I might go for some simple inside mount roman shades in a pretty fabric with tailored trim which will dress up the windows a bit, but not detract from the beautiful millwork. I think drapery will be tough here because (a) the windows are not centered on the wall and (b) there's no clearance between the top of the window casing and the ceiling. Some ideas:

Fabric Roman shades · More Info

San Franacisco Nob Hill Highrise · More Info

Layering textures is key to opulance · More Info

I do like these, Sabrina, but is there any way of doing something without hiding that cool arch at the top of the frame?

Probably not. You could go with sheer or semi-sheer fabric which will allow the curve to be seen but it will still be somewhat obscured.

@Sabrina. Yeah, I hear you. Thanks, Sabrina.

Maybe use a ceiling mount curtain rod and sheers?

inside mount cafe curtains? you could do them in lace.

Dining Area · More Info

@ninigret. I sort of like this. Thanks!

For such large windows it’s best to use the ceiling rods and have curtains pushed on the side as another commenter suggested unless you’re planning on installing nooks for that window. If not liking the ceiling rods you can always mount a wall to wall rod and have C brackets mounted between the windows.

There are rods which can be hung from the ceiling. Your lace sheers would allow the light to come in, and if you want the sheers as draw-drapes, I would have the stack-back only on the right side where the bare section of wall is. If light control is an issue, you can hang light-filtering shades behind the lace sheers. The fan-light seems to be centered on the middle window, which is better than having it centered on the entire wall. Any large furniture (sofa, bed, desk) would be placed against the right side wall to keep the windows exposed.

I agree with Sandy. If privacy and blocking the light aren't concerns, why have any window coverings at all?

Yes, I know what you and Sandy mean. Those windows are truly too beautiful to be covered. I am pretty much committed to a wait-and-see approach at this point. I won’t be moving in for several weeks, and I want to live in the place a while before deciding on next steps. Thanks to you and to everyone.

Oh boy. Great ideas, people. And, pretty windows. My first look brought my eye to the top of the windows. There is something off balance to me. It looks like the top of the window molding is hidden by the ceiling. Also, they are not centered on the wall.
Could you add molding and paint to the bottom to look like each window is paneled all the way to the floor? It would make them a feature in the room. Then on the wider side of plastered wall hang a series of small frames to bring back visual balance. Of course it all depends on your end style. It would be somewhat traditional.

These are good things to think about, LilliCraig. I appreciate your input. And yes, I’m going for the traditional thing. The previous owner left the windows uncovered and had a sophisticated, stripped-down, modern kinda vibe going. I liked it a lot, but I’m an old hippie with Persian rugs and books who likes cushiony furniture. I’ve had a lace curtain addiction for decades, but I’ll just have to wait and see. Thanks again!

Perfect windows for the Hippie vibe. It will look like an old brownstone. Go for it.

Which climate region are you in. If you have heavy winter, the you’ll have to consider heat loss. That will determine the weight of the covering.

floor to ceiling drapes that gather between windows

@jbtanyderi. Yes, well.. winter will be an issue, and lace curtains won’t be any greater of a defense against the cold than would just leaving the windows bare. I’m moving from a relatively warm place to a wintry one, so I may be in denial. I don’t like to think about that lol.

I agree lillicraig, it looks like they raised the ceiling and it does look off but I’ve seen this done in other modern homes and it looks nicer. Maybe they couldn’t execute it properly.