Interesting! I never knew that. Thanks for the tip!

@ BeverlyFLADeziner I think the issue was the weird metal at the top that would show without sheers, but if there's a way to put a wood covering over that, then problem solved and just a long single curtain rod with cool curtains would do the trick. Appreciate the advice!

Do you remember the manufacturer of the blinds? That would be the first place to start. You want the clip on valance to match the wood tone of the blinds.

@BeverlyFLADeziner I don’t, but I know the gallery I bought them from. They might be able to help. They’re old!

Flip up the bottom rail and see if there's a brand label. If not, take the valence down and look on the top. You can leave the valence down to get used to a new look. 22 years is enough to have gotten more than your money's worth out of the tailored valence.

@apple_pie__order good idea. Thanks for the tip. And yes, you’re right…we’ve gotten our money’s worth IMO as well. Husband is a little harder to convince!

I found it! Levolor blinds. I should be able to find the color.

It seems like there should be a basic box inside the valance from which you could remove the fabric and simply reupholster the box with another more simple fabric that perhaps does not swoop down on the sides. You already have all the hardware for hanging it. Even a simple fabric that matches the wall color would be nice.

Great blinds. I'm with your husband on keeping them!

As suggested by @Kendrah, you can redo a simple valance with fabric in the same colour as the wall using the basic box you already have.

@Kendrah and @lisedv I’ve considered redoing it as well. There isn’t a box though. There’s just a top board and the fabric drops down over that board. I have thought about finding a drapery store and checking for a cool fabric to redo it in. I still might!

No to that ^^^, Beverley's last picture looks much more modern. In your last picture it looks to me like the top rail of your blinds while being metal is the same color as the blinds. If so why not leave it and add side drapery panels as Beverley suggested.

No valance or box valance. beverly’s suggestions are best.

If I was under the gun and had to choose today, it would be an oil rubbed bronze or black matte curtain rod with panels. I’ve had it the way it is now for too long. I’m ready for a change.

I hate wood blinds and for sure on nice large windows where I would want to see the view . There are solar shades that would let you control heat , UV and allow you to keep the view and have a nice bright space without the need for full blackout to watch TV Then if night time privacy is amust then nice drapes to give you that privacy . I ahve often found with husbands it is easier to ask for forgivemenss that permission and for sure in all things decor .

@Patricia Colwell Consulting I get what you mean. View is to the highway, so meh. This set of windows is 125” wide, ridiculous, but we have a 1963 ranch. It is what it is for now. We’ll be due for new windows when DH retires in 1.5 years. Those blinds aren’t going to be around for long! lol

You'll be back here next asking us how to get a rod long enough for this window that doesn't require a mortgage.

The rod should extend beyond the window frame by 12" +/-

Will the panels be stationary? Don't think you can hang one panel on each side and expect it to look good.

Guide for Drapery Required

Unfortunately the fixed panal idea does not hide your metal top plate issue. We have wood valances DH made that cover the hardware of UGLY verticle blinds. The blinds hide behind fixed curtain panal 99.9% of the time. The verticles came with the house. Their function really is exactly what works so they stay. If you find the matching hardware cover you can hang small rods for the fixed panals and now worry about spanning the window. Our verticles are always full open so I can't relate to the slotted world you see outside your windows through those blinds. I want maximim view, maximum light through my windows.

The feel of the room is pretty dated and the color seem drab in the photo. Not a fan of wood blinds nor the natural wood trim. Would suggest you consider freshening up the entire room including wall paint and flooring.

Here is a large window that looks about 10 feet wide, similar to your width. Narrow panels from ceiling height would look similar to these drawn back, full width curtains.

Weston Residence · More Info

@Norwood Architects, this house was built in 1963. That trim is ash and is in the entire house. This particular room just got brand new carpet and slate tile at the door. Changing the trim in the entire house would also mean changing every single door as well. We’ll get there. But it takes time (and a lot of money). My entire house has a warm feel. The paint on my walls is SW Navajo White and SW Blonde. I’m not sure what other color to paint everything, because sadly, this room goes into a hallway. If I pick something too dark, then the tiny hallway is dark. I’m trying to get it up to date with the other rooms. It just takes time. These blinds are temporary. New windows will be installed and a brand new front door with DH retires. Pics below for reference as to my other rooms so you can see where I’m trying to go.

