Could you take a picture without the tie backs?

It looks busy to me partly because there’s so many windows with contrasting color vs the white shades ( ?). The fabric is shiny, they’re a dark color , what is that bunching them ? A medallion of some sort? How about just letting them hang loose without ...?

This is what it looks like without the tie backs

How many windows are there? Hard to see whats going on under all that you have there? one thing I do notice is rods are mounted too low down.

Looks like you've invested quite a bit in rods and fabric. I'd let them all hang, without the tie backs, to see if that is less overwhelming.

Thank you all! Please keep commenting! There are six windows total, with the front two connected. How much higher do you recommend I mount them? And would that help the "business"?

You will have to press them to get rid of the wrinkles, but for sure remove the clips IMO a lighter color would have been better but now how about a bigger light colored rug and some fun pillows in very light tones , remove the weird chair and maybe a glass coffee table. I think the height the drapes are mounted is fine and any higher you would need new panels or an additon to the bottom.

Would it look better with a continuous rod and the drapes in the corners?

Do you need the shades? If not, I would remove them. You have elegant looking curtains with chintzy white shades. ( sorry...I greatly dislike blinds/shades as window treatments).

The first thing I notice is the gap behind the couch. You have panels at each side of each window everywhere else, but left that center section empty. Do you have two more panels you can hang in those back windows? I would also remove the tie-backs and try to train the drapes to hang in even pleats. Here's a blog that explains how to do this (look at tip #4).

You can't mount them any higher (unless they have a big hem at the bottom to let out). The height is OK where it is. You have a beautiful room-I love your rug!-and you might just be feeling overwhelmed because you're not used to seeing the drapes at your windows. I hope they grow on you after you live with them for awhile.

Thanks! I got the drapes from someone so there is no more and all I have to work with. The room was so light and airie before I put them up, I'm considering just removing them altogether...

I'd try them hanging loose, and decide if that suits you. Since you didn't spend any money on them, then remove if that's a better fit. You didn't ask, but if you ever consider getting two armchairs and angle them to the sofa, then go for it. As is, the dining room is like a stage, and the sofa's is the audience. Best of luck!

What if you were to put drape on only one side of each window? I would let them hang down. Also, you might want to decide if two together adds weight or becomes too heavy.

If a single drape on one side would do, you could address th "gap" behind the couch.

I meant to say, you may need time to get used to them, add an accent colour to your room perhaps even more white

layer your curtains , inside layer soft, perhaps semi transparent.. make floor to ceiling... make look like one continuous curtain. I suggest hiring a pro to create this look, you won't regret it ...I'll try to find a pic and send.

example... of layering, continuous curtain , floor to ceiling

Adding so many dark drapes really impacted the feel of the room. Everything is a dark shade of brown, except the rug. And all the furniture matches like in a store display. And there are no walls to bring in color via wall art. Maybe add some visual interest in another way - use the background color or accent color in the rug for your pillows and tabletop nicknacks. Especially if that color is in the drapes - It looks like the drapes may have at least 2 colors.

well if you didn't buy them don't go crazy trying to make them work. they're a little to short rods aren't substantial enough looking for all that fabric and the commenter is right about leaving that one space behind the sofa without a panel just makes it look like you don't have enough panels

Thank you all for your advice! I have since rearranged the curtains, getting rid of some of them and placing it in between windows like in the following picture, so the room looks brighter and less busy. Where can I get a rod like that? Otherwise, can I keep my rods and buy connectors? Thanks again for all your help!

Raising the rods to the ceiling would make a world of difference. I think it would be worth buying new ones that are lighter in color and longer. Larger rug so front legs of all furniture are on it. Remove mini blinds.

I agree with Irene Morresey's suggestions. A fatter, continuous rod would change the look, but you're locked into the height you can hang them at unless you could add a band of contrast fabric at the top or bottom. This is a pretty simple measure, cut and sew project. If you don't sew, I bet you could find someone to do it for you.

Another way to add height would be to add a valence or cornice at the top.

If you are handy with woodworking (or know someone who is), you could construct a cornice box to fit your space and then cover it with fabric. The covering part is done with staples, hot glue and possibly some decorative upholstery tacks. No sewing involved.

Also, do you usually keep your blinds up or down? It seems that your blinds are really fighting with the drapes. You might want to consider replacing them with sheers, lace panels, or shades. There are so many possibilities. Here's a couple of examples:

Good luck! I'm sure you'll find something that works for you.

you don't need to use rods at all. you can go rodless...here's what I have in my own ..excuse the mess... slightly redecorating, washing and halfway putting up Christmas decor ha .. GL

Without the tie back thing (un-bunched), it looks really nice! I think that's all you need to do.