If you want less formal why not remove the cornice and get some grommet drapes on a nice rod to me sheers always have a more formal feel with a cornice . If you want sun protection get solar shades and you can still see out but during the day you have privacy and at night pull the drapes

I agree with Patricia....remove the cornice and go with grommet top curtains or drapes. I love the look of grommet top sheers!

Try removing the cornice and adding new photos. Are the current sheers in good shape? Are they washable? They look like excellent quality pinch pleats with good fullness. If so, you rehang them from rings on a new decorative traverse rod.

The dining room looks completely different from the living room.