There are three big windows in the family room, and then a smaller window in the stairwell on the other side of the room. Next to the family room is the kitchen, with a wall of windows there, too, so I'll have to tie them in somehow.

Thanks! Any other suggestions welcomed, too. :)

Oh, wait - you wanted window treatment ideas......

During the day, I'd want it as open as possible. It looks as if you have some kind of shade or mini blind now and I'd stick with something like that that disappears when open. But at night, large expanses of black glass can feel cold and uninviting, especially if you're in a climate that actually does get cold. The trick is finding a type of covering that can accomplish both. Certain types of roman shades fold up smaller than others, and that would be my choice. Not sure of the proper name, but I think of them as pencil pleat roman shades. If you picture the way a cellular shades draw up and stack tight, that's what I'm picturing, but of course, with fabric the stack height is going to be bigger. I'll get a picture for you in a bit. Nothing fussy, texture not pattern. Keep the focus on the view when open and in the room, not the window coverings, when closed.

I think that much in pleated or roman shades would not cozy things up at all, especially in neutrals. If anything at all, perhaps panels on the sides. Otherwise, drape the whole window wall and have them stack on the sides.

But I'd leave them just as they are. Beautiful. Simple. Glorious all on their own.

Anyway, I'm working on the same issues, and everyone here said "wait.. live in the house a while". We have been living here for 1 month (owned the house 10 months and worked on it always everyday). I really didn't want to "live with it" so, I bought valances.. thought they looked "okay" but decided after seeing so many houses without anything, to return them. So, they are without anything right now.. I may change my mind - but for now, I like it with nothing, and I'm going to take GWebber's advise.. live with it for a while!

I still have a lot of light coming through.

After

Before

I live on a large acreage so privacy is not an issue for me either and we lived with few WT for the first 10 years. However, I felt most comfortable at night with the outdoor lights on to mitigate the 'black hole' appearance and I could still see a lovely view of our yard and trees - especially magical in the snow. Those high power lights do cost in electricity tho and I only do that on one side of the house for a couple of windows that are not fully covered now. I have panels that can be pulled on the other windows.

I think Roman blinds are one of the nicest, simplest treatments for windows such as yours. Leave the clerestory windows bare and only hang the Roman blinds on the lower ones as the venetians are now.

Any chance you know the name of the paint color? I love it.

Apologies for jumping on to your thread to ask a question myself. You have a discerning eye so whatever you choose will no doubt look terrific. Enjoy your new home.

You could also add panels between the windows if it still doesn't feel warm enough or doesn't look right.

We have those transom windows in our home and I used rods and panels.

I'm in the middle of making my own valances with a heavier fabric too. My Mom is a seamstress Super Star and when I told her I was thinking about skipping the lining, her advise to me was don't. She said that in addition to the fact that it does protect the fabric from UV rays, it also provides a more polished look and helps them hang better. Just figured I'd pass that on since we're both in the same boat. :c)

For those who asked, the paint color is Benjamin Moore's Dried Parsley. I had it in my old house and was thrilled that it looked nice in this house as well.

Thanks again for your help!

I love your valances - they're gorgeous, and perfect for your windows. I would love those on my kitchen windows, I think. Thanks for sharing!!

Karen

Renee