How do I know if the spindles are just decorative or load bearing?

Spindles of this type are not strong enough to support a load bearing wall. If you take a look at the beam over them (from side to side of the room), that is the structure that is supporting the house. These beams are usually like the one you have or are enclosed above the ceiling. If you want to be sure, you could take a look inside the beam-above the spindles- and see what is inside, then patch it up.

If you choose to remove the spindles, it may lead to you considering removing the base underneath them and opening up the space fully.

Not load bearing. Just decorative from the 60's and 70's.

I would check up in the attic to see if they are a support. Does not look like it because they do not appear to have enough weight to them to hold up a support beam.

They’re not load bearing.

I agree, these are not load bearing, just decorative.

I call mine a "room divider" as it physically and visually separates a space into two rooms without having a full wall. (My house was constructed in the 1970s)

Chances are it's not - those spindles are pretty thin here's a link on finding a load-bearing wall:

https://www.thespruce.com/determining-load-bearing-wall-1822005

they are not strong enough to be load bearing they are just decoration so you can remove them

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/217439488231379730/

Great question and agree with replies above. It will be a terrific update to have them removed to have a more open concept airy feel.

As thin as these are, I doubt they are load bearing. You should be able to remove them with no problem.

Examining from the area above would tell if they are load bearing but based on their size and the fact there are only 2, I would highly doubt it.

I agree that they're probably not load bearing and going into the attic and looking at the framing is a good idea, anyway.

You also might talk to your neighbors who have the same model of home & see if they've done that and look for any signs of the ceiling or drywall cracking (meaning it's structurally failing).

Project complete. It was actually really easy. Thank you everyone for your advice. What I did was cut the spindles in half with a hand saw and wiggled them out...they were only held in by a few nails. The top board was easy as well...got a flat head screwdriver underneath it and just wiggled it out.

Load bearing walls are made out of 2 x 4's not spindles.

It looks so good with them removed, good job!

They are not load bearing. I took mine out-looks WAY better!