Cawaps, I think the trim was added later. There is similar style trim in the dining room, but it looks better there so we will probably leave it at least for now. I think it just looks out of place on the fireplace. Bpathome, I was thinking about bookshelves on the half wall, but I'm afraid that would hurt my furniture arrangement options. I was thinking about a sectional with a chaise lounge (the couch part would be under the balustrade and thr chaise section will stick out into the opening of thr room). I Maybe two chairs in front of the window so I can move them since that is where we're planning to put the Christmas tree. I will have to draw some floor plans. DH wants to have the LR finished (at least painted and with a sofa anyway) before Christmas.

Hi, Nicole-- Just a quick reminder that if you do plan to actually close these drapes for light blocking for daytime TV viewing (depending on light angles), you'll want to make sure that any panel you select is blackout-lined, and, as groveraxle mentions, attached with rings so you can easily operate them from ground level. Grommet panels and pole-pocket drapes are much less obliging, especially at longer lengths like you'll need, and seams/cuts wear much faster from normal open-close activity on the rod.

If you have a low traffic house I would add a decorative room divider to close off access to the kitchen near the dining area. Scoot the sofa to the right, or if you need more seating, leave it where it is and add a chair. To visually break the wall, I would add a sturdy wall shelf to use as an end table (if you opt for a chair). For a quick, inexpensive wall art fix, I would go to paperarts.com and find some decorative paper to cut & frame and hang in a random pattern across the sofa and then a special piece above the wall shelf. Lastly, put the cows over the dining table. If you have a high traffic house, forget it. https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/divide-and-conquer-17-room-dividers-to-bring-order-to-your-space-44560#room-divider-curtains

Would family like table and chairs by the end wall [65"] Cheap idea for curtains not your question.... each 1 for each 100"W, 1 for each window and 2 for side wall's window. "Weighted hem and unlined 100-inch-by-96-inch panel is made from 100% polyester that is easy to wipe clean and thick enough to keep the light out. Its wide grommets make it simple to slide open or shut." https://www.houzz.com/products/neutral-gray-grommet-doublewide-blackout-curtain-single-panel-100x96-prvw-vr~132700550 https://www.houzz.com/products/oriental-weavers-highlands-gray-blue-area-rug-6613a-7-10x10-10-prvw-vr~151744605