Oh, and here is the full room so you can see my jumping off point.

I like the curtains on the rings better than the gathered look which seems best in a bedroom. Add some length to your curtains with a solid color found in the curtains and hang the rods higher. You have a lot of black in this room. Add a throw over a chair, some colored pillows, a light tray on the coffee table, a rug under the coffee table, a colored shade for the lamp...

I agree with you about the rod pockets and think the clips look much better. But I find the color of your drapes jarring in the room. It's too much contrasting color all in one place, and all your furniture looks black giving everything a heavy feel. I think you should look for drapes or fabric that is much more neutral with just a pop of color, and then pick that color up somewhere else in the room, in throw pillows or some other accessories.

Great suggestions from both of you. I am going to start looking at fabrics for the windows, so suggestions would definitely be welcome. (I should add that the adjoining rooms are a buttery yellow kitchen and light green sunroom.) I know that we need to brighten up, and I've already purchased some fabric for pillow covers that will help. On the wish list as well is an upholstered or leather ottoman to replace the coffee table.

Cut the legs down on the coffee table (if needed) and add upholstery yourself for a DIY project.

Hmmm. I might be that brave, but I'm not sure... I like the idea. I'll ponder that one.

Fabric ideas:

I think your area is lovely. You would benefit from lighter curtains, in color and fabric. Maybe a neutral on neutral pattern? Plus raising them closer to the ceiling would work wonders, You have a ton of dark, dark, dark, going on. Try with the lighter curtains, add some throws and pillows that aren't so heavy. Balance it all out.

I worry about going too neutral with the tan walls. I don't want to wash away. Can you give me some examples to I can see what you're talking about? Thank you!

how about clamping so & replacing curtains with plainer-looking ones with striped cloth (colour as accent for room) edging at the back? it would look interesting as you have corner double windows & add more of softness & elegance.. you could DIY them.

and your living room only needs warmth that these wall colours can lend: &

I strongly recommend you use a rod connector to join the rods to create a continued view, which is better.

Thank you for taking time to look at my room. I've decided I've had it with the curtains, and they have to go sooner than later. I just don't have a vision yet, and I implore you for help. Dark furniture and wall color stays. I will add some yellow and green and cream accents with pillows, a throw... (colors in adjoining rooms). What do I do for the curtains? I would like to use the hardware I have. I plan to raise them (how high?). Do I continue around corners? Do I take them in more toward the fireplace? What fabric? Too many good choices to look at, and I need a jumping off point from all you helpful people. Thanks so much!

Here are some curtains I'm trying to decide on. It's all very monotone now, so I need help with suggestions for accessories that would not compete with the curtains. Thanks SO much!

curtains look much better!

I like the rings. You should keep them open each pushed to far side. Put a bamboo shade under panel for texture. Can buy Home Depot. Easy to hang. Go dark. Leave half way dn.

You could use some color and a print in panels. A glass coffee table bigger 36" square. Add pillows with color.

I've got lots of pillows, but none that I have work with the colors. Can you all suggest some colors that will "go"?

I think you should go less "busy" with the fabric. It also looks too heavy for draperies. The fabric should be lightweight enough to drape. You can test drape of fabric by accordian folding in 6" folds the whole width of the fabric and being able to hold it in one hand. Also, ask the clerk who is helping you to cut the fabric if what you have picked out is suitable for draperies.

Here are some fabrics from Joann.com

The curtails need to be higher, 3" off the ceiling, and go all the way down, to achieve a more dramatic look. In addition, the lamp needs to be replaced with up-light floor lighting and the curtains can receive a more dramatic effect by using LED lights.