The Siloutte or Pirouette blinds allow you to see through, but still blocks harsh rays. I had some from Levilor and loved them.

cellular top down option

I had Hunter Douglas Silouettes in a previous home and they were great. Beautiful and didn't block the view Yet filtered the sun.

Have you considered tinted window film?

These are all great suggestions! I was unfamiliar with the silouette style and I like that look a lot. I had not considered tinted window film. I think we want it as clear as possible until about 4PM :)

wow! Nice! Thanks, redsilver. I feel so clueless when it comes to all of this stuff!!!

It's an education, to be sure! Than you can get some nice grommet or cafe ring drape panels that are not lined even, for nighttime privacy, and, acoustics if your house echoes with television and talking and such.... and to make homey/cozy/comfortable, the home areas, and in the daytime, the solar shades block the fading UV rays and save your drapes/ furnishings....they keep it at least 10 degrees cooler in the summer where I work with the a/c on and they do a great job blocking north wind in the winter too.. Make certain you measure properly if you want them inside your window. Some have a tolerance of 1 inch less than you order, or similar so, don't order 1 inch less width and than you get a 2 inch gap(been there done that), so try to get a knowledgable sales person for the company or in person wherever you buy them and see if they run true as your order or if they are lessened by 1 inch from your width and length measurements..