Could you box in these stairs?

A0911

I'm thinking of making an offer on this house. Just one thing, I'm not a big fan of stairs in the lounge, but I'm trying to think in terms of things that can be changed and things that can't.

I think it would look much better with full wall up behind that sofa to box it off a bit. Could that be done, or anything else to improve the layout a bit?

Bookworm105

A0911 said:

I'm thinking of making an offer on this house. Just one thing, I'm not a big fan of stairs in the lounge, but I'm trying to think in terms of things that can be changed and things that can't.

I think it would look much better with full wall up behind that sofa to box it off a bit. Could that be done, or anything else to improve the layout a bit?

yes you could
and going by the lack of height to the "bannister" then yes you should 

bottom step practically touching the door is also not a problem

A0911

Bookworm105 said:

A0911 said:

I'm thinking of making an offer on this house. Just one thing, I'm not a big fan of stairs in the lounge, but I'm trying to think in terms of things that can be changed and things that can't.

I think it would look much better with full wall up behind that sofa to box it off a bit. Could that be done, or anything else to improve the layout a bit?

yes you could
and going by the lack of height to the "bannister" then yes you should 

bottom step practically touching the door is also not a problem

Brilliant, thanks Bookworm. Stairs in the living room has always been an instant no for me, but I'm being somewhat forced to confront the reality that is my budget and location, and it's otherwise a lovely house. Good to know that can (and should) be changed. 

MysteryMe

I'd also want to be putting some kind of decent banister in rather than what is there at present so whilst you are doing that you may as well do as you propose. The only thing you may need to alter/adjust as a result is the lighting on the stairs

FreeBear

Image added below.

With no banister, that staircase is not safe. Boxing it in and fitting a handrail would be a major improvement both for aesthetics, and safety.

It probably looked like this originally..

A0911

FreeBear said:

Image added below.

With no banister, that staircase is not safe. Boxing it in and fitting a handrail would be a major improvement both for aesthetics, and safety.

It probably looked like this originally..

Thanks FreeBear, always appreciate your take. 

Green_hopeful

Might be a bit much for you but having strips of wood covering the gap is quite popular. This is in a house by Voysey but I have seen it done in modern houses. https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/voysey-house-arts-and-crafts-staircase-dorset-phvw-vp~15909552 It lets light through. 

GDB2222

Someone has removed the banister to make the room look larger, but at the expense of practicality. 

ComicGeek

Makes it easier to move in/out furniture without the banister though

stuart45

The sofa gives you a soft landing.