Why not hang drapery panels on the main wall in front of the windows? It could add some color to the area and also accentuate the depth which you could use to create another seating area. You could add a bench or build in seating all the way across. Add upholstered cushion and toss pillows to create a cozy nook.

Have you considered woven wood shades? They can be up all of the time or if you choose a looser woven material even if it were down it would be open looking and you could get light through it. I am sure you love the windows as they are but you will be surprised at how much you will love them with a little treatment. it will make the room look more finished.

Two words...plantation shutters!

You don't need any window treatments. Windows are beautiful all by themselves. I would center the couch, etc, more in front of the window. It looks like all the furniture in
squished in one corner. And by doing that I don't think you would block the view. And then maybe put 2 smaller club chairs on each side of the fireplace.

I agree w j222b. You don't need window coverings - so why spend the money?

You don't need curtains. The windows ARE the decoration. But I would NOT put any big piece of furniture in front of the windows either. I believe in keeping the view open. Seating can be placed from the sides in toward the room or angled from the corner so you can sit and look out but never in front of the window itself. the idea of window seat is nice. I had these same windows in our last home and we loved them as did everyone who came to visit. We never covered them up and we were far enough from anyone else who might look in to not be a bother.

Wallpaper or paint the alcove to set it off as the major focal point it is.

Sounds like you don't really need window coverings. If you simply wanted to add some texture or interest, plus have the option of some privacy or sun control (if you ever would need that), you could have top down / bottom up shades mounted on the top horizontal window mullion going down to the window sill. The material could be a loosely woven wood roman shade to give texture while still giving some view. Window treatments are not inexpensive, so if you're not going to use them, don't feel peer pressure from your neighbors to add window covering!

I agree- no window coverings on the large window if you don't need the privacy. It's really your focal point. I would add a large tree in the corner on the left to soften the area. Also some art on the wall would be nice. You could add valance treatments or soft woven shades on the windows by the kitchen.

We may be in the same boat. I never wanted window treatments for my large bank of windows that face east (rising sun). HOWEVER, after 11 years, I can no longer abide the glare of the morning sun; therefore, I'm having exterior auto up/down covers installed soon. They hide in the header when retracted. Again, they are exterior so I don't have to deal with the mechanics on the inside---and when retracted into the header they are unobtrusive on the outside of windows. Will provide manufacturer when I get info from designer. And PS: I don't have room on left, right, or center of windows for draw drapes; plantation shutters are out of the question because of 20' height.

I personally think the room needs softening and suggest simple lightweight cafe curtains in a little check whatever color ( I think colors would add warmth to the room) you like. I would put the rods at the height of the top of the vertical glass in the side windows and keep it that height for the center window as well. I would paint the interior of the alcove walls the same color of your fabric and add a window seat with drawers of hinged seat....who can't use more storage?...and a cushion or cushions in the same fabric with perhaps contrasting floral pillows. I would move the piece of furniture to the right of the windows to the wall to the right of the fireplace and move the sofa with its back to the window so that it is on the opposite side of the fireplace facing the window. In front of the window seat you could put a long table or smaller table(s) for eating or coffee or books. Toss some coordinating pillows on the sofas, some coordinating placemats and napkins on your island. These things can take your window from background to focal point. BTW, no reason to close the cafe curtains if you don;t need privacy. Their very presence with create warmth and personality.

I agree with "custom draperies" suggestions. In one of my houses I used drapery panels (hung by metal rods with metal rings) with fabric that was almost the exact color as the wall. Texture with no distinct pattern will soften the look and sound of the room. Warms things up!

ps I would also consider some art or built in bookshelves and some lamps (floor and table) to give ambient lighting.

and maybe paint the ceiling a slightly lighter sahde of the wall or maybe add faux beams

this could become a great cozy built in window seat with a cushion and some pillows with a great vista! No need for window treatments with a such a nice view

I had a friend who had windows similar (except they went through the 2nd story too - facing west. Her problem was the afternoon heat. Is that the reason you want to put up some kind of window treatment? If so, you might check on the UV treatments (like for cars). Your light, view, etc., would remain.

Your room looks lovely. You did a great renovation.

If your goal for curtains is privacy without blocking the light, may I suggest:

- Ceiling mounted channel/track pole sets in the dark brown/copper colour. [example: 'Mirage' from Sears] Hang one from the 'ceiling' on either side of the peak of the window box, deeply set so they are flush to the window.

- Hang pleated, floor length, pale/cream coloured sheers for privacy without losing light. The sheers don't have to perfectly match the colour of the wall paint, once hung they will blend in. With sheers you should not lose the beautiful outline of the windows during the day.

