Dana Reynolds - I love your idea; would you recommend an ivory or something darker?

A textured linen would be perfect! Go with a color that is close to the walls but a shade or two darker, or a neutral color from the masonry. Hang them close to the ceiling, and don't skimp on the rod. Beautiful fireplace by the way, love the stone colors.

Dorene, thanks! Hanging close to ceiling will mean I have to cover up our beautiful woodwork and I was hoping not to do that...what are the downsides to hanging 'from' the woodwork? I should have mentioned, glass doors will have wide oak trim and there will be crown moulding around the room.

They are sliding doors? If you hang the rods as wide as possible and above the doorframe you will be able to keep the panels pulled to one side and close them only when necessary.

A natural colored linen. The closer to the ceiling the better.

Mount the rods below the crown moulding, with enough space above the rod so that the top edge of the drape heading is below the crown. I suggested using a nice rod because at sliders curtains are usually open leaving much of the rod exposed. I don't think you need fancy finials which would draw attention away from other elements. Use something very simple or use a corner bracket on the ends of your rod, eliminating the need for a finial or end cap.

Thanks, crown and trim are being put up today so I'll know how much room I have to work with. It may affect what I need to do because there will not be a lot of room with the wide trim and the crown added.

post a photo when the trim is up.