I agree with how Chispa has drawn some stationary panels - I think it will help soften the room.

If you select a fairly sheer drape for the windows it should add some softness without over powering the room

I'd elminate that floor lamp and replace with a tall tropical tree. You can light the tree at the base if you need some ambiant light in the corner.

There are some adjustments needed to the room.

The ceiling fan is not large enough and the pole is too short.

IMO all the seating is too close to the fireplace. I'd move it back so the fan is almost centered over the coffee table.

The bluish seating and the taupe wall to wall carpeting is not working for this room. Any chance there is wood under the carpet?????

Yes to curtains! 🤍

Yes to curtains but I would install the rod between the two sets and leave the top row as more of a transom. As far as curtains just for softening, what do you do with the large black light sucking squares at night? When we entertain we find we want large windows covered so the room is brighter for our guests.

I hate fake drapery panels they either are able to open and close or none . I too like drpaes to sometimes warm up a space but alwys ones that can actually open and close even if you never do it.I have these also at the left end of the row of windows I never close them but I could and they would still look nice and full when closed

I never cover the windows at night when entertaining, unless there is a privacy issue. If you have well designed andscape lighting, you can actually see outside at night and don't end up with "black squares".

I have dogs, so the landscape lighting is also good for safety and being able to see the dogs in the dark, or any critter that might have entered the yard.

Drapery panels that don’t close look afterthoughts.

Yes to curtains! They soften and finish a room.

Thanks to everyone. I’ll look at putting up curtains.

And I wish there was hardwood floors under the carpet! We need new flooring through the house but since it’s open concept and currently there is tile on either side of the carpet trying to figure out what to do. And if keeping consistent throughout the area, probably will need to wait until after deciding on what to do with kitchen, as new cabinets are needed, and don’t want to put in new floors just to have to rip some out… , let’s just say there are lots of decisions to be made.

If you can swing it, hardwood floors is the best option, either solid wood (site finished) or engineered wood (pre-finished). It will last the longest and add more value to your home as well if you ever decide to sell. In addition, it's eco-friendly, unlike the vinyl products that off-gas and are made with toxic chemicals.

I don't have a problem with stationary drapery panels, but they can't be too skimpy. I just did some stationary panels for a guest bedroom. I used an expensive Schumacher fabric, so there was no way I was paying for twice the fabric to have them close all the way, specially with high ceilings, when I already have black-out shades on the windows and don't need drapes that close all the way. The panels add pattern, color and softness ... and not an afterthought at all!

I agree with you, chispa. Almost all the curtain panels I have made are "dress" curtains, meaning that they don't open and close. Fullness is the key, but not overfull. And, as long as the fabric isn't sheer, if you use a heavy-ish lining, you get more bulk too.

No curtains for me. There's 'softness' from the outside landscape, the interior plants which can be substantially increased on the right and the child's grouping in the left corner.

I’ve always thought curtains add a warm, cozy touch to a room, especially in bedrooms and living areas where softness and privacy matter. But honestly, it really depends on your style and function. For example, in modern or minimalist spaces, sometimes sheer curtains or just blinds work better to keep things clean and bright without feeling heavy.

If you have large windows or even curtain wall windows, you might want to consider how curtains will affect the view and natural light. Curtains can help with insulation and soundproofing — something to keep in mind if you live in a noisy area or want to improve energy efficiency. On the other hand, for expansive glass areas, discreet shades or no window treatments might keep the look more streamlined.

The windows give the room a more modern feel while the fireplace and cabinetry on each side impart a more traditional feel. So, there's a bit of a dichotomy there. So, curtains may give the windows a bit more of a traditional feel but would certainly be careful with the choice of curtain fabric. Am also wondering if you should leave the transoms uncovered and have curtains only for the lower windows.

Sheer, yet full panels do soften and allow light as long as they can be opened to the point where window view not obscured, Can they be pulled to the right of the window instead of tight wall to the left? No to both lamp and tall plant in that left corner. Reconsider lighting in room and see if this is an opportunity to incorporate sconce(s) or uplighting from a short floor light.