They took the railing out probably because they thought it looked awkward. How about a glass railing in each? Although honestly the one next to the front door might actually look better closed up?

Do you have more photos of the house? I’d consider a full or partial glass panel - about the size of a stub wall. It needs some sort of barrier as it looks dangerous. Looks like the house has midcetury vibes?

It is tricky opening up walls between levels in a split level. Your opening looks dangerous and possibly not to code.

What is the floor height difference between the foyer and living room?

If the foyer view into the living room is of people’s lower legs, consider closing the wall up. Or closing up most the wall with a glass transom-like top to share light between the two levels.

That’s a little scary. If it is a mid century house, I’d suggest a wood screen that allows you to see through a little, but the six panel doors make me think it’s more traditional. I’d do either a railing to match any stairs you may already have in the home, or glass, as suggested by others. Glad you’re planning to do something to make it safer.

Here's a messy rendering of the one opening closed in, nearest the door. I took the table out too, because then it straddled closed and open areas. The problem to me is that you don't want to be looking at the underside of furniture from right inside the front door.

I would close both those openings up. So much nicer for furniture placement, and a whole lot safer too. I doubt either are up to code.

@palimpsest I think the opeing goes all the way across to the other side of the chair?

I like the idea of gold brass or wood slats, like in the last photo that susie posted above.. Or could do a partial wall with brass slats above it to the ceiling.

There were two openings, I only closed one of them to show the difference.

@palimpsest Thanks for pointing that out. I see the column now. I feel like slats or rods could look really good. I personally love the light green color of the walls…I feel like this might be a really neat midcentury home, but I could be wrong..

Maybe signage would help.

How was it possible to sell a house with that very dangerous opening????

Close it all up, it's serving no purpose.