I'd leave it, it's just an entryway. This really isn't something I'd waste money on.

I don't like open plan, but that's me. I like distinct rooms.

I love open plan but I would not do it here. I was in a house yesterday where this had been done- now the adjacent rooms had walls where you couldn't put furniture because a big triangular section was missing. My client is putting one side back...

If the walls are bearing it will be a big investment to change. The width of your current staircase may not meet code, and might have to be widened. In your case the arches would also have to be removed and I'm guessing you have no idea if there are headers hidden in the arches below the ceiling height.

https://www.aturtleslifeforme.com/how-to-open-up-an-interior-staircase/

You didn't ask, but is it possible to push the sofa and rug over a couple feet so the side table and lamp don't visually break up the arched doorway? You'd have an airier feel without seeing that table and lamp right there yet retain the coziness you like. Alternatively, a narrow demi-lune or narrow side table there without the lamp, with sofa and rug scooched over just a bit would open up the doorway.

I was going to say the same thing as Beverly. If you open it up, you'll likely have to lose the arches.

I generally like an open stairway like the photo she posted, and in theory I would be on board - but after looking at your pictures I'd leave it alone.

Lots of effort for minimal gain. You are likely to end up with a remuddled mess that is missing the vintage house charm. There are two things I won't touch in a house...exterior openings in a masonry building and staircases. Very expensive to do correctly and can be a Pandora's box of issues

Is it feasible to place several sconces on the walls enclosing the staircase or add fixtures to the ceiling of the staircase. I think improving the lighting might help in opening up the staircase.

I'd do it in an instant--if I hadn't moved in yet.

But if you're not as skilled as the homeowner in Beverly's link, it will be a pretty penny to undertake.

A better (and cheaper) investment of time and energy would be to rearrange the living room furniture. I can't define what the white cabinet is just inside the living room doorway, but I would consider placing it opposite the massive fireplace as a visual counter balance. Do you have two sofas or a sofa and one or two chairs? I think the table and lamp blocking the entry on the right and the cabinet blocking it on the left could be remedied. How about some pix of that room?

What kind of lighting do you have in your foyer and staircase? It seems poorly lit as opposed to boxed in. Perhaps a different fixture and bulbs would help. The paint color reads as rather dark for the space. How does it look in person? I agree with others that I would keep the structure as is. It will be a huge expense with all sorts of consequences and removes vintage charm.

If you opened up just the living room side of the staircase, I think it‘d make a huge difference. You’ll lose that arched opening, of course, but I think you’d be gaining more than you’d be losing.

I think it would look great opened up! As long as you are okay with losing the arches and perhaps rearranging furniture.

No, I would leave as is.

If you open up the staircase, it becomes a feature. But you already have two lovely features, the arches. Half open staircase becomes a feature, too, and you lose one arch. And the staircase will compete with the remaining arch rather than complement it.

That, along with the cost---probably supporting wall/walls. Ceiling repair, flooring... Disruption. And no real gain. Along with losing walls for furniture placement/ artwork. Nope, would not do it.

Definitely needs to be open on one side The stairs are sooo tight and dark. Start with half.

In order to make an informed decision, I would have a professional take a look, so you know what you would be getting into structurally and cost wise.

An option could be changing dining room side only, but have to consider symmetry, especially with arch going into living room. Perhaps it wouldn’t necessarily have to be entire wall as well.

No matter what you decide (leave or change):

- I would highly recommend painting the hall, staircase and living room the same color as dining room.

- Lighten the stairs (see below) and change runner to something lighter/more interesting

- A gallery wall could detract from the staircase’s narrowness, as the eye will be drawn to wall

- Add a great ceiling light in front entrance

If it were me, I’d first make these updates and then you can always reconsider. You may be happy with how the stairs feel, as well as the whole space in general; lighter, fresh and more cohesive

Leave it, its part of the character of your house.

I think the arches are beautiful. Opening the staircase would destroy the character of the home. I think you should embrace it as it is

I would open it up on one side, the dining room side, it will get natural light from those big windows and feel more open! Keep the living room how it is, that arch there is perfect.

Team OPEN! You will love the light!

Tough choice. I’d try lightening up the staircase first. The woodwork is dark and matches neither your trim nor flooring. I’d paint wood white, add one of those cute runners posted above, put in great lighting, and some pics on walls. That might brighten enough...but if not, could take out the DR wall at that point.

I like the arched openings between the rooms so I would leave the stairs as is.

I saw a 1920s house with arched doorways in my neighborhood where a previous owner had partially opened up a stairwell like this and it looked really awkward to me. My first thought was to improve the lighting in the stairwell and I see that point has already been made twice.