Pretty much anything cordless and/or top-down-bottom-up (TDBU) would work. Remember with TDBU, there will be the guide cords exposed in the glass area of the window when in the top-down use. Some clients don't mind them, others do.

We inherited cordless cellular up/down shades (some Bali) in most rooms. Although I like them for their practicality and insulation, I would never, ever have them with small children or pets. They're really quite fragile in that it's easy to dent and crush the folds. Even when that area pops back, it's still shows as "injured". I have some already like that and we have no kids or pets! (Hmmm....) The fabric is such that it attracts dust and hair. To top it off, your windows are sooo low that they're going to be always in the line of fire.

What about simple linen curtains on each window? Ikea has some very nice ones. Choose a style that can easily be opened and closed as needed. Linen is washable.

I've had cordless shades from Bali for about 4 months and am happy so far. I found the best price through Costco.

I second the IKEA panels if you forego blinds/shades. I have the Lenda which is a gorgeous linen texture in a wonderful taupe tone...goes with everything it seems. They come extra long, hem to your length. Super cheap, washable, durable....I've had them for 7 yrs now. Good privacy but they also allow some light through.

Thanks everyone for the new ideas and the Bali comments. I'll have to go look at the IKEA linen panels, I'm unfamiliar with them.

We thought about top down bottom up, but we know a couple people with them who have complained about the fragility of the top down feature. Will have to look at some more reviews.

Here's a closeup pix of the IKEA Lenda panels. Ikea's pix are miserable...doesn't give you much of an idea what you're buying. They do come with tabs which I don't care for so I cut them off, fold over to the length I need and flip it; turning the top into the bottom of the panel. (They even send the fusible tape to hem with :) I then use clip rings. They come in 2 lengths, both extra long. They have a rich look; it's hard to believe how little they cost; especially compared to most of the crap panels out there. That darker stitching you see is a nice detail.

Hey There: Pleated Blinds or Panel blinds don't cut it in your situation - your kids can still grab them and they can get dirty or crushed. In you case we would recommend roller shades with a short endless chain operation - your kids cant reach them and you can close them at nite....