I would definitely wall it off. That just doesnt look all that great like it is. Someone removed a wall, but, couldnt remove it all, I am guessing. I see what looks like an exterior door, so that could be used as a nice sized foyer. Or if you dont have a dining room, looks like there could be room for that. The other side, could be the living room.

I wish I had better pictures… there is actually a little foyer beyond what you can see. The kitchen is to the right of the wall with the mirror and is not open. In the kitchen there’s a small dining area we would plan to do a breakfast nook with built in seating.

I thought of walling it off making the area with the mirror where the tv goes and building built in shelving, but none of that solves the issue of the other side of the wall.

The opening lets plenty of natural light in. Before deciding to close it, cover it with cardboard to be certain you want to lose the light. Create a gallery, library, or display a collection. What is the view from the windows?

Just the house next door and the street, nothing grand.

The space would be so much better with that doorway/portal removed. Consider hiring a structural engineer to see if it is load-bearing and the cost to install a beam if it can be removed. The flooring may be impacted.

I would not wall it off. Make a more intimate seating area within the larger living room. Put a large floor plant on either side of the column so it isn’t as naked. It is quite common in large living rooms to break up different seating areas.

I would maybe take a look at instead of a wall, having an open two-sided shelving/bookcase added there.

Sorry, but that remaining post/arch reminds me of architectural ruins you see in Italy.

It will always look like there used to be walls there, like something is missing. Replace the walls, or replace whats there with beam.

Give some thought to how a wall would impact air circulation. If you rely on AC, I only see one ceiling vent, which might make it uncomfortably warm on the window side of the wall. If you rely on the windows for breeze, you’ll block air flow to the other side with a wall.
Love the floors - I hope you can find a way to remove the post, add a beam and patch the floor. Good luck!

As another poster suggested hire a structural engineer. You might be able to remove the post and install an LVL or even a steel beam to support the load coming from above.

These are all super helpful! Thank you!

I think there is a lot you can do here. I would not get too caught up in what to do with the spaces since you don't live there yet. It's hard to suggest without other photos or measures either. You could have a small library there, use it as an office area, craft area, if near the front door - it could be a " drop" zone.

The post does seem structural so I would embrace it. Live there for a while with it open so you can see what the flow of the space will be for you, then make you plans.

Good luck!

Think WAY outside the box - search "inside swings" on Houzz!

Island-Time Living - Eclectic - Family Room - Sacramento - by Kerrie Kelly Design Lab | Houzz

the remaining doorway/portal really needs to go!

I agree with the storage piece between the two columns. After that, it's the perfect spot for a piano.