apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I have 14ft ceilings and think it best that curtains be ceiling to floor to show off the gorgeous height of the room.

I have high ceilings too. I used Indian silk saris, which come about nine yards long and were cheaper than buying fabric (if you have access to an Indian neighborhood. You could try eBay, but you probably won't find matching ones, which a store can order for you.)

I agree that full-length draperies will look really luxe, but they can be extremely expensive. If you need a cheaper alternative, hang the drapes from the dividing point between the upper and lower windows. I assume privacy is not a concern with the upper windows?

For the windows on the lowest wall to either side of the fireplace: Hang the rod just below the ceiling and have panels made that reach the floor with a small break, like a properly tailored pair of men's trousers.

For the windows in the same space that are on the angled/higher walls - Hang the rods at exactly the same height off the floors as the rods on the lower walls and have your drapery panels made for the exact same length.

Remember the rule for fullness: 150-200% of the total width of the space to be covered is needed in fabric width for your drapery panels unless these are dummy panels which will never be closed - and make sure that your draperies are lined so that there's no filter-through when the draperies are closed.

For the transom window above the front door and to the left of the entrance - Leave them bare.

Finally, use more of the drapery fabric for throw pillows, dining chair upholstery, ottoman/footstool/bench upholstery, etc. to help unify the space. If it's a patterned fabric, consider using it to also upholster the inside of the niche that's above the landing of your staircase - then hang a large round mirror in the center.

I agree with farmhousemoderne's cheaper alternative. Mostly because I feel the ceiling is way too high to hang floor to ceiling curtains.

If you use silk saris, the cost will be about $150 per window. But from the look of the place, money doesn't seem to be much of an object.

"But from the look of the place, money doesn't seem to be much of an object."

Indeed - Anyone who's just bought a house these days with marble floors can't be too concerned about money...

you don't provide a height... I have purchased 108" drapes for my windows at Pottery Barn and Williams sonoma. I love the lined dupioni silk panels.

PS -- the higher the better. i hang my rods 3" from the ceiling for my 96" drapes, and about 12" from the ceiling for my 108" drapes.

I disagree with the assessment that money isn't an issue. I've seen a lot of "updated" homes built to impress first-time buyers in which they cram marble etc to convince the buyers--especially when the house is...vintage. I do love the marble, though.