Window Treatments?
Answers:
Wooden blinds might be nice in the area you describe. There are a number of types available.
Other answers:
roman blinds with a japanese theme or just go with wicker
roman blinds with a japanese theme or just go with wicker
Before you decide, go outside and see what someone else would see if you just had a valance. You wouldn't want to be undressing or in an intimate moment and have people be able to see you. If it's second floor or above, look across the way from your window--if you can see into your neighbor's place, they'll be able to see you. Same thing applies.
You might want to have a shade that can be rolled up to the top of the window and be hidden by the valance during the day.
If you go with a valance, maybe you could put some plants--bamboo, orchids, something that would do well in that light and have an oriental feel to it--on the window sill to block others' view into your room.