Hang the rod near the ceiling and 1 foot wider than the window. The panels on each side should total 2 1/2 times the width of the 2 windows. None needed in the middle

Yes to only 2 drapes one on each side they need to be full so at least 2.5 x the width of the rod that might be 2 panels or 4 it depends on the drape . Waht do you need the drapes for? Privacy , light control ?

The thing I like about blinds is that they control light. You can tilt the vanes up or down, or pull them all the way up if you want an unobstructed view. So while I think drapes would look great, I wouldn't give up the blinds. Drapes are either open or closed, there is no middle ground. No reason not to have both. Unless your windows have a film or coating, the light coming in is bleaching your floors and upholstery. It doesn't take much time for this to happen, depending on the exposure. However, if the blinds are inexpensive, narrow metal ones I would replace them with 2" wood ones.

Again, it depends on the use of the room and the reason you are adding drapes. For decor or funtionality or both? Drapes can go from sheers to blackouts. Sheers will bounce more light around the room and the blinds will be useful to adjust the amount of light and privacy. If you want blackouts for sleeping, then blinds are not needed.

If you want 'regular' drapes to add color and interest to a decor scheme, I would ditch the blinds, they are not interesting and are dated and a pain to dust. Unless you agree with kandrewspa.

What ever you do, make sure the drapes just graze the floor.

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The windows are on the back of the house in the dining room. Northeast facing so don’t get a ton of light. Blinds are indeed a pain to clean. I would possible shut them at night but open most of the time.

Just two curtains, and if you truly don't need the light control, then ditch the blinds.

If you would possibly shut blinds at night then that is a very practical reason to keep them.