I really dislike drapes panels that do not have the ability to close and look good even if you never close them and IMO your space would look much better without those heavy view , and light blocking shuttersand just beautiful silk or linen drapes really nice and full on a decorative rod

Patricia has an axe to grind against shutters. She didn’t like the ones in my dining room either ;) I do agree with her the drapes should be able to close even if you don’t close them since nice full drapes look more rich and substantial. My dining room has lovely white plantation shutters very similar to yours in a room about the same size and we are getting drapes as well. As for color, you have a very neutral space. Are you looking to stay neutral or add a color that repeats in the rest of your house to tie it into this room as well?

Here is how I did my curtains in a similar dining room with plantation shutters. I like the shutters, they let in light but I don’t see the big tree in front of my house or the driveway which is how my dining room faces.

Hi, Sue--

Most regular drapery retailers (PB and the like) do sell panels available in double-width so you'll have a full, lush look if you go with those. White to match your trim would be a solid bet--PB has a great, double blackout-lined silk dupioni that handles great on rod and rings whether you need to close it or not. Whether you need a lined drape for light-blocking effect or not, I always recommend the blackout lined versions since they hang with much better "body" on the rod and never look skimpy or with barely-there pleats. Once you get them hung and steamed, you'll be in business. Cheers!

Very pretty room. I think natural linen curtains in a color close to the trim color would look great, especially if you remove the vase of sticks. I'd hang them just as Karen Rose has done in her photo above.