Yes, I think it's a contradiction in terms :) But not that awful. Have you considered about blackout curtains?

I have no clue what the issue is . IMO no such thing as tasteful elegant cellular shades but I need to see the spaces and understand why blackout . So post some pics here in a comment, do not start another post . Thn we can help. IMO drpaes and roller blinds work really well for blackout in a guest room I use that system often for clients where blackout is a must.

Some are worse than others. The most attractive IMO are Hunter Douglas Duettes (link to Youtube video) in a textured fabric. They're about 4X+ more costly than budget online cellular shades.

Cellular shades with a valance or cornice board on top to add your 'elegant'. Some cellular shade fabrics mimic linen.

I think functional matters more than elegant if you are going to be sleeping there.

Alone with no side panels? Shades standing alone say 'just moved in'; not finished every time. I would step back and ask why one needs TOTAL BLACKOUT to begin with.

Blackout is needed because we have an insomniac family member who regularly retreats there The window is large and deeply recessed. we don't have room for draperies. Home office in a city apt. Am noting that flat Roman shades do not provide worse blackout than a cellular shade and they look so much nicer.

I'm in the exact same situation - home office / guest room, in NYC apartment, need black out for guest sleep, large recessed bay window, drapes won't work. Cellular blackout seems to be the best choice. Don't know if Shade Store is in your budget but I was surprised to find samples there that had a nearly grasscloth looking texture with a tiny bit of shimmer. Much more elegant than I ever imagined cellulars could be. We might go with their Heather Earth material. You can order samples online. https://www.theshadestore.com/shades/cellular-shades/custom-cellular-shades

It is possible that other online shade companies have nice materials as well. I just have not explored. Only other brand I looked at were Hunter Douglas and the material was icky paper like what you'd expect from cellular.

Not convinced that flat Roman shades are worse at blackout than cellulars. And they certainly look better!