I remember back in Africa, my mom had her lace and then fancy curtains over that - it was before the advent of blinds and it was a chore getting those lace down for a wash -

I prefer blinds because of its simplicity and low maintenance - my friend has cloth blinds but somehow I have never been a fan of those

When I go back to the home country I have simple, light weight curtains - there's just something about sunlight playing on them...