I'm a big fan of no drapes for a crisper look but in this case, a fabric addition would be helpful here.

I would do drapes by the kitchen table but would take off the valence by the sink. It makes the window look small and leave it with nothing. OR raise the valance higher.

Yes, I agree with tennisanyone about removing the valance by the sink. I'm sure others are going to chime in here so go for it everybody.

Why is it too big? I really liked the design.

Or do you think ugly

I like the idea of a valance for the window with color and pattern. This fabric seems a bit lightweight and I think a box valance that was more structured might work better. If in the same room, I would have window treatments in the dining room and kitchen that were the same or coordinated with each other, perhaps the same valances for each area. A pleated box valance shade example:

Okay please keep some thoughts coming.

It's just that you can do better than the current valance. The box valance shown above is ideal. In that pic, note how it brought in color and the style is crisp and sophisticated.

I think it looks great as it is! Keeps the room simple but classy at the same time. If you decide to put drapes or curtains up, don't get too heavy with them. The window looks clean and simple right now. Nice choice on the top down bottom up honeycombs by the way!

The blinds currently over the windows of the dining area are ideal for privacy - and the ones I have seen are easy to raise and lower. I would add a valance or scarf over those two windows using colors from your current color scheme in your house.

As for the kitchen window valance, if you like it, keep it (if it works with your new curtains) but I would raise it so it covers less of the window - the picture makes it look as if it is several inches below the window frame and blocks light and space and view,

The pattern in the fabric of the valance looks fresh, it is the style of the header that makes it appear dated. Plus, I think your window is too big for that valance--that valance would look better gathered up about half the distance it covers now. I would probably leave that window empty to let the light shine in, and add side panels in the eating area, installed up high.

She could get another valance, gather it up , to make it look better more full. Agree. And raise it higher if there is space to ceiling.

I could easily get a duplicate valance to add and raise to ceiling I thought I needed to dress up the window but here is a great compare or with or without

I could get another valance and raise it to the ceiling. I thought the window needed to be dressed up. Here is a compare without

I think you could use something, particularly given that the window is below the adjacent cabinets.

raise the valance so that the shortest point is just covering the glass on the window... then hang stationary some side panels in the same color that is in the valance... BTW that valance could be board mounted

You could do a structured valance above the kitchen window. Choose a fabric, take some batting and upholster an appropriate sized sheet of wood. I would install long drapes in the dining room - maybe floor to ceiling length. It makes it appear elegant - style is your choice. As for the bay window; I would think about a drape or curtain hung outside the frame and utilize the space within.

Mgreen, yes I think that will look good, raising it to ceiling and adding duplicate valance . I'm not a design professional, but I have a valance above my kitchen too. It's got a little wave but probably needs to be gathered some more...I'll probably go out and buy a duplicate valance myself!!

Like this if you can see it.

I hung drapes outside the frame in my dining room like traleeswanson suggested, and it's a great way to add color and drama without losing light.

A roman shade installed above the kitchen sink right to the ceiling. Coordinating side panels above dr window, installed with a rod right at the ceiling.

Or, just move up the kitchen valance, and add side panels that coordinate in the dr. ( make sure the rod is at the ceiling)

Now that I see your whole kitchen, I still stand by my decision to leave the kitchen window without anything. I think it takes away from your beautiful view out the window. My eye went to the valance and now it goes out the window with the nice view. If you really can't live without one, then get another one that is heavier in weight.

Thanks for the ideas. I'm going to try something with this and post the result when I can.

btw--adding a duplicate valance of what you have won't exactly work. You will have more fullness, yes, but the center scallop will no longer be in the center. The center will now be where the two short ends meet. Don't think it will look good. --imho.

Consider moving the sink valance up to ceiling height and adding a contrast fabric/trim to the bottom of the valance to add interest/another color. Then have panels (on a rod, mounted to the crown) to the floor in the same fabric as valance with the contrast fabric/trim on the lead edge or duplicate the same valance at the table windows.

One last question- in dining area what color rod should/could I use? Should it be oil rubbed bronze like all other hardware in the kitchen? Just appliances and faucet are stainless steel.

Here's another picture

That would look great.