Do you need something covering the window all the time? It looks like you put the pleats on rings to slide. Slide 2 panels to each side to stack up on the side windows, leaving center uncovered

What color are they? My PC does not give me a true reading on color. Ikea has $3.99 a pair net, meshy white cotton curtains. You can cut for length. Try them gathered super full and just take them as far on the sides of the window as pleases you. Very MCM look you will get for this very cheap idea.

If they are not long enough for below ceiling to take to the floor, just go as high as you can go even if the top of the window shows.

Here's a picture of the curtains close up.

Way too much fabric for these days ,a couple

panels to the sides and shutters like these would be my choice

I pulled the curtains back to each side so you can see it that way as well.

Perfect for the shutters! :) , you will have an instant boost with them .

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-Plantation-2-1-2-in-Louver-White-Real-Wood-Interior-Shutter-Price-Varies-by-Size-2W5452/205023270?N=5yc1vZar29

They are ok, hang them like in first pic. Shame the rod is not up a lot further, you could be creative and add some fabric like in the pics, would look a lot better and wouldn't cost a fortune

I really don't think you could add an additional material to this loosely woven drapery fabric.

I can see that plantation shutters would be too costly. I think what you have already is fine. Maybe cut down on the fullness as you suggested. These are typical for a MCM home.

If the cost of the Plantation shutters is a bit much ,wait until there is a Sale on them .or find something similar .

http://www.blinds4cheap.com/faux-wood-blinds-2-inch.htm

Well ladies, I went to IKEA yesterday and bought white curtains. I think the white curtains soften it up a bit but still think it's too much fabric. The idea to put shutters up is a great idea but too expensive to do the whole window. Maybe I could get shutters for the just a section of the window. I'm thinking at each end where I don't have the curtains tied back.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.