I'm a valence and shade person myself. In my last home I made the 2 x 4 valence's myself (really easy) and mounted sun screen shades on the wall underneath the valence. It would have pretty easy to attach a decorative non functional panel/drapery to either side of the 2x4 for a traditional valence/curtain look although you would only really get the privacy from pulling the shade. The sun screen shades let in lots of light. Not sure how much privacy they would provide at night as I never checked. I expect you could see shadowed outlines through them but no "details"? Pretty cheap way to do things with no drapery and drapery hardware and I loved not having to clean blinds. I hope that all makes sense.

Thanks for your advice Marys1000. We have been redecorating the kitchen and dining room. Just put in wood laminate flooring. The cabinets are a offwhite with black hardware. I currently have a swag that I made myself, I really like, just not liking the mini blinds. I may check into the sun screen shades. My kitchen window is wide and faces the street so I do like to see out yet want privacy at night. Thanks, I'll have to post pics when I get the rooms finished. I just joined this website and really enjoy the pics and decorating ideas. Thanks for your help!

HI and welcome! I've only been here a couple months but cannot get enough! I've learned alot and so grateful. Anyway there are a bunch of forums and you might try posting this question in the "Home Decorating" forum. good luck!