Not one bit! I always think that you should keep it interesting and try new things.

And I think you need to share photos! I want to see, please.

I don't see a problem with using matelasse panels in the living room, especially since they are a solid color.

But - and pulling out my soapbox now - you don't need overhead lights to have good lighting. Increase the number and types of lamps in the room. One good floor lamp or torchiere will do wonders.

It depends on the look you are going for; metalasse drapes in a cottagey/french country room would look fantastic. Maybe not so good in a traditional/modern room.

Please post pics so we can seem the drapes!

IF my laptop hadn't crashed temporarily...(needs to be repaired) I could show you the two pair I made years ago from a pale beige matelasse. I decided after a year or so to repaint the MB yellow and obviously beige wasn't going to work. I gave them to a friend who used/still using?? them in her very transitional/contemporary DR and they looked fantastic.

I think the color and pattern of the matelasse has a lot to do with what style of decor they would complement. Some would work beautifully, some might not. I've used matelasse for pillows and various other upholstery...it's very versatile!

Oh Yes I would love to see pictures too.

I made my sewing room curtains from a really large Jaquard(SP?) tablecloth. I ran two rows of that 1/8 inch ribbon to match my room colors along the outer border of the center design just for a little interest. Worked great. They turned out to be the right length.
I think matlasse would be great. I know in our house they would be good no matter what room.

Chris

Thanks so much for the responses so far. I love the cottagy feel, unfortunately that is not the style that I have in this room right now. It was painted a sage green upon our arrival and had the wood blinds. Trim is white and plan is to install fireplace with white built in bookshelves on the sides after the first of the year. (We need to make sure DH job is solid first.) I have some old, possibly antiques furniture in the room with a linen colored cotton couch. Wooden pieces are dark. Matlesse looks like it has vines and roses patterns on it. I look forward to everyone's opinions after you see the pictures. I will take a picture now but may need DH's help tonight to help post it. He's good at that, me not so much. It could take me a really long time to figure it out and I've got to start making some dinner about now! :) But I promise to post tonight.

And Graywings, wait until you see it, I have 6 lamps in the room and it is still dark!!! Maybe you will have a suggestion for me.

Have you tried changing the type of lightbulbs you are using? The house we are renting is really dark, so we changed to daylight CFLs and it has made a world of difference. If it were my house, it would have skylights!