i'm torn between the mirror on the left (to help make the space look even bigger with reflections) and a 3-4 shelf bookshelf that will have your books and that beautiful little potted plant on it, too :). Question: is the window street-facing? Will it always be closed or do you open it from time to time?

I think a valance and the mirror you showed may be too much (but then again, I"m more of a minimalist, so it depends on you!); perhaps a (printed) roman shade will work well here? :).

I would like to see a simple and light colored/patterned fabric valance to dress up the window. I would also install open shelves on the side of the window with plants, books, vases or pictures. I don't think a mirror on the side of the window would help with reflected light.

What is the view through the window? Do you open the blinds every day? Do you need sheers for privacy? A long tension rod could hold curtains. A pair of rods could hold sheers and decorative fabric curtains.

Newyorkaise and apple_pie_order the view is of portions of the neighbor’s homes (one’s garage and the other’s side house). It used to be of the lake before they built there. I can still see a bit of mountains in the distance though!

I do have the Venetian blinds currently for when I do want privacy but during the day, they’re typically open.