Do you need light control? Privacy?

Hmmm, I think it might look odd to run the rod under the top windows, leaving them exposed. I'd put the rod all the way at the top. Maybe in this case use a valance to hide the extra windows?

I'd run curtaining from the ceiling to floor.

thanks everyone! light control is not a big issue but privacy certainly is. we had a huge Christmas tree that blocked the windows since we moved in. now i think my family is putting on a nightly show for the neighborhood ;-)

I'm leaning towards running the curtain rod all the way up, using 4 panels and maybe some sheers.

i love the size of the windows, that they let an enormous amount of light in, and that they are a focal point.

thanks again!

I think sheers would be a good idea as you may not want to pull the drapes in the morning but want the morning light and still some privacy if you're still in your jammies. I would run them almost to the ceiling.

Just to give an idea of 4 panels, and hung up higher (sometimes I separate them, sometimes pull them to each side):

You’ll achieve a great look to hang the rod up close to the crown molding, with sheers and panels. Make sure you put in a long enough rod to take advantage of all that extra wall space on each side of the windows, so you can stack the panels all the way to the side and still not cover your window. You’ll get to keep the great light that way. Would love to see the finished room!

MizGG, I really admire your curtains. More interesting than a solid color and yet the hues blend in very well with everything in your very attractive room.

Ingrid, thank you so much!

They were meant to be temporary .... I found them on sale while out shopping one day, and thought I'd see how the width and length would work, before committing to pricier panels. They've grown on me, I've had them over a year now. :)

MizGG - i agree. they look beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

4Heidesign - great advice! Thank you!

Thank you, Angela! Can't wait to see what you choose for yours!

I've ordered these panels for the windows.

Hoping to love them in person :-) I still need to order the rod and the sheers. Any thoughts on white vs off white?

I'm also almost done staining the banisters. Got the last coat on today during my little guy's nap time. Looking almost black in the pics but it's actually a dark brown called java. The extra tape was done by my helper :-) Hoping to get the topcoat on during tomorrow's nap.

We are in the east coast blizzard so we will be out in the snow in the morning. That should get him good and tired for a long nap ;-)

Before banisters

After

And a little blizzard fun :-)

Love your railing. Can you share how you did it? What type of prep and products? I've always wanted a darker railing but have been to afraid to attempt it.

Alternatively --- and if you haven't ordered the sheers yet --- attach bamboo blinds above the window.

Hi amj - it was actually fairly simple and almost no prep if you can believe it. I found a blog where someone redid her banister and said no sanding was necessary. It looked beautiful and I was sold lol. I'll have to see if i can find the blog post for you.

I washed down my banisters and then I taped them off with the help of my toddler. Ha! I used General Finishes Gel Stain in Java and put it on with a foam paint brush. The gel stain has a very think consistancy almost like pudding. I put it on thin so that i wouldnt have to go back over and wipe it off. It took me 3 coats and i just finished the first satin top coat (i plan to do 2), also by General Finishes.

I ordered a quart of each from amazon and could easily have gotten by with the pint. A little goes a long way!

Once I finish this project, I'm moving on to the cabinets we have in our kitchenette in the basement. Let me know if you have any questions :-)

I've been eyeing my can of GF Java and my banisters an dam very tempted after seeing yours.

Nosoccermom, go for it! I've been working on it for 2 weekends now but that's because i have to do it during naptimes :-) and i work full time. It's not a bad project at all (I've enjoyed it) and it's made a huge difference!

I can't wait to start my basement cabinets next weekend!

I'm just worried what my husband will say. On the other hand, he probably won't notice for months as long as I do it around his nap times :)

I know, this gel stain stuff is addictive.

That is hilarious!

I put a second top coat on today and took of the tape. Have a couple spots to touch up but overall I'm very happy with the results.

Thank you!