Oh, and they don't touch the ground all the way because we have scorpions on this part of TX, and they like to crawl up curtains...ick.

They also look not quite full enough. What is your fullness ratio? I was taught that panels should always be at least 2x the width being covered (ex. 42" window = 84" panel) or a width and a half of fabric (ex. 54" fabric = 81" panel) whichever is greater.

I think drapery weights in the bottom might help them hang better too.

Most men ALWAYS think drapes should be hung on the window casing from what I've seen...lol. Pay no attention. :)

Doesn't matter that they don't touch the floor since they'll be swooped back...that looks nice.

I can understand why you have them off the floor a bit if scorpions are a problem!

If you're not loving seeing the white blinds I second changing them to woven wood if it's in the budget. Seeing your white blinds don't bother me though since your trim and door are white.

I don't think they're mounted too high, and I probably would've raised them higher. My DH said the same thing at first when I raised our LR curtains to the bottom of the crown moulding. :) I like the fabric so much though that I probably wouldn't redo or replace the one you have if it doesn't bother you. It's still higher than the window and door.

Left to right I see a patio door, a bit of space, and then two windows butting a fireplace. The window-fireplace-window arrangement is odd enough, but when you add drapery panels and hide the windows, it looks like you are trying to fit drapery panels on either side of the fireplace.

It looks less strange when the drape is pulled back.

Question about the color: my screen is showing gold drapes on a raspberry colored wall. Is that what's really there?

I would also add some fringe trim to the side of the curtain to help make them seem a little more fuller.

I don't think the issue is with the height you have them but in doing that, the goal is to dool the eye. But since you can see the wall above the window and the blind-header, it's not working. I think you need to have that top line of the panel hide all that like in the pic I have below.

I think that the light stone of the fireplace and the white blinds are a big light mass that make the curtains really jump out. Some wood or woven wood blinds would look really nice. I agree with those above that the curtains might need to be a little fuller. They do look best when they are swagged back. Would it be possible to divide the panel in two, and swag back both sides? It might look a little more balanced.

I just finished installing panels next to a fireplace in a formal living room. The room is very different from yours as is the fabric. I'll try to get it posted to my blog in a few more days.

Dillydally- Actually, scorpions tend to stick to baseboards when they come in. Very rarely do I see one in the middle of the room. My daughter has 95 inch panels that touch the floor in her room, and I have found scorpions on the panels more than once.

I think you need to make 3 more panels, not 1. Then hang 2 panels on each rod. This would definitely solve the fullness problem. It would also bring some definition to the FP, some separation between the blinds and the stone.

To bring them lower w/o moving the rod, you could try some of those ring/clips. I understand about the scorpions--but I just can't see having my drapes that short. If they get in your house, they are going to be "somewhere" so they may as well be on the drapes, not in the baby stuff. Anyway, won't they hide in those pretty baskets you have there now??

When my parents lived in Houston, they had a monthly plan with a pest company because of the scorpions. Have you tried that?

Laurie

I also agree with this:

" If they get in your house, they are going to be "somewhere" so they may as well be on the drapes, not in the baby stuff. "

If you get scorpions in the house then they are going to be hiding somewhere, better to be on the curtains where you know where to look for them instead of some unknown hiding place. I grew up in an area with scorpions and they do seem to like attaching themselves to fabric but it's better than having them crawling and hiding in other places where you might not expect them so I would also lower the curtains and get into a habit of checking them for scorpions if you think they are going to be in there.

Enjoy!
Ellen
Nouveau Stitch

ellen, I love your shopping bag line-up decor, it makes me regret not having saved mine; I also adore your silk diamond drapes with the thin black band.
I bookmarked your blog.

Thanks for the compliments! I love sewing ~~ especially window treatments!

Ellen

everyone has already put in some great ideas, to be sure. i concur. but had to tell you how drawn i am to your choice of fabric and trim combo...superb!

I think the curtain you have made on the left is nice - I don't think it needs to be longer or fuller - I just think whatever is on the right needs to match. PS - good job sewing your curtains! I have made curtains (not as elaborate as yours) and I know its a lot of work!

Laurie