If I were you, I'd get something temporary. Window treatments make a big impact and can be a big investment. I rushed into buying them when we moved in, and made a costly mistake. Wish I'd lived in the house longer, and then decided. . .but like you, I needed something RIGHT away. I had not considered something to put up (I think they make temp coverings, or just do something yourself) in the meantime!

GORGEOUS home. I love it!

BTW, I have started using Pinterest and it is really (slowly) helping me more with decorating. Maybe you're already using it, but it is helping me define what I like more!

thanks anele, we have owned this house for 9 months... here everyday, so you'd think I would be closer in knowing what to do.. but I don't (except I know I don't want shutters). I really just need some thoughts and ideas on how to address theses windows. The picture window flanked by the other double hung confuses me!! LOL

tinker one step at a time- you will drive yourself nuts otherwise. wait until you get the rug rolled out and everything unpacked that is the first order of business. put the windows out of your mind. Then , take a deep breath get a cup of coffee and start thinking about them again. you are just overwhelmed now- it will come to you.

Get those pleated paper shades at HD or Lowes for the time being.

So, I still think you should wait, but no, I do not think you should get one long rod. I have a big picture window with NO pretty moulding (think '59 basic Cape Cod). It is divided into threes-- one big section and then two small windows on each side. I do have one big rod, but my windows are closer together, and I wanted to hide the fact that there is no moulding.

I know you want to soften up the room, but don't look at the WTs as your first bet right now. You do not have much of anything in the room, so the windows seem like the "glaring" (haha) problem. Your windows are so pretty as-is, and you might find that once you get more in, you won't want anything to detract from them. I can see getting some natural material shades, like bamboo, for them.

I would have them mounted on the inside, however so that (again)nothing detracts from that molding! (Can you see I have molding envy????)

It's such a pretty living room. Love the floors and windows.

I don't have advice on window treatments since I'm clueless in that area but it seems like a good idea to get something temporarily before making such an expensive decision.

You've owned it 9 months and just moved in? Have you been renovating the house?

What a very pretty room! I second all the advice to take your time and to get something temporary for the time being. do you have a rug you are going to use in that room from which you could pull a color for the drapes?

My two specific pieces of advice are to ignore the window to the far right that is next to the fireplace. I would maybe do drapes along the long wall, and then blinds on the window next to the fireplace. I wouldn't do the same treatment on both as that would look a little awkward.

the other piece of advice is to check out this blogpost. It is (almost) the best bit of design advice wrriteen anywhere about any decorating topic in my opinioin! http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/08/top-ten-design-elements-4.html She provides oodles of specific examples demonstrating why her advice makes sense.

IMO nothing makes a room more cozy than drapes!

good luck and keep us posted with what you decide.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cote de Texas Curtain blog

That is a very pretty room. So bright and cheerful with all that sunlight coming in. I agree you shouldn't rush into anything until you finish the fireplace, unpack and get the rug down. When you know what color you want to use for your window treatments, maybe someone here could photo shop some ideas for you.

Take a look at this site, it's vintage and cottage. Look at the picture with the white sofa like yours and get some really great ideas. Gorgeous room and not too hard to get your inspiration.

Here is a link that might be useful: Vintage rooms

Sorry, I have no clue where the pictures went, but thank you all....

andrea, love that blog.. it gave me a lot to think about and I have decided, that even though we have owned the house 9 months (here almost every single day restoring it), living it it feels different.. and I don't want to rush and spend the money and make a big mistake!

That's great! The curtains for that window will be a fairly big investment. When the time is right and you are certain of your decision, you'll know it. I know how tempting it is to rush into decisions; but if somehow we can enjoy the process it makes the waiting a little easier and the final space more gratifying.

If you have the time and inclination I'm sure we would all love to see pictures of the other spaces you are renovating in your lovely home. (As if you have any energy left at the end of a day spent renovating your house right!)