What to do with this fireplace?

[philxthomas]

I recently moved into a house. When I viewed the house, it has a gas fire installed. Once I got the keys I discovered it has been removed and taped up. Removing the tape, I'm left with this...

I don't really know what to do with it. A wood burner would be great but for the amount I'll use it, it wouldn't be worth the cost. Same with getting an open fire installed. I don't want a gas fire either as I won't use it, the central heating is good enough.

So any ideas on what to do with it and just make it look better?

The floor will end up being some kind of wood laminate, the chimney and alcoves will be painted probably dark.

Initial idea was to paint the surround black but I'd be left with the marble back and hearth which I don't like.

Buget is somewhere between £0 and £Woodburner, depending on how good it will end up!

 

[sircerebus666]

Simple thing to do is paint it to your taste and install an electric fire in there

One where you can set it to flame effect only so you get the warm cosy effect without the cost

Oh and change the back and hearth both are straight forward enough to change although you will to change your carpet

 

[philxthomas]

Brilliant thank you. Sounds like that is the simplest solution.

The flooring is getting replaced soon anyway, which is why I need to sort the fireplace out first

 

[endecotp]

Paint it white and put a dried flower arrangement in it.