Why not close this side up too?

You might also brush up on drywalling so you are not back here next month asking how to fix it.

It's a pony "wall", and it needs to be closed up with dry wall.

OK complete the trim all the way around the half wall. Then put shelves in the void space that is noticeable from both sides equally spaced. on top of the half wall put small column that matches your front porch columns. That should help.

Finish the back of the alcove, add a shelf and shutter doors. You can use the space for storage, but keep a clean uncluttered look with the shutter doors.

Very pretty!

If you have lighting, wouldn't you want to use glass shelves and doors?

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/kirkland-traditional-traditional-living-room-seattle-phvw-vp~334296[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/kirkland-traditional-traditional-living-room-seattle-phvw-vp~334296)

Just close it up and turn the electrical into a duplex outlet. Shelves will only condone clutter in the room.

At times I've craved 'easy' room for books, especially of the LR kind - what about that?

jbtanyderi, there is a fireplace in the room.