I'm confused. Aren't they the same drapes in both pictures?

No. The first picture has lined drapes that are a dark gold hung from brown wooden rings on a fluted wooden pole; the 2nd picture shows drapes beige in color hung on black metal rings on a longer black metal pole. I think the first picture is washed out a bit.

I can't see a huge difference (1st pic not clear enough) but I think it comes down to how much light you want in the room. Since it appears you have blinds behind the drapes, do you need the drapes pulled closed all the time?
Also, the rod in the second pic looks angled...is that because of an angled ceiling or is it just up there temporarily?

I personally prefer the contrast of the 2nd rod, but I think you also need to pull the furniture, plant, and side tables away from the wall so the drapes can hang correctly.

Here is another picture of the dark gold drapes. They are like the color of antique brass. I do have to keep the drapes closed all the time - 1) privacy; 2) not a good view; 3) keep the heat and sun out. The previous room had a slanted ceiling but only slightly slanted which was terrible. Thanks for your opinions.

I like the contrast with the darker drapes but I like the rod from the originals as the clips don't shine. I agree with Annz to pull sofa away from window so drapes hang better. It would be nice if your pillows had a bit of the drapery color in them to tie it together.

I went back to the lighter color drapes but kept the wood drapery pole. I have to order a lot more of the rings tomorrow so they will hang better. First the old then the new look:

The folowing is the new look:

Drapes will look nice once you get the extra rings. If you keep them closed all the time, make sure you have them equally spaced apart.

Are you planning on keeping two coffee tables and the small rug? Looks like you could have a good space with some extra editing.

I am only staying here a year or so if I can help it and my small storage unit is filled to the very tippy top. Thanks.

I like them both-- one thing I like about the gold ones is the fact that they are lined.

The gold ones are now hanging in my bedroom and yes, I like the fact that they are lined.

I think you have much too much fabric behind the sofa. I would take one of the panels out.

Can you pull the loveseat out from the curtains just a wee bit so that it doesn't look smooshed against the fabric - just an inch or two should do the trick. I like the heavier looking panels - gold?

I like the new color, and how well it blends with your walls, particularly in a room that is on the small side.

However, I think since they are closed all the time, you should give serious consideration to having the panels pleated, and using hooks at the back of the pleats to raise the top edge up to the base of the rings, so that they fit the space exactly, and hang flat and true.

The honest answer is, they look messy and half-hearted, and I know you are neither messy nor half-hearted yourself! Just adding more rings won't really solve the problem.

I agree bronwynsmom, they do look messy and I think rather blah w/ your beige couch. Pulling the furniture out like someone suggested would help, I think.