IMO panels that don’t function still need to be full enough as if they did I don’t think there is anything tackier than a single panel hung on either side of a window.I would hang the rod 6” above the window

Thanks, I know what you mean. I will make sure there are 3 maybe 3 panels of fullness on each side. But 6 " above? Good ,that will be a little less than halfway as the top part is 16". Or should I split the difference and go 8"?

Frame your windows with drapery that either falls straight down, hovers near a sill, or puddles on the floor. Curtain length is very important since a big visual difference between custom and ready-made is length. A dead give away that the draperies are ready made (store bought) is if they are too short. More than a 1/2″ off of the floor, and curtains look too short. I would rather see 1/8-1/4″ off of the floor, preferably barely touching. You don’t want to hang the rod on or at the moulding, for a custom look. High and wide is the best. About 4" off the ceiling will add to this effect.

Satiny rod pocket [top] which customer said was like a gown Jean Harlow would've worn. Candlelight seems nice. 95" [1 is $36] and higher:http://www.jcpenney.com/royal-velvet-hilton-rod-pocket-curtain-panel/prod.jump?ppId=161d118&Ns=PLH&searchTerm=blue+window+treatment&Ns=PLH&catId=SearchResults&_dyncharset=UTF-8&colorizedImg=DP0930201420465290C.tif

Thank you. I'm embarrassed to ask this but....Should the rod go all the way across or just side rods?

all the way across. but first consider. is this a door you go in and out of? do you need frequent access to the switches on the left? to the control cords for the blinds?

what you do on the right you need to balance on the left. you'll need to have the drapes far enough open to give access to the blind cords and door, but not so far off to cover the switches(?). depending on how much you use this door, panels may not be an option.

(i see you have a couch in front, meant opening the door for air, not access)

People do both, but I think it's a more finished look to have the rod right across and make sure it is long enough that the drapery rests more on the wall and only slightly on the frame. If you are buying ready made drapes, place the rod to suit the length of the curtains so they reach the floor. Wondering though if you need the blinds for privacy...if not, I would consider taking them down and purchasing drapery that will cover the entire winow when closed, as it's a more up to date look.

I think @Genevieve's look is spot on. Even though you don't plan to use the drapes, you should hang enough fabric as if you were going to use them, and hang the rod all the way across, IMO. If you can't find a ready-made rod that long, you can make one out of a narrow pipe and paint it (to match your wall, if you like.)

I would go 6-10" off the sides for stacking and for a full wide look. You can even go a bit wider if there is room. If these drapes are going to be functional the one rod across the top. Drapery hardware is just as important as the drapery for a custom look.

You may find that it is hard to locate a rod that is long enough to span the doors, or if it is long enough it will eventually sag in the middle. As you can see from the picture I had a very long span to cover and my curtains are functional. I used two large diameter rods from Pottery Barn that have end cap options. I ordered one rod with the plain end caps and one with the ball caps and used the plain ones in the center and the balls on each end.

I supply them.

genevieve's pic is spot on but im pretty sure the support hardware was photoshopped out.

Are you getting rid of the vertical blinds?

This is one of the best inventions ever! Plantation shutters made for sliding patio doors. No need for curtains or vertical blinds.

lol but world's worst stackback numbers.

Thanks everyone. I actually had to go the length of the curtains to just rest on the floor. Made them full, but fuller would have wrinkled the tabs.