Hi Cathy! Are you planning to leave part of the windows exposed (as they are now)?

When you use short rods, the whole rod needs to be covered, so you'd have to hang it so only 3" cover the window and the rest on the wall.

The problem is, you'd need at least two panels on each side because your window is so wide. It should look like it could close, so one panel is going to look very, very skimpy.

Hire a professional.

Shadylady2u... thanks for your input. That totally makes sense. I only have two panels so I’ll have to see if they still have the same ones available (I ordered months ago!). Is it a hard and fast rule that it should look like it can cover the window?

Karen... yes, I am planning on hanging the drapes for asthetics only. I want the window area to be mostly clear

Mack... I’m hanging drapes, not drywall. I think I can handle it myself - just asking for opinions

Nice Living Room! Not that you asked, but it looks like you’ve got a sort of mid century vibe going on there. What about doing some curtain panels that go along with that ...

Gargamel... can you send some suggestions? Not sure I’m mid century but I’ll take all the ideas I can get! Here are pics of my decor... disregard the mess please!

I’d definitely pick up that colour (teal?) from that beautiful picture. Some mid sized bold pattern. I am not any kind of professional..(.but I am addicted to fabric lol). Google mid century fabric patterns

I agree with Beverly, but to answer your question, yes, it should look like it can cover the whole window.

Beverly... thank you SO much for these pictures. I think I almost made a big mistake! I thought the short rods would look better but, after seeing your pictures, I like the rod that extends the length of the window! Can you comment on the color I choose (Spanish tile by JcPenny, Verona twill)? I want to add some color to my home. I have teal/blue tones and some orange in my pillows (although I change them out seasonally). I had a hard time finding rods that extend the width of my windows...suggestions? Also, what program did you use to do this...LOVE it!!!!

I just cut and paste in MS Paint to create these images.

I like the daring pomegranate / coral / orangey color but I have to admit that I might feel different if the photos you provided were not so very dark. Are the sofa olive green and the shades too?

Where are your rods from and how big is the window?

I love drapes that are full even when stacked and not operational. Sometimes just adding a ribbon/stripe to the face of the drape can make them special and custom.

Sorry about the photos. The light from the windows is making them dark. I tried taking some more. The sofa is a taupe brown color. The blinds are a darker taupe/brown. I bought the rods at pottery barn. I like the decorative rod you have in the photo - where can I purchase?! Let me know what you think of the drape color or if you have other suggestions. I like the blue color that is in my pillows but it is not the same color as in the picture above my fireplace - I’m afraid it might be too much blue. Thanks much for all your help!

How wide is your window? Really long rods usually will have to be ordered custom and the shipping costs will be over the top.

You can either go DIY by buying a long pipe or conduit from Home Depot and painting it, or you can buy wooden rods there and connect two with a double ended screw, hiding the connection with a center mounted bracket.

Sorry for all the photos... somehow the recent ones I posted did not come through

I recently purchased an 8 foot wooden rod, finials, and brackets from Drapery Rods Direct and am very happy with the products. You may want to check out their site. They offer rods and hardware in different styles and materials, and the site has some helpful videos for choosing, measuring, and installing your rods. Your room is so nicely done... I think you'll be happier in the long run with drapes with more fullness.

Hi!

Not a pro.

I really like the drapery color you have chosen.

HI Cathy, I had to find rods that extended 200". They were all so expensive. I wound up finding them on ebay for a great price. My thought was to go all the way across the window too, not the two short rods. The coral is pretty, but its only in your pillows. If you change your pillow, your curtains wouldnt go with anything. I would pick up a color from your art work since we tend to keep art pieces longer. I was searching for a blue/green color for my dining room, ordered these. They were more teal so I didnt use them. But I loved them and found a place for them in a spare bedroom! They will definitely work with your art work, furniture and lamp, if you like them. I would do a few pops of color with the orange/coral, instead of the window.

BeverlyFLADeziner..... where did you find that decorative rod in the picture? What do you think of the drapes I selected? I found a tangerine color as well but feel it would be too orang-ee

Wanted to say “thank you!” to all who helped me decide. I’m very happy with the results

They look great!