I think it might be more practical to find a different spot for the stained glass piece. I doesn't look like you can raise the windows fully with the piece where it is (?) I also think the window treatments compromise one's ability to enjoy the piece fully.

Here's an idea that really allows the glass to shine.

Thanks for the suggestions!

I really like the stained-glass piece where it is, because it adds to the ambiance of the front porch as well as the kitchen. It hangs far enough from the window as not to interfere with the opening mechanics.

The recessed can idea is something to consider. Is that something that could be installed easily by a handyman, or would it require a specialist?

A handyman should be able to install a recessed fixture. Of course, that involves cutting a hole in the ceiling and dealing with the electrical box that supports the current fixture. You might want to try a Halo SMD which attaches to the existing electrical box.

Thanks, Lawrence!

Also remove the window treatment there as Manon said. They are adding nothing, but detracting a great deal.

M Miller, we need some sort of window treatment there. What would you suggest? Thanks!

If you need a window treatment there (why? for privacy?), then a simple cellular blind (with the smaller-size cells) is what Id use because it has a narrow stackback. Match the blind color as close as you can to the window trim/frame color. That way, it is barely visible during the day when it is raised, and gives you the privacy at night.

Even without the stained glass, I would have advised to remove that window treatment. Its pattern and pleated top are too fussy for the space, blocks light during the day, and that sort of curtain in a kitchen is dated.

What a sweet gift. I agree that the curtains aren’t working anymore.

Thanks, M Miller! I chose those curtains last year to coordinate as well as possible with the ones in the adjoining dining area, which were left by the previous owners (who were the second owners of our home, which was custom-built for its first owners in 1985). Many of the curtains that they left could be described as "dated"; however, changing them has not been our top priority thus far, as they are serviceable and do not clash with our furniture (and I plan to change the living room and guest room drapes before the others, as they are the ugliest and most dated of the lot, IMO). As a part-time worker whose husband is retired, it's difficult for me to justify spending money on things that don't really NEED changing, as we've had to spend a lot of money in the past year or so to replace all of the furniture that was destroyed by flooding (the force that finally drove us to relocate from Houston to Georgia) and take care of some repairs, maintenance, and appliance replacements in our new home. But I will look into those cellular blinds and see if I can find some nice ones that are reasonably priced. I agree that they would look classier with the stained-glass piece.

And we like the window treatments both for privacy and for energy efficiency.

I've posted some lamps in my kitchen idea book that I think might work nicely if I don't choose to get the recessed can. Please let me know what you think of these. Thanks!

I am not trying to be irreverant, though it’s going to come out that way. The top 3 you’ve pictured are called “boob lights”. Usually people try to get rid of them when they update their lighting.

Article about how to disguise boob lamps

The 4th one you pictured seems too contemporary, though it’s the best of what you show. The last one you pictured is too heavy. I still think a canned light is the best bet, but you will need an electrician, though it won’t be a complicated job, and wouldn’t take long at all.

Thanks for the input, M Miller! Boob lights -- LOL! And I thought that I was going with a tasteful, classic look!

Some other options

An easier and cheaper way would be to replace the stem with a shorter one, that way you don't need to cut your ceiling.

Thanks, Retro! That's along the same lines as what my hubby was thinking.

Now that I have some ideas, I can discuss them with our handyman when he comes tomorrow to build us a new front walkway. Thanks again, all!

I consulted with hubby, who talked with handyman. Hubby definitely wants something open at the bottom, similar in that respect to the current fixture. Handyman feels that a new fixture would be a better fix than shortening the rod for the old one. Recess can has been ruled out as more fuss than it's worth. Therefore, we are considering options similar to those below. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

And the winner is...