don't paint it, just because don't. pictures were meant to hang from it but i agree at 5' yours is distressingly low, as art is meant to be centered at that height. 3 small but framed alike pictures would be sweet hung here but that might not be what you had in mind.

Thanks for your ideas! I was originally thinking one piece of art above the sofa. However 3 smaller ones would be more versatile if I move or want to change things up.
I do like a clean white look for the rail but will try to work with the wood for now!

you could even have another on the end wall.

I would buy tiny picture nails and hammer them in on the top of the wooden piece and hang art from them ,you could use fishing line it's strong and see through

I would hammer small picture nails in the top of the wood and hang pictures you could use fishing line it's transparent and strong
A gallery wall

Is the top of the border wide enough to rest art on top of it? You'd have to attach it to the wall above, but if the art frame was thin enough you might be able to rest it on top in a lean position.

paint it the wall color.

Sorry to interrupt, but Flair Lighting I could use your expertise with this

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/what-size-chandelier-will-work-in-this-space-17-ft-high-ceiling-dsvw-vd~2976229