What to do with 2 windows that are close together?

I have 2 double hung windows in my living room that have about 12" of space between the 2 windows. Right now I only have valances over each window, but

I am ready for a change and want to go with curtain panels, but I am unsure of what to do with the space between the two windows.

Do I go with a long single curtain rod (pole) and hang a panel on each side and one in the middle, nothing in the middle or treat each window individually and go with 2 curtain poles and 4 panels? I guess what I am asking is 2 panels, 3 panels or 4 panels?

Hi

I would tend to favour the pole all the way across both windows. Then a wide pair of curtains. Leaving the gap between open. Then maybe hanging a slim picture on the wall in the centre.

There is only one reason I would hang curtains in the centre. That would be if you were using ready made curtains. That way you could use 2 pairs of narrower curtains. You will usually only find ready mades go up to 100 inches wide at most.

Best regards

Lee