Depends on how much you want to do. If you want a cheap and fast fix you could take out the spindles and insert frosted glass or etched glass. That's the simple way but not what I'd do. I'd open the wall as much as possible for a more spacious feel. Just depends on how much you can do and how much you can afford!

Though I happen to like it as is, I cant think of a few ways to disguise it.

Adhere cut to size beveled mirrors on each side so the trim looks like the frame.

Remove the spindles and have a shelf unit made to fit snugly inside.

Remove spindles and trim, add studs and close in the wall.

I could see taking out the spindles and hanging an old window or freshly painted old window, whichever you prefer, in the opening. I like the idea of opening up the wall as Marianne suggested, if you want to go that much into it. Shelves, that Becky suggested sound good too. It's got good possibilities.

This wall maybe the load bearing wall of the house - so what I am about to suggest may not be do able. Open it up - make it the entrance. You must have another enterance into the room? - You could close it off - and do as you please with the new corner and wall space.

Before you decide what to do w/the opening, another consideration is your A/C ducts. Check their locations and make sure the air circulation in that area doesn't rely on having that opening.

If you don't need it for air circulation, consider having a stained glass insert made for it. Depending on the pattern and color of the glass, you can attain a modern or traditional look. Instant art work that can be admired from both rooms.

Trish, great minds think alike! Stained glass or leaded glass was exactly what I was thinking, but it depends upon her A/C system.

Maybe for a modern twist you could remove the spindles and use twisted wire shapes on the outer sides that meet in the middle top leaving a keyhole open shape to add a really brilliant crystal vase. There are amazing things you can do yourself with twisted copper wire to make it appear woven, braided, stressed, etc....just study the spot for awhile and react to what feels right. Good luck!!

Remove spindles. Put a couple of studs in and cover center with sheetrock. Hang a picture on both sides . Or take down all the wood and cover with sheetrock.

Design a stained glass window.

I had 2 of these exactly the same between my kitchen and living room, I hated them. You only have 1 so just knock out the spindles and open it up. If you have a saw, cut through the spindle centers and pull them out. If not, just take a hammer to the center and break each 1. The last option may force you to put new trim in or tile over, the 1st option can be patched and painted. You could add shelves but I personally like the open, non cluttered view. I removed 1 of my 2 and move the post ...»

I might either:

- Take it all down, frame the hole with studs and drywall it.

- Install a couple of shelves for photos and such, then maybe just drywall one side?

- open it up all the way down to the floor and make a passageway if needed.

Depends on whether you want to open this wall up IF it's not load bearing! Another idea we used in a home in Macksville, KS was a unique 'window' from offices behind into the family room downstairs. IF you can shore up the exisiting opening to hold the weight you could put in a fish tank as we did in more than one place here! Good luck!