Once you have hung curtains above you won’t be able to focus on the shape

If you change out the wall color to one much lighter, the shape of the wiindows will be less jarring.

.

Wow, Jan Moyer, could you be any more rude?

I like Design Home's idea but I would hang a custom mirror as if the space over the fireplace was one large window. Not exceeding the height of the side windows but curving it so that the overall look was one large Palladian window matching the sides even though there is some wall space where the sconces are. Hope I'm describing this right.

I thought also to hang something in same shape as window.

But Jan's idea is great, to hide the half-arches with a lined natural-material shade...

Bree, maybe you'd know what measurement is from mantel to the top of arch point? Mirror, heavy, or something else...

Sconces would be tight in that space, but not sure to move? Bree, then another curiosity is the width of the 2 windows?

White might allow a more elegant look? inexpensive too. Blackout if needed for uniformity, could add a liner.

https://www.jcpenney.com/p/jcpenney-home-bamboo-woven-wood-roman-shade/1d6e1c9?COLOR=White&badge=onlyatjcp&catId=SearchResults&pTmplType=regular&searchTerm=bamboo+shades

What exactly is rude olychick? The windows ARE extremely typical of late nineties early 2000's suburban builds. The OP didn't even select them. She stated what is bugging her. Yes, to get a very good result is expensive, involving inside and outside trims as well. I gave her a great looking lower cost solution. I suppose that's rude too. Hiding ALL the arches which are not her preference and those especially that are one half. Maybe you should just read the OPS post again,. And mine.

Or we can all just tell everyone that everything is lovely and because we think so they should love it too. even if they do NOT.

I would go with Jan's idea to cover the tops with shades. Then you could add a drapery rod across the entire width and treat it as one big window with the drapery panels hanging on the outside edges only, not edging each window separately. I hope this makes sense, I'm on my phone and couldn't find a picture to show you what I mean.

Right on Jan!

How high are these half/quarter circle windows? Covering them up with a black our shade may make this very top heavy.

Remove the sconces between the French doors - they are just directing attention to them. Hang a knockout piece of art above the mantel and another one on the wall opposite the windows. With furniture, rugs and accessories in place, these windows will not be so bothersome. Do you have furniture? Fabrics and textiles should influence your paint decision. If you want drapes, wait until everything else is in place and see...

In my area those windows usually butt right up to a fireplace that extends all the way to the ceiling; they do look odd in this room.

I don't have a problem with the arched transom windows on the side with the french doors...with paint and furnishings the room could be wonderful. Of course, you are right Bree, the transom arched windows on either side of the fireplace look odd. Without spending $ to change the structural, there needs to be something above the FP to balance the significant weight of the windows. A really wonderful painting above the FP that extends right to the height of the arched transom tops at either side or perhaps reconfigured FP woodwork extending upward...I'm not sure which way to go but what I would do is use computer software to play with an image of the wall...Sketchup, Adobe Sketch etc and see what looks good. I think this could be an exceptional room. Good luck.

What do you think about sheers that have a swag (similar to what others suggested, using curtains or shades) to create balance on that wall.

Suggest to remove half semis,dark color wall contrasts the white semis. For the rest semis,I'ld like to hang curtains with light color,between dark brown wall and white. Harmonious combination of colors bring people visual enjoyment . Beautiful and anything make you feel ease,especially artistic,would be perferct to match the firplace.

I think that Jan Moyer has the right idea for how to handle these windows. Disguising the awkward shape with window treatments is the best solution.

The mcmansion comment was blunt but not really rude IMO.

LOL...... It's a new and prickly planet : ) But doing this will work. It's hard to read an OP's mind, but I think her look may be less formal than this sty;e of window often suggests. Getting a nice rectangular "shape" up there, under casual linen panels.....PRESTO. Everything good is retained, the added texture of the shades is a neutral bonus.

I wish I had a dollar for every "window" I have faked in this manner. Woven shades are timeless too. Over twenty years ago, when this room below was done...... the 18 foot vault in the living room made the windows appear extremely squat. The photos aren't great, but there is NO window behind the shades under the silk curtains. So we grew those buggers by about two FEET : ) and TATA to squatty.

Stunned that someone thought Jan’s comment rude! My parents bought a house that had ridiculous windows , a house built in the late 90’s also. Builders were just trying to impress, but had no, repeat, no architectural sense. Jan’s ideas seemed quite reasonable as opposed to replacing the windows, so, not rude.

I believe her original comments have been edited.

I think what's jarring is the high window, the low mantel and then the high window again, making the proportions off and the balance of the importance between the windows and the FP wrong. Filling in that space one way or another would go a long way toward making the windows look appropriate to the space. Designhome's suggestion of the mirror is one. I think any large art would also work.

Or, as in this home, filling in the space with an overmantel could also change the proportions entirely.

Olychick

I have not touched my original comment. Not so much as a comma. I think you simply read it again : )

PS....... We are all just talking to ourselves anyway. Bree has not returned lol

Thanks all for your input! I agree with much of the advice given.

I didn’t consider drapes pr window coverings as I was afraid of losing the beautiful light in the room.

Looking forward to changing the paint color and adding furniture to spruce up the space.

There was also the thought of updating the fireplace mantle and adding a built in structure above, adding a mirror (Ballard Designs has some great options) or art work in the center as the focal point.

I love the thought of a less expensive option than replacing windows and trim. That’s a big task!

@jan I did read your original comment, which has now been updated and altered after someone pointed out your rudeness. I believe you specifically asked me “why did i buy this house anyway”. To answer your question, it’s in a perfect neighborhood that suits my family’s needs. Though the windows were a poor choice in the *one* room, the bones and structure of the house is built with great quality and craftsmanship. Thank you for your suggestions and honest opinions, however. You’re right when you say we want honest feedback, otherwise there’s no point in posting a discussion!

@annie that was where i originally was headed before i posted this discussion. There is so much space between the fireplace and windows, too. I think building out above this would look great!

@jan - would I also add drapes over the French door semis too? Wouldn’t make the space feel heavy?

Bree

You can do NO curtains at all!! Nobody will know :) All you need is outside mount to edge of casings

I think using tie back curtains would look nice

Claire's pretty way is another...

and if fireplace's windows each had 1 tie on the left/right, then could the doors have pretty cellular shades, or is that too informal?

Some kind of canvas, like?

https://www.houzz.com/products/art-effects-painted-sky-ii-prvw-vr~38781636

Pearl-y Moon Rise:

https://www.houzz.com/products/mother-of-pearl-series-moon-rise-36x48-prvw-vr~20203972

Idk if you're painting - this green might look nice with the white mantel... could hang it a bit high [to top of window]. Place bit of a look on the mantel for height [under the art].

https://www.houzz.com/products/villa-dorcia-medium-wall-tapestry-53x53-prvw-vr~65381619

Relaxing / Muted colors suited for a traditional living space or dining room. 48 3/4" square for $450. "First Light I"

https://www.houzz.com/products/first-light-i-giclee-print-prvw-vr~245740

I do hope no changing of windows. :)

Drapes will help balance the wall. You can hang a large painting above the fireplace, the bigger the better. To be honest; I think you will be far happier once you have personalized your lovely room with your furniture.

bree
i hope you find a good solution youre happy with
i too wouldnt want to lose the light!