretty rooms. One option is to hang roman shade bamboo blinds over the windows that you can pull up/down as needed, under a curtain rod placed up by the ceiling, with stationary curtain panels on the sides. The panels would be just for decoration. I'll attach a photo of where I've done this in my kitchen.
I think this would look nice in those rooms, because it makes the room appear taller by using the space that you have over the windows. I have a similar space over my sliding door, and the bamboo blinds sit there while not being used. I'm sure my description isn't great, so hopefully the attached photo will help.
How wide are the large windows? I got my bamboo blinds from overstock.com, they may go up to 72 in.

Cafe curtains and valance are a little too country for me. I would opt for Jennifer's style.If $$ is a factor (isn't it always?), install blinds now and drapes later.

JenniferPA, that is a lovely combination of a blind with stationary panels. Is the blind heavy to raise and lower? Do you move it daily or is it mostly in the raised position?

I like your wall color, would you mind telling what it is?

I think they need to be identical, not coordinate, and I don't think cafe curtains look right in that area.

Thanks graywings. The blind is a little heavy, but it's open most of the time. Mostly just pull it down in the mornings if my kids complain about the sun in their eyes. Ideally I'd have the continuous loop cord control, but I got it so cheaply at Overstock that I can deal with the extra minute to wind the cord around a bracket that's hidden under the drapes.

Thanks everyone. The paint on the darker wall is SW Latte and the lighter color is SW Kiliam Beige.

You have enough room that grommet top curtains would stack back and clear the window completely when they were open, I have been impressed with how compact grommet top curtains are (compared to rod-pocket types).

But I do like the suggestion to use blinds. I would say look into the cellular shades that operate tops-down or bottoms-up, but those things are expensive! They are nice, though, and would work well for blocking the view from the road.

Thx. I don't really want blinds in that area. I like grommet curtains also. We went looking everywhere for material and fabric tonight. We live in a small town so next time we go to the city I am going to look.

Thanks Zebra:)