Hi There Tonjue:

Viola Interior Design made a super suggestion, i.e., installing Hunter Douglas top-down bottom- shades. I am surprised they are affordable, but hey, if so - go for it! If not, roman blinds (so many fabrics to choose from!) would be another great solution. Personally and professionally, I do not like the look of vertical blinds, but do understand why they are the choice of some contributors. When I see vertical blinds in a residential setting, my mind always conjures up an office environment. Plus, if used in this application, their vertical division lines would make that corner of the room look "busy," i.e., not relaxing, because of all of the grid lines in the brickwork in your fireplace and hearth.

With a roman blind, for instance, you could introduce a complementary colour way that also has some colour pop or pops. Just think about what colour or colours you love, that make you feel happy, while ultimately calm. A fabric depicting nature, a.k.a. an organic look or motif would be nice. Kind of like bringing the outside in. Too, your textile choice should be bold enough that it doesn't "wimp" out next to your strong brick fireplace and big leather furniture.

You could even riff on your arts and crafts table lamp for seeking inspiration for the pattern you choose for your roman blind fabric, should you go with this window treatment choice.

Lastly, if you do go with the roman blind(s), plus full draperies for patio door, all of your fabric choices could tie together. For example, you could band the bottom of your draperies with the same fabric the roman blinds are made out of, and leave the rest of drapery, i.e., up to top, a more solid, plain colour. How high the banding would be (again, from the bottom, upwards) would be up to you. I'd say, make the band at least 18" in height, up to 24"H. It can be a delicate balance between achieving an attractive, cohesive look versus a look that is too "matchy-matchy." So take your time, even seek in-house professional advice, if stuck on precisely what to do.

Hope these suggestions have added to your "possibilities" list.

Best,

Sharon Black, interior designer and contractor

I understand you don't like shutters but it would be a great fix with that window practically sitting on top of the fireplace. I'd definitely keep it simple - nothing gathered or "floaty".

I have blackout curtains and sheers on my large LR window but I would worry that the sheers could get in the way of the slider functioning properly. If you wanted to use them, I'd consider getting a longer rod so you can push the curtains and sheers over to the wall. That lampshade is really small. You'd get more light from a white cylindrical shade that is much larger. Don't know if it would fit that lamp but might be worth looking into.

On another note, have you considered painting the grout on the FP? You could go with a light taupe, nothing too bright. The black just seems to date it, make it look too dark & dingy and draws too much attention. :)