What is the easiest way to fill a hole in the wall?

[Abs4190]

Hi everyone , I've got a electric fireplace in the chimney breast in my front room (see pic) that's not working and to be honest we've probably used it once since new over 15 years ago.. So we want rid but what is the easiest way to fill the gap in the wall other than bricking it up . We want to rearrange the layout of the room and put a large sofa against this wall.. Can I pull it out and just board it up? When it was fitted the fitter knocked a lot of bricks out of the breast to allow it to slot in the recess. I'll end up wallpapering this wall when done. Thanks in advance.

 

[footprints]

Once it is out knock up a batten frame around the opening back the thickness of some plasterboard + a couple of mm skim. put a couple of braces top to bottom or side to side fixed in the frame. Screw plasterboard to the frame and put a skim of plaster or polycell smoothover over to blend in.
The smoothover is easiest to use for a novice.
https://www.homebase.co.uk/polycell-polyfilla-smoothover-tool-set_p187188
https://www.polycell.co.uk/product/polycell-smoothover-for-damaged-and-textured-walls/
You may do best with a couple of thin coats, it sands really easy!

 

[foxhole]

Might need ventilation if chimney is open.

 

[Abs4190]

Might need ventilation if chimney is open.

I don't think there was a chimney in the wall from what I recall and a hole was knocked through..

 

[foxhole]

I don't think there was a chimney in the wall from what I recall and a hole was knocked through..

I would use blockwork to fill if its just a hole in your wall .

 

[Abs4190]

Thanks guy , few options there for me