SFGate

olldbobbi i think I would look into removing it entirely, it's making your dining room look very narrow.

If removing is not an option, you could build it up with open shelving: [houzz=
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feeny I agree that replacing it with open shelving, or possibly even a built in sofa, would be an improvement. That way it will have a function in the room beyond simply preventing people from falling into the sunken dining room.

iryana WOW! very nice area, since it divides between 2 different levels you should have some sort of divider, rails or low see through shelving. if it is hard to change I would definitely hide/ paint wood ....... it makes it outdated and "heavy" .... something light on the base even white ...
How tall is this divider ? you can make like a table with top sticking out on one side

Diana Bier Interiors, LLC I'd replace it with a railing.

michigammemom I would be inclined to box in the divider with drywall and add an attractive wood top as shown in this inspiration room with a sunken living area.

decoenthusiaste My impression is that the sunken part is the dining room - so much smaller and the chandy gives me that feeling. Would a glass shoji screen work mounted on top of the divider? Something like this upstairs railing which you could duplicate on your upstairs to tie the two areas together visually.