@BeverlyFLADezigner I bought a curtain rod 120-170” so I’m good there. I also found the company to make me the snap-on valances in a custom length thanks to your advice (to cover the metal), and I have curtain swatches coming from TwoPages. The custom valances were only $75, so I’m not out much if they don’t work. And I think you’re right. I’m going to need two panels if I read the advice right in TwoPages.

HU-787167202 I feel you. The blinds aren’t my favorite, but when new windows go in to match my other new windows, I won’t have to have these anymore. It just takes time to do everything. Good windows aren’t cheap!

The kitchen granite is gorgeous.

If you are interested in new wall paint colors, a warmer color would set off the wood and granite.

This is an excellent article: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/11-terrific-paint-color-matches-for-wood-details-stsetivw-vs~9025200

@apple_pie_order My kitchen and fireplace area is SW Kilim Beige. I’ve considered painting my other space that I posted above, it’s just that I can’t go too dark since it goes into a tiny hallway. Unfortunately, that hallway can get dark in a hurry with the wrong color of paint. All we’ve really done so far is new carpet and slate tile. I’m working on new furniture and stuff, I just focused on the window first. Paint will have to wait until I decide on furniture colors. And yes, LOVE my granite and fireplace stone. I love color and warmth!

Usually a hwy view also includes other things to see . Lighting is how you brighten any space so a dark hallways needs light , paint color really matters not a lot. I have done hallways with dark colors , art and a ton of lighting it looks awesome . Those linds make everything feel dark and heavy .

I finally got the wood pieces to cover up the top of my blinds, and I also got my gigantic curtain rod. Question for all the experts. Google search tells me that the curtain rod brackets have to be spaced evenly across the top of the window. Is that entirely necessary? I already have holes where the valance thingy was. With this gigantic curtain rod, I have 6 brackets.

Instead of patching existing holes (which would then require me to have to repaint this room), can't I just use those and then space the other ones where they look nice and spaced and reuse the holes already there? The valance was put up with three brackets, and the brackets were centered with each window (smaller, big, smaller). If I use those holes, then put one at each end of the entire set of windows, and one next to the center hole of the big window, that would be 6 total. Does that work? I've attached photos of what I'm referring to.

I assume the holes are where there are studs? If htat is a yes then of course you can use those holes. Hanging a rod with curtains is about making sure the rod doesn't sag or fall down. Those two things depend on the span w/o support the rod is expected to make and the weight of the curtains. There's no reason to assume you can't use the holes. Usually one wants the stack of the open curtains to be off the window to maximise the view. Since yours is a highway, maybe it's ok to cover much of the window? Personal preference here. Hanging curtains way above the window trim leaves an odd gap of wall. I don't like that look--but to each their own! 'THEY' say it makes your ceilings seem taller. Again do what suits YOU!

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We also have a huge window in our living room. 10 feet, I believe, it's never been covered. Honestly I didn't know what to put up!

North facing, plus a covered veranda, the sun usually doesn't bother us.

I'm curious what you decided to do?

@MeandU W and @HU-787167202, here’s the synopsis. Yes, the holes are studs and where my previous large valance thingy brackets were. I’m just now realizing that I’m going to probably use the center one, but the other two have to be on the outer edges. I’m not really going to be able to follow many of the curtain do’s and don’ts given my space. There’s not really a way to use 6 brackets evenly as far as I can tell. The curtain panels would be all over the place. And I’m not thinking any higher than what the holes are I don’t think. That remains to be seen I suppose. I’m a little concerned that 3 brackets won’t be able to hold the weight, but I won’t know for sure until I order the curtains. Currently, I’m waiting on new furniture delivery before I decide curtain color. I’ll definitely report back!