i was going to suggest the same. forget the blinds. hang a rod just below the crown and find some pretty drapes.

or look into custom made inset blinds

if doing this, you could disguise the arches

Looks like there might not be enough room on the left next to the fireplace to hang a panel, unless you cover part of the window. If you don't mind that, it could work, but they couldn't be as wide as the example JudyG posted and would block more of the windows.

Full is the operative word. You must do with panels that are 2 to 2 1/2 times the width of the windows. Or risk skimpy drapes !!!

You could also look into shutters

A very clean look.

Thanks to all for your replies! And sorry for slow reply on my end...

• It seems all are in favor of drapes. Are cornices/ valences "out of style" or just super traditional?
• Any strong feelings on having curtain rings with clips, vs the rings that are sort of built into the curtain panels? Pocket rods seem like they'd be annoying to open/close frequently (and this is important as we do so on a daily basis!)

We rented a very small apartment for a long time, so the price of window treatments of all types has been....eye opening to say the least. I really appreciate everyone's feedback!

@leelee I LOVE shutters but as this looks into our backyard I think I prefer an unobstructed view (only willing to hide the arched tops of these windows, ha), plus the craftsmanship in our home is a bit lacking.....I think shutters might be a little too fancy for our home and neighborhood :(

Will definitely double the panels! Seeing dinky panels feels like getting a limp handshake--why even bother?!

I think you can still do a cornice/valance if you want but for me it would really depend on the overall decor/style of home/application, etc. I would not make three separate ones.

It sounds like you need the option for privacy (closing/opening daily) as well as the desire to make the windows appear rectangular?

Yes, the option for privacy is a must, and if possible I would prefer to make the windows appear rectangular.

Our home is bit eclectic style wise so I think as long as it isn't too sterile/sad (vinyl roller shades with nothing over the roll part) or too frilly/formal (huge flowery valance with matching thick drapes under it), I am open to whatever. Our house itself (sans decor/furniture) is would be best described as cookie cutter suburban.....so I am just trying to strike a balance between functional, tasteful...and reasonably affordable.

What is the height from the floor to the lowest point of the arch of the outer side of the windows? Do you need full coverage for privacy, or is covering the bottom window sufficient?

What style would you like to go for? Looking to head toward a more contemporary look? More traditional? What room is this in-- Living Room?

You don't have room on the left for panels unless you want to cover 1/2 of the window, which will leave a big piece of wall on the right uncovered, with 1/2 of that window on the right also covered with a panel.

@mimimomy

Height from the floor to the lowest point of the arch of the outer side of the windows? I would guess about 7-7.5 ft as the overall ceiling is 10 ft. I can measure when home.

Do you need full coverage for privacy? Not really but would prefer to be able to have the option for a darker room, and the option to wander around in underpants as needed. We don't have any 2-story neighbors behind us, and there's a wood fence between our lots. I can't picture how any sort of half-covering would look.....

What style would you like to go for? Looking to head toward a more contemporary look? More traditional? This is our family room (e.g., casual living room; we have a separate formal living room). I generally prefer transitional/traditional with some relatively contemporary art/decor.

Hey There: Because the windows overlook your backyard, you can opt for bottom up top down operating blinds...There are no strings running across the glass and nothing obstruct your view. These minimalistic blinds would go up to the point where the arch starts and pull all the way up and down. Check us out at www.PleatedBlindsStore.com for more ideas.

unobstracted ocean view

@leelee - I haven't seen any of these arched posts which are at the correct arch/angle for our window, though this is interesting.

@ Irene Morresey - indeed, arched roman shades would be wonderful.

I did find a photo of the previous owners' setup--note the white "cornice" above the windows, which hides the roller shades. We do still have the cornice/valance/? but it just seems so very busy and its bulk seems to compete with the fireplace.