- Add a decorative hook to hold the curtains closed at the peak, where the two sides come together.

Lighting option - If you want to increase the light in the evening you could also add two small, recessed lights into the 'ceiling' of the window box, aimed down to the floor. This effect creates a 'curtain' of light in the evening which makes the sheer curtains more opaque.

I hope these suggestions keep you inspired and I wish you all the best in your project, but it looks like you are doing very well on your own.

We have a very similar set-up in our family room except our upper level windows are a pentagon flanked by two trapezoids. We live in the woods, don't need privacy, love the light, and have no issues with heat one way or the other. Since you never pulled your shades before, I would just say NO to any window treatment. Your room is gorgeous the way it is. Windows do not need to be dressed.

I would also add some art work on the walls , sofa table behind the sofa perpendicular to the window and I would pull them out and back just a bit so the room does not feel too heavily weighted to one side. If you need window treatments for privacy I would do three rods hung from just under the top arch windows out to sides as farr as it will go -with a custom drape in a natural fabric with some texture or slubs with a relaxed pinch pleat on rings so you can open and close easily.

Apparently you don't need privacy here, so why cover the extremely decorous windows at all?

Beautiful!! Maybe a simple, rustic bench under the middle window and yes, an accent color a shade or two darker than your current wall color. And I'd only do the walls around the windows. Easy, peasy!

to make it simple, where each window has a crossbar, I think simple neutral roman shades mounted at the crossbar on each window that would cover the area of window below the crossbar when closed, leaving the upper half rounds open. I think it would be lovely. To help anchor the space, I think you would love a windowseat under each window separately, or one built the entire length of the window area as one unit.

I think a few plants on the floor are all you need to make that area seem more a part of the room.

It looks like a climate that does get cool (the fireplace is the clue for me). How much heat do you lose thru the glass? That would be the only reason I would consider window coverings.Other than that I think there are a lot of good suggestions above, especially those that add some accessories and colour to the mix. Great reno! Good luck!

If you don't do something to filter the light you will get sun fade on your beautiful hardwood floors. You may want to at least consider adding a UV tint to the glass. This will help protect your interiors. I do like the idea of a simple shade installed at the mullion level maybe with a little texture to compliment the wood and leather. The sliding door is always the toughest because you need a one-way stack. Vertical blinds with a nice textured fabric look very clean and stack well. You hardly notice them when they're open but you can at least secure a little privacy there. Good luck!

Another vote for no curtains!
The furniture arrangement may be the problem here. You seem to have two loveseats. If new furniture is a possibility, a full size sofa facing the fireplace, and a large wing chair (or two) by the firplace would better balance the room.

There is no ambient lighting.

The dried flowers on the stand in the corner are dwarfed there. It calls for a substantial etagere, book case, or built in, with a very large piece of art on the wall by the window.
A built in window bench under the middle window would take up some of the bareness, and then perhaps a few large lush plants on the right side of the window would draw the outdoors in.

Please don't spoil that view with window treatments--they're not called for here.

Adding a curtain pole across the innermost wall with see-through gauzy material that is always pulled to the sides is a nice look. I put some in my house that is beige on beige horizontal bands but very sheer and left them rumpled at hem...

If you need the privacy you could have a tint added to block the view. If not, I would leave the windows alone. You could add a rug to warm the room/anchor it a bit. I love the sunlight though, makes you feel good. Window treatments will block it.

I couldn't resist to comment....your windows are beautiful and it appears you have privacy. Do not cover them in any way!!

My suggestion, go with jaypamwhite's idea. Sounds like the best alternative, that way they are there when you want them and then gone when you don't.

oooh-you added another photo. What a beautiful space and you've tied the two rooms together very well, in my book. I'd rather see you do a window dressing in the dining area, a large piece of art--maybe metal? behind the chair and a more colorful piece (picking up your blues) on the wall to the left of your windows. Hopefully, something you love yet a bit unexpected? But then I love a pop of unexpected!

I have lived in my home for over thirty years - there are no window treatments on the windows overlooking the courtyard. Why would I want to cover a view of my garden and all the birds that visit my bird feeders. Who says every window needs to be dressed! A bench or window seat would be nice - or even a desk under the center window. Add some plants to the room to bring more outdoors in! I have plantation shutters throughout the rest of my house. They are nice for privacy - but unnecessary in this situation.

Snip-any thoughts?

Wow! You guys are wonderful! I just got back form vacation and was amazed to see all of the fabulous suggestions. I think that I have decided to go without window treatments. That is the look that I truly liked, but was feeling like I was just leaving things unfinished. I do love the window seat, lighting and accessories ideas. I think I will focus more on those areas to make things look more finished.

