I meant to add that this window faces the street, and there are two, smaller, street-facing double windows upstairs that need blinds. For a more uniform appearance from the outside, should they have the same configuration as the blinds downstairs - or does it really matter?

Here is a link that might be useful: Double window

We have a 2" faux blinds in our home. One of the blinds in the master bedroom is 60" wide. It's rarely *raised* but the slates are open every day. I'd be a concerned about lining up the two sets too. Definitely go with the single set :)
Monica

We chose the inside mount for our doubles and triples. They all have one single valance. No problems with the slats lining up. A good blind will have the slats for all blinds made evenly.

This is just after we moved in, so please disregard the furniture arrangement and lack of wall painting. :)
{{!gwi}}

This is where I am sitting right now. :)

{{!gwi}}

We went with one big blind in our LR and kitchen (the width is about the size of yours). In our MBR, we went with two blinds on a single valance. It works out because my DH likes to lift and/or open just one side of the blind in the MBR but I would choose just one if I had to do it again.

I would go with two as you say you only raise them occasionally. Do not cover up the center trim or whatever it is called so that it will look like two windows. Look at Newhomebuilder's pictures. One blind will look like one wide single window.

Tuesday

I personally like one blinds vs two because it leaves no gap for light inbetween but for durability I would def go with two blinds. I listed a link to a blog post that was really helpful when I choose my blinds. One blind still looks better than having two different blinds but it really does come down to personal preference.

Here is a link that might be useful: Advantages of both types