I think the valences are competing with the beams and everything else in there, if it were my home I’d probably just do Roman shades of some sort or shutters , but I’m not a fan of drapes / curtains for the most part, especially in rooms where there’s other things going on.

Both styles in your ideabook photos would be just fine with your beams. Look at some new fabrics, including the table toppers, that include some of the vivid red, the light gold (or blue) and white.

You may want to rotate out some of the tabletop decor and pillows during the holidays when there are holiday decorations to show off. Your mantel display is very pretty with the poinsettias and lights.

I would go with a neutral curtain that is the color of the walls or slightly different but close in the color family. I would place the rods just under the beams and would do the same height for each window.

We also have beams and this is what we did. It might be hard to see the rod but it is just below the beams. I think a color like we used might be a good choice for you.

I agree with aktillery9; plus you need a rod that extends out far enough so the drapes are clearing the valance of the blinds. Also not a fan of only one panel on the window. Extend the rods out and put a panel on each side of the window so that they could be drawn closed even if you don't close them.

I agree with gracie.

I agree with K Laurence. We also have a family room with an 8-ft. beamed ceiling and brick fireplace. Both the room and windows are large, and the windows all have plantation shutters. When we moved in there were valences on all the windows with the shutters. Those valences were gone as soon as we moved in.

Just wanted to add I think you'd find the windows with just shutters would "open" the room more. Years ago I thought shutters would do just the opposite...not so at all.

Aktillery9- Where did you get your drapes? I'm looking for drapes and yours are lovely.

Can you show us a photo without the valences?

I don't usually say this because I love drapes, but in your room, plantation shutters would be gorgeous.

avp, I got them on overstock.

Here is the link. Mine are Antique Beige

https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Faux-Silk-Taffeta-Solid-Blackout-Single-Curtain-Panel/9086835/product.html

Thank you aktillery9!