your least expensive option is probably going to be the cut-to-size blinds at Home Depot or Lowes. they offer several styles now -- there are some woven ones that are quite pretty. While you are there, look for the blinds clearance section (they had some really nice discontinued cut to size wooden blinds there recently for 75% off)

your could also cover really cheap roller blinds in your own fabric (it's a no sew project -- spray adhesive and iron on hem tape). if you google it, you will find examples and instructions.

congrats on your new place.

also try Marshall's/TJ Maxx/Ross/Home Goods for drapery and hardware.

I would also go to JCPenny's and look at their sale/discontinued table.

And finally, if you can stand the filth of the place, try Ollie's for discontinued drapery panels.

canvas drop cloths on clip rings.
no sewing req'd, and heavier than most panels.

the cut to size blinds under for an extra layer of daylight control is a nice idea.
home depot and lowe's both sell cut to size cellulars now, in a few colors, so if you wanted extra insulating properties, that'd be the way i'd go.

Thanks, I'll look into it ;-)

Ikea. I was in there this weekend and was very impressed with the selection and quality. The prices are unbelievably cheap.

Does anyone see the pic I think I put up of the floor plan of my home?

Now I can't find a comment I got from someone on here asking for a picture, but here it is! It's the only pic's I have of the inside! The windows are large but I do not have the measurements yet. That would help!

Are you sure you want the other 2 bedrooms next to the master?

if you need windows covered immediately for privacy but don't want to rush your decision, you can always purchase the disposable $10 paper accordion shades at Bed Bath & Beyond. but try not to fall into the trap that I've seen other fall into, where you leave the up for YEARS

That's the way it comes, there's no changing it. Why? What were you thinking would work better? :-)

I'm surprised Bed Bath & Beyond has anything for $10! Even with their coupon! Thanks I will look there also ;-D

they easily cut to size, adhere with double sided tape, and have a 'clip' to hold them up during the daytime.

looks like Amazon has a vinyl version: http://www.amazon.com/Quickfix-Temporary-Light-Filtering-Window/dp/B0041P42AE/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1386173219&sr=8-15&keywords=temporary+window+shades

Wow those didn't look half bad! Thanks! I wrote it all down :-D

Honestly from what others are telling me, is scaring me. "Oh my God you have to buy curtain rod's and window treatments for the whole house! That's going to be so expensive!" Thank you all for your great suggestions! I'm not so intimidated anymore.

Check Overstock.com. I got some really nice panel curtains for a decent price, and when I washed them as one of the comments in the reviews said they had a strange odor, and to do so before hanging them, Overstock.com replaced them when the backing came off because the manufacturer said they were machine washable.

I just hung drop cloths in my living room and loved them so much, I'm putting them in my dining room, too. They cost $10 per 6x9 panel at Lowes, but the fabric looks much more expensive and they still let in. I hung them, then pinned the hem and used iron-on hem tape to bring them to length.

In a project after installation of Pella windows with screens, I faced the same dilemma. The Easy temporary fix was draping a beautiful (inexpensive on sale) fabric over the removable screens, and replacing them into the windows. The effect is architectural--great windows casings exposed--softened by the richness of (in this case striped) fabric providing the desired privacy. As it turns out, they're still up a year later! This solution cost about $50 for five windows.

Oh my gosh that looks so good! My floors will look like that and the paint color similar! How funny! Thank you for the picture, I love the panels! I have used the iron on hem tape so have a tiny bit of practice with that. I would love to take sewing classes though! Someday....

this is turning out to be a thread with some REALLY great ideas ... gonna have to bookmark this one ...

Mickie, you're right that curtain rods will cost $$, but please don't buy the thinner rods just because they are less money...you will regret the look. Just do one room at a time. By the way, lovely layout for your new home. Congratulations!

I have 4 rods now, the dark oil rubbed bronze look. I will pick some up here and there. Yeah, I don't want to go cheap on rods.

House of Hepworths $8 DIY 10' curtain rod (I actually did something similar with painted conduit in my family room) -- http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2011/10/11/how-to-make-a-cheap-awesome-professional-curtain-rod/

I had to use a piece of conduit for my sliding glass door because I couldn't use a center support. I wanted my curtains to pull one way . I always had bedrooms back to back with the master bedroom. When my kids were young they would have had it no other way.

as I was writing this Brenda posted a picture.

we have thrown some rather attractive old bedsheets (sarcasm!) over ours whilst our shutters are being made. We live in London, looking over a very busy main road, so needed the privacy straight away. We have sashed windows though so there was a ledge to hook the sheets over. Not ideal, but perfect for the short term and saves money - even if a few quid or dollars - which can be spent towards a nice vase.

I love drop cloth curtains! If you want them to look "custom" you can paint a band of color to go with your room. (if that's your style. if not, choose whatever would be)
Here's a how-to of the curtains:
http://theturquoisehome.com/2013/10/diy-drop-cloth-curtains/

Congrats on your new home, how exciting!

Home Depot (and probably Lowes) also sell the paper accordion shades, so compare prices, and wait for sales. They come in different thicknesses depending on how much light/privacy control you want. I used them in my bedroom for about 6 months until I figured out what I really wanted.

Just realize that at $10 each for 15 windows that's $150 for *temporary* shades. Maybe friends and family have something to give or loan you. You may find curtain rods and curtains/drapes at garage sales. I sold a bunch of them at a garage sale over the summer, for almost nothing.

Thanks but just found out we can't get the house :-( Complications but we are going for the ranch in that new sub now. Hopefully they will transfer the $$ we put down already on the 2-story. If so, I still needed your advice on the window treatments! Plus the ranch will have 11 windows which saves a little bit of money.

I love those pictures you put up Brenda!

I used conduit and painted to suit my needs instead of buying curtain rods. Much stronger and a lot cheaper. You do need some type of finial for the ends. Thrift stores are great for cheap, temporary drapes and curtains. Then when you are done with them take them back to the thrift store for another go round.

Look on Pinterest for ideas too.