Yes, a window film if there's a lot of heat and glare. Modern roll blinds also allow you to see outside. Your kitchen is beautiful. A built in window seat that comes out of the niche stretching across on either side with bookcases, and or art niches on the walls could give balance and richness to the space. Left of the stone hearth, a tall floor lamp with a reading chair. On the right side of the hearth, remove the couch and consider a 2nd chair. That's more than you asked for.

I found these online...they are not exactly your windows, but maybe you can get an idea from them

I like the window seat idea on the left and right window, but not in the middle so one can stand to admire at the view. The seats will add texture to the room and functional seating when you have crowd. Maybe a place for the christmas tree. The way the floor and soffit are designed, you have made a place, adding color or architectural details will enhance the place. You do not need to make it stand out. The geometry of the windows do that. Like makeup, keep the color simple and subtle but enhanced.
Do not do shutters, the block light and view. They are almost 50% solid wood. There is no place for them to go when open as well. The do not seam appropriate in this case.
What a great discussion of ideas this window delima has generated.

Help! A year later and I still haven't finished this room. I did make a decision on the windows and had them tinted. I loved the bench idea for the front window, as you can see in the first picture. But, still can't find anything for the corner that you see in the first picture or the wall behind the chair in the second picture. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Hope these curtain designs will give you some inspirations.

if you have an art gallery in your home town, often they have a rental program for their collections. Many corporate clients take advantage & have quality artwork in their offices. You can do the same. There is no long term commitment and you've got the chance to try different types of art in your home. My sense is you have yet to develop a taste for art that you are comfortable with. Alternately you could make your own.
A set of modern splatter paintings could be a fun project..Fabric stretched on a frame is another possible approach.

In any case try some grouping of prints in your bare corners. Allow the fireplace to be more dominate.

As well, sculptural elements could be good or some larger plants. accessories are best layered. Pay special attention to well decorated rooms to get the idea. Generally that are not completely spare of decorative elements but rather have a combination of size, texture & colour impact to add personality to a space.

Even a mirror, particularly behind the accent table by the chair will reflect the items and add some sparkle.

You've got the foundation in place and it is a great success so far, just need to work on these smaller details now.

And, back to the drapes. some gauzy side panels would help soften the window, in particular the square one in the dining area. As suggested a cafe curtain/side panel could be done on the arched windows at the horizontal mullion, or just over on the edges. of each window as a softening feature.

You need to hang art work on the walls! What do you like? I have framed posters, unframed oil paintings, and rugs hanging on my walls. At other times, I've hung baskets, iron work, and wooden objects. But you need some kind of wall decor to personalize your home.

I could also see stationary window treatments that are mounted right at the ceiling & following the angle but pulled back to highlight your very nice windows. I agree that painting the inset & walls around the windows a darker shade would look better. The contrast of the window trim seems stark with all of the natural light coming into the room.

I love antiques, so it's easy for me to imagine a tall, old cabinet in the corner. I'll try to find a pic.

I like the tall cabinet idea. Would you put it at an angle in the corner? Or, would a screen work in the corner? Or would that look odd? Maybe in wood/metal. With some kind of wood/metal wall hanging behind the chair?

Can you tell me why you don't like artwork? Is it because you can't make a decision? I'm just curious! lol I wouldn't angle a cabinet unless there is another angle happening in the room. IMHO a screen would be just as hard to choose as artwork. It's the absence of art on the wall that makes the room feel unfinished. Where do you live & what do you like to do? Maybe you can use that to make a decision about a wall hanging.

You hit the nail on the head! I can't make a decision, that is why this room has been unfinished for so long! Lol. We live in Minnesota and love the outdoors.

Each side of fireplace, I'd leave bare as you have. You *could* hang something there...but I think it would look cluttered and the bare space is better. See the bare space here:

I'd add a large glass (jug) container to the coffee table to catch light and add some life. See 2 photos:

I really like the idea you had of adding a folding screen to the right corner. The ceilings look high...the screen might have to be quite tall screen in corner

That screen is exactly what I had in mind! If only I knew where to find it.

Google or Bing key words and you might find one or similar. It looks Mission style (Arts & Crafts or Craftsman) style folding screen or room divider.... http://www.bing.com/search?q=craftsman+style+3+panel+folding+room+divider&go=&qs=n&form=QBRE&pq=craftsman+style+3+panel+folding+room+divider&sc=0-0&sp=-1&sk=

Maybe this will help:
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-broad-stroke-ideas-for-choosing-and-displaying-art-stsetivw-vs~8128421