We have a big skylight (about 10' x 17') that cooks our house in the summertime. We moved in toward the end of the summer last year so just dealt with it. But we have to do something. I investigated the tints, and there are some very good ones out there now that provide UV protection and are not visible -- much improved from the old metallic-looking films of years past. But what I found was that the DIY films you can buy at the big box stores are not of the same quality as those you purchase from pros who also do the install. The pro stuff can be pricy. 3M makes good films, and I can't remember the other big company. For my skylight, I came across a company that makes UV-protection-fabric screens that slip on over the skylight. I can get one of those made for about $700 and the pricing for the film/install was going to be about $2,000. Unfortunately, I don't think that helps you with your vertical surfaces. I like the idea of the panels. If I'm thinking of the same thing, IKEA has them. You have to be able to install a track, and the panels are about 18-24" wide and can be patterned or plain. You may be able to compromise by doing the lower windows and film on the upper wedge-shaped windows.

Boy, am I ever glad to hear someone's getting roller shades. I still have horizontal blinds in our bedroom and I hate those things. They are so grubby, but I don't want to waste my time cleaning something I hate so much. That's why I've been thinking of going with a roller shade, but I haven't heard many people talk about them and wondered if they were considered too old fashioned. We used to have a roller shade in DD's bedroom. She liked total darkness when sleeping and it was the only thing that would keep the room dark enough. It was one of the tension pull ones and the drapery company that we got everything from attached a very pretty metal pull on it. It looked very nice. I really can't say we had a problem with it losing it's tension either. I'm not familiar with the continuous loop chain, but it really sounds like it would be a lot easier to control the height of the blind. Whatever you decide, please post pics. I'd love to see how they look in your lovely room.

Is there a difference between the two? They seem like the same thing to me.

This is what I did. We installed room darkening shades inside the window depth. Then, over them, we installed Duette linen pull up blinds. I also added drapes. In the evening I raise the Duettes and pull down the darkening shades, then the Duettes and it's pitch black in the room. I can't stand any light showing. I even taped the light on the phone and tv. This was ten years ago and still holding up like they were installed yesterday.