Would a solid cream with some texture work instead if I need to go with a solid Instead of a pattern by the rug? I'd rather not do a solid gray.

Also, does it matter whether the panels are semi sheer/ light filtering or if they're opaque? I don't need light blocking with my blinds and I will never close the curtains. I dont know how to tell how many panels per side I need either. :/

Yes, a solid cream would work - I'd try to be slightly darker than your wall color so they don't feel washed out. As to opacity, you have the luxury of either as it sounds like you will not pull the drapes at all. The rule of thumb for drapery volume is 2 - 2-1/2 times the wide of the window. But, again, as the drapes won't be pulled, you could probably err on the 1.5-2 times width. So, take the total width and use that number for the width of each side panel - I'm guessing you might have approx. 84" of window which means each panel could be 60-84" wide based on 1.5-2 times (84 x 1.5 = 126 / 2 sides = 63" and 84 x 2 - 168 / 2 sides = 84"). Hang your rod beyond the width of the windows so that the panel when gathered nicely falls a good 6-10" beyond the window and into the window. Will make it look very luxurious.

Mmmm, wonder if the scale of these would work with the rug.

Benson Grommet Top Curtains, Gray White, 84" · More Info

Another one, these have a very small subtle diamond pattern.

Warm Gray Pintuck Custom Euro Pleat Drape Single Panel · More Info

ooh, I like the 2nd "pintuck" one.

Yes, that warm gray is a good one!

I think you should buy them and see how they look in your room. If the colors were reversed (grey background cream pattern) I would say probably not but they just might be different enough to work in the room. They will "read" differently with light coming in from the window anyway so I think you need to see them in the room. I love the pattern!

Is this the same problem or any better? I don't think I want darker than my walls so if I cant find a good cream/white with pattern I will have to go with solid cream I guess.

I think so - the scale of the pattern seems very similar in size to your rug. Again, hard to say from pictures, but it seems so.

Have you look at Home Decorators on line? some nice neutrals with soft patterns. This one is interesting:

http://www.homedecorators.com/p/rosabelle-embroidered-curtain-panel/10/440/

Thank you, I will look into the site. I would prefer grommet topped panels so that is also a challenge to find in my preference.

You know by now that the pattern sizes in the rug and drapes can't work if they are too close in size. If you love that pattern for the windows, could the rug be moved elsewhere?