I like the idea of black on white or linen colored toile. I don't think I'd worry about it being off-center with the table. I think you are on the right track.

I would do a window topper only, in a medium-large size overall patterned fabric with smaller highlights in red. Hang rod 4 to 6 inches above window frame.

Cold food irritates me personally so I would not have a fan over any dining table. A simple chandelier would look nice in your space and some greenery on the top shelf would liven up the right side corner.

If you really want the grommets, how about buying ready-made drapes and putting your own grommets in them? THe huge grommets are available at fabric stores. I also think I saw drapes at JCP that had grommets in them. HTH

I don't know that I'd care if it's centered or not. You can have sill length curtains, long ones, or just do a topper. Here are some ideas you can try out in your mind...

1. Tailored cutie
{{!gwi}}

2. Crisp and classy, but if around jelly fingers make sure it's polycotton for easy wash and wear.
{{!gwi}}

3. These stand out like a little awning and could be done in any fabric
{{!gwi}}

4. This is a fancy way to throw off symmetry and can be used with any fabric or colors you like
{{!gwi}}

5. A less formal but utterly charming way to throw off the symmetry
{{!gwi}}

6. A touch of whimsey
{{!gwi}}

7. Throw off symmetry with a wrapped skirt effect
{{!gwi}}

8. Throw in a little aqua
{{!gwi}}

9. Go patriotic in an asymmetrical way
{{!gwi}}

10. Boxpleated in green
    {{!gwi}}

11. These cufftops could be done with any color trim.
    {{!gwi}}

12. Care for a little yellow?
    {{!gwi}}

13. Go tropical
    {{!gwi}}

14. Formal Kasey valance
    {{!gwi}}

15. Toile Kasey valance
    {{!gwi}}

See anything you like?

Nothing to do with curtains, but can you turn the table the long way in the space? That may give you an entirely different look.

Thank you all so much!

Dian57: I forgot to mention that this is the shallowest eating area ever. (Makes you want to thump the builder on the head.) The path between the table and the peninsula is a major thoroughfare from the garage entrance. We searched high and low for a 30"x60" rectangular table. A small, round table would look nicer, but a 30" or 36" round table is teeny for a family, especially a family with lots of visitors. I had some great ideas for converting the peninsula into an island and creating a banquet seating area, but all my ideas had the snowball effect. Moving the peninsula means the entire floor has to be replaced, oh and that soffit needs to come down which means the entire ceiling needs to be scraped. Ugh. We decided to make do with what we have. (If I ever run into that kind of money, weÂll probably move!)

Teedup1: I agree that a fan over a table is not my favorite. I miss my pretty, hanging light fixture in my old house. That window faces west and that entire area (kitchen and laundry room) get very, very hot. We moved here in August and noticed that the A/C system strained to cool the entire house. In June the A/C died and we had to buy a new condenser unit. We were actually GLAD b/c it was our chance to fix the problem. We emphasized to our A/C guy that we wanted a unit big enough to cool the entire house. I think he was trying to do us a favor and save us some money. We would have gladly paid another $1000 for a unit that worked properly. Anyway, the new unit is only slightly better than the old unit. Now weÂre considering having dual units installed ($$$). Until we get the A/C issues resolved, IÂll have to live with the fan.

I started down the panel path b/c I was so worried about being off-center. If several of you donÂt think it looks bad being off-center, maybe a valance would be best. (Yes, jelly-fingers are a big concern!) I probably wouldnÂt have even looked at some of the options in OceannaÂs post b/c they are a little more ornate than I usually go for, but  IÂm smitten with several of them! I didn't realize how ... um ... plain ... my kitchen looked until I saw the photos. I really, really like #15. I love the tiny touch of green. I also like #11, #6 (very fancy for me, but oh, so beautiful!), and #5 (I could put the lighter end near the desk to balance the room a little). Now for the big question, , are these curtains that I would need to have custom made? Are patterns available? Surely if I asked around, I could find someone who sewed curtains. I know JCP also makes custom curtains. I wonder if they can make any of these styles.

Thanks again,
Nin

Hi Nin,

Yeah, why be plain when you can be stunning?

I have never been a fan of shortie curtains, just have to say. But I love gorgeous toppers.

Most of the curtains I posted are from the gallery at this pattern site. So yes you can sew these yourself or have a friend help you sew them. Look at their gallery and you'll drool! Folks who have used their patterns said they were very good and easy to follow.

Please let us know what you decide to do. I'd love to see the completed pics!

Here is a link that might be useful: Southern Living Patterns