Thanks for the replies! I definitely don't want anything that will limit light, so will look at wooden blinds.

I like the look and have several but I hate that they have to either be up or down (or half way). With blinds you can open them a bit to get some light in while still having privacy. I think in spots like the window above your kitchen sink they look great but I'm going to stick with blinds in the next house. I love natural light but want the privacy sometimes too.

We love wooden blinds as a stand-alone window covering in our bedroom. Just make sure you get nice ones. In the family room, we have blinds with curtains pulled to the side.

My problem with roman shades is that they look best when they are at least 1/3 to 1/2 down. So it makes the room dark. We have them in bedrooms that aren't used during the day and they are fine in there.

I am looking for window coverings for our living room.

I like things the simpler the better!

So I would love to be able to get away with an all-in-one window treatment.

Roman shades look nice in the decorating photos I've seen, but does anyone here have first hand experience with them?

Could I use just those with nothing else?
Do they provide complete privacy when closed?

another option: wooden blinds. but can they be used as a stand-alone window covering?
I appreciate any opinions or experiences, thanks!