Assuming it’s not load bearing, I’d remove it and have a normal railing installed.

I think it's kind of cool & unusual - and a good safety feature for the stairs. I think I'd want to hang art on it.

Can you get rid of it? We had to redo our stairs and railing when we purchased and we went with stainless steel cable railing. Glass would work there too.

This is what we installed

And here's what glass would look like. I think it would be perfect in your space

Google search here

It's the only thing you dislike...but you want to know how to work with it? Why? I would remove it. I see how it is dual purpose for two staircases. It will not be a fast fix job.

They did this because of the narrowness of the steps and the narrow stringer. This is the way they could put a safety feather "outside" the width of the stairs.

I'd think hard before removing it because most of the replacements I can think off offhand are pretty clumsy in comparison.

The black color isn't the issue, it's the mesh that is. Looks like deer fencing to me.

Here's another idea that would work so much better in your space.

I love the idea of glass panels (vice the mesh), but CONS: cost, support, and fingerprints!!!!! If you want light/airy, then look into glass panel railings (vice floor to ceiling). Or, since it's open/modern, maybe go with a nice cable railing system.

Paint it? If it were powdercoated white it might be less THERE.

It does remind one of temporary retail displays...

Fori, I was going to suggest painting it white also.....then live with it awhile, till ahe decides what she wants to do. I would not hang anything on it, leave it plain white till all the furniture is in place. My second choice would be a bannister and glass. But painting it white will make a lot of difference.

I think it’s kind of neat and unique, but I would powdercoat it white. Then I’d hang artwork and plants on it. But, if I had the funds, I also might just remove it and put in glass.

I think the alternating crossbars on the two panels are a mistake. All vertical panels would have been better

I'm afraid I would have to remove it and add a real wall to close in the open staircases. I just don't think it is very attractive the way it is - with or without the screens. Enclosing the stairwells would give an additional wall space for furniture placement or artwork, and eliminate any safety issues. Would probably be the least expensive fix other than painting the screens.

Don't remove it unless you have something else to replace it to fill in the opening to the staircase to the lower level. You can't have an unprotected opening to that lower staircase, unless you want to have a major falling hazard.

Call me crazy, but I think it's pretty cool! The planter idea that someone mentioned above is a good one; you could even do an indoor kitchen garden if you wanted. Alternatively, turn it into a salon style gallery wall and hang either family photos or your collected art work there.

The house my parents built in the mid-50s had something similar, but 3 square panels. At first each was a different color, then after a few years they were all three painted bright turquoise. Very trendy. At the demolition sale this past year, three owners later, I saw the panels were still there but for the life of me I can't remember the color. Probably white.

You could make yours Mondrian-esque! Either bright colors or shades of grey.

I kind of like it too! Just need some additions to it! Maybe a huge piece of art and a floor vase. Check this picture, see if this is could be a good idea!

If you can't remove it, maybe you could add something in front to obscure it...

http://cdn.home-designing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/intricate-wood-room-divider.jpeg

https://www.digsdigs.com/photos/2016/09/20-black-laser-cut-decorative-screen-to-divide-the-kitchen-and-the-dining-zone.jpg

Maybe shoji screens, a wall of sheer drapes, or a bead curtain.

Also, depending on the size of the holes, they do make strips for weaving in and out of fencing to make it more obscure or add color and design.

You could also drop a flat panel of fabric with rods top and bottom to add color.

Use painted or stained wood "vanes" in front

well whats your style w/furniture? modern? then it will go. if you're going to bring in grandmas sofa and table, then remove it.

I like the cable railing idea since that fence belongs in a zoo.

treat it like a wall. Hang your tv there?

It looks flimsy. How secure is it? If someone fell coming down the stairs, would it hold its own? I guess I should ask how it is installed.

Thinking the open staircase didn’t pass code and the screen was the cheapest way to accomplish it.

It would be a nice feature IF it had been a custom install. But the safety(?) bars ruin the look, to say nothing about it just doesn’t fit properly.

Meshes like that are usually very strong.

This is a matter of personal taste. If you don't like it, remove it. If you don't hate it, embrace and enhance it.

There are probably building codes to consider. Removing it would change that so if it is removed, it would need to be replaced in a way that keeps you compliant.

JudyG.Designs (an hour ago) has an excellent suggestion.

Ellie RK suggested (several hours ago) is a good idea and you could hang a large artwork from the boards.

I totally would agree with hanging artwork on it. Use it as a "gallery wall"! It should be easy to change things out on it for a rotation of kids art or things you curate from travels. To blend it into your furnishings, I would add little pops of black metal in your accessories. Think of it a wearing "that little black dress" , paired with the right accessories to make it perfect! p.s. Every room needs a pop or two of black in it to ground it and make it feel polished.

I'd live with it for awhile and use it like a wall -- hang art on it. Put furniture there, etc.

If in a year, you still don't like it, then replace it with something that is up to code.

Oh I like what JudyG posted! That looks more residential and normal than the black mesh. And more secure.

It can only be removed long enough to install a different code-approved guardrail. Designers can be as crazy as they please, but I draw the line when they endanger children and the elderly unnecessarily.

I wouldn't hang art on it. From inside the stairs, you'd see the back of the art. Not pretty. The black mesh isn't too nice to look at, either. I'd replace it with stair rails ASAP.

Simplest quick fix is probably to get some pretty fabric and cover the screen with it. Remember both sides of the fabric will be somewhat visible. Basically treat it like an accent wall, but with fabric not paint. Then put a console table or something (depending on rest of room layout) against it to make it read even more like a wall, not a funky zoo fence.

This is a fine example of why it really is 'a good thing' to consider resale when one makes permanent funky design choices. Painting to blend into the wall seems prudent. If the backs of pictures/TV is too ugly for people using the stairs perhaps an inset of wood on the opposite side of the mesh would hide the ugly?