How can I fill this wasted space?

Joann,. It's hard to tell what wasted space your talking about, or I'm just not seeing it. Maybe you need to take this picture from another angle

A buffet or long narrow shelving would give you storage on that wall. Perhaps you could display some art above the buffet (think photo gallery), or some pretty glassware, or even the things I see sitting on that half wall.

I think a tv there would feel awkward with the half wall. You might consider removing the wall, but think it through. Is there electricity that would need to be considered? Flooring would definitely be an issue.

I would NOT put a TV there it could be dangerous for any one going up the stairs. You could make a beautiful gallery wall of family photos or a large art piece

Just some examples https://www.birkleylaneinteriors.com/40-gallery-wall-ideas/

Your photo (as it appears) reminds me more of a split entry or split level, rather than a raised ranch, because your sofa is placed against a half wall (typical of those home designs).

A large mirror or large piece of art work was typically placed in these areas, or a photo collage.

If they would not interfere with the light fixture's spread of light, you could mount shelving, although dusting may prove problemmatic.

Took me a minute to figure this out. I missed the "raised" ranch part of your post. I too have a raised ranch and in that area I put a large art piece which looks great there. It is about 36" x 36". I would then move the kitty pic to another area to make the large piece a focal point. Good luck

Paint the 1/2 wall a color that will blend in and not draw attention , accessorize with contrasting colors to draw the attention to the assessory and not the 1/2 wall. Enjoy accomplishing the harmony.

This is the open area above the foyer/entryway correct? If so I understand completely about the wasted space. If it was me I would frame it out and make actually living space. If the foyer/entryway seemed to "boxed in" you could just frame in half of it and put a railing overlooking below to give it a loft feel. (Perfect for a reading nook) Or frame it for a shelf, but I agree with a previous post that it would be a pain to dust.

Hi, Joann,

As Kay wrote, the idea of adding additional floor space is ideal, if the house can withstand the additional "load". It would give you much more space in which to move furniture about. You could then remove the wall where your sofa is currently positioned. I should think that this would markedly increase resale value, due to increase in actual living space, and savings in utilities from not having to spend the money on wasted space.

Add a Large Mirror or Piece of Sculpture or Old Farm equipment. Maybe Floor to Ceiling Storage unit, to include T.V, Books, ornaments. with Cupboards for Toy? etc.

Hi Joann, sure, you can put the tv on the wall, and possibly even add book shelves or some other type of shelving. beside each side and below it

I don't know about what you could add as far as usable space, but it's a great area for a dramatic wall mural. There are so many out there today that are just stunning in all sorts of patterns and many are just peel and stick. I think that would be outstanding.