Plain white roller blinds in all of the bedrooms, white "silhouette" sheer blinds on the bay window in the kitchen, lightweight white sheers in the living room and dining room, nothing on the basement windows, and TRULY HIDEOUS brown patterned curtains in the family room. As soon as the budget allows, the family room curtains MUST GO. Until then, there they hang. Of course, they match the hideous brown patterned wallpaper. (Previous owner had the curtains designed in the same pattern. Blech!)
Although we're on a corner, we have a lot of privacy. And the design of the house (lots of overhang on the roof to keep the sun away from the windows in summer, trees act as a wind break in the winter) helps to regulate the temperature in all seasons.