sheers for daytime and heaver curtains for evening is my choice. Your major task is to have all 8 windows compatible. The curtain liner should is consistent in all 8 in my opinion.

Thanks I hadn't even considered upstairs yet but good point!

Definitely upstairs and downstairs need to look the same from the street. As the windows are narrow, treat them as one window. One sheer right across and then heavier curtains can open onto the spaces between the windows. You should be able to open the heavier curtains right up to allow maximum use of the glass.

Sheers for daytime and a heavier curtain to pull over at night.

Timber Venetians would be my pick. Not as bulky as shutters but with all the same appeal and functionality. You could also have a voile that you pull at night for evening ambiance.

Timber venetians and shutters would draw attention to the narrow windows and close the room, the overall effect may be quite overpowering. I would suggest you consider roman blinds they can be tailor made to fit into the window frame and present a much softer look and be less intrusive internally.You could have them made in any fabric or sheer of your choice to co-ordinate your internal style

We have roman blinds on our new build and they are semi sheer so they still let some light in during the day.

What country and state are you in? (For sourcing products, and climate).

What direction does this elevation face?

Do you have double glazing, or low e glass?

You need blinds and curtains to block out the hot sun in the afternoons. Sheers alone won't cut it. They will only give you privacy. Moreover, don't get those in natural materials, get them in modern fabrics that are UV resistant.

Suggest you try a soft furnishings business with an onsite workroom they will have the skills to create something just for you and the look you want

antonia our blinds came from Peter Meyer blinds here in Sydney from the "urban weave collection" . You would have to see who the stockists are in your state. As for the blinds themselves- you can not see through them at night, maybe some faint blurry shadows. Link to Peter Meyer blinds http://petermeyerblinds.com.au/

Another suggestion - sheerview blinds.

http://www.bosetti.com.au/index.php/interior-products/sheerview-elegance-blind/

Available from all major blind suppliers.

These blinds allow you to control the light totally from sheer to block out; block out 99% UV; available in large range of colours; gives the look of shutters with the softness of sheers all in one neat product.