Here are my questions/concerns:
1. What do drapes without blinds look like from the outside? I am afraid they will look like big bedsheets :)

2. How do you keep them clean between washings/dry cleaning? Vacuum with an attachment?

3. Do you think drapes are ok to use in a breakfast nook? We do have kids and sometimes when all of their friends are over things get a little crazy. I'm afraid they might accidentally get stained...

4. I've read old threads about how drapes are hard to close with telescoping drapery rods. Does anyone have any suggestions for inexpensive custom length rods?

Would love to see pics of your drapes and hear your input! Thanks in advance!

1. You don't see them from the outside. Maybe on the rare occasion that I actually close them, in which case they look like white panels (they're insulation lined).

2. I don't really do much. My vacuum came with an allergen attachment set including an attachment for cleaning mattress tops, and I sometimes use that if it has been especially dusty.

3. I have drapes in our eat-in kitchen, and we have a 3 year old. For the most part they've made it through ok. Once we had a "projectile vomit" incident that managed to get splashed onto the drapes (and walls, and inside the floor vents, and on a picture that hangs above our mantel about 6.5 feet up but don't ask me how). Once we had a "pretend to give stuffed panda bear some medicine using juice from our cup and this syrup syringe mommy left on the island" event. I also have sheers tucked behind my drapes and just noticed a few days ago thatone of them has some kind of mysterious oil mark. So far everything has cleaned up just fine. She plays hard and often has friends over, but so far the kitchen isn't a room they tend to congregate it.

4. Lots of options. We just had this topic come up not that long ago. A really, really long rod was needed. Suggestions included PVC piping, gas line pipe, etc. Wood poles work too. Mine are telescoping and the panels can tend to get hung. I think this weekend I'm going to attach them to rings.

I don't have any pictures of the drapes handy, but they're 108" back tab antiqued satin panels with an insualting lining. I have 70" windows so I had to go with 4 panels total, 2 on either side. I've overhung the rod by 16" on either side to accomodate the panels when open without blocking the window. I'm using double "up to 120 inch" curtain rods with a sort of creamy sheer underneath - nice sheers, not the crappy scratchy ones I always thought of when I thought "sheer." Currently no blinds, but I am considering bamboo shades for some texture and when a little extra privacy is needed.

I have twin windows in my kitchen & greatroom so I used the exact same treatment on both.

Lindac- Thank you to you too for your helpful post! Good tip about the scotch guard!

Think about using washable fabric in the breakfast nook.
it will be a smart choice with small children and pets.

my romans are stacked high.