I need to get rid of the curtains in our master bedroom as they are old and faded. I think I want something different, but am not sure what to do.

The walls are a warm French vanilla, the woodwork is that middle-of-the road yellowish looking oak. The two windows are twelve-paned. They go up to within a few inches of the 7.5' high ceiling.

The bedroom can be seen from the road, so we need something, but I like to be able to look up and see the moon and the stars at night. Has anyone done a half shade? Are there room darkening cafe curtains? Would you hang them inside the pane or outside?

I don't like frou-frou, but I don't want my bedroom windows to look like they are in an office! Help, please!