Need ideas for unused fireplace

Eila

We’ve bought a house with a chimney / fireplace with this cast iron surround just propped up against it. There is a large empty space behind it with wires dangling down from tv above. Any ideas how we can make this look more appealing/ modern. We aren’t looking to install a wood burner or gas fire. Not really bothered about keeping the fireplace. Thanks for any advice

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Eila. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about ideas for a fireplace.

The current cast iron surround does a good job of filling the void, but if you’re not keen on keeping the fireplace, you have a few options to freshen things up.

One approach is to remove the entire fireplace surround. This would allow you to use plasterboard to enclose the space, creating a flat wall under the TV. This would give you a clean, contemporary backdrop for your TV and any other decor you'd like to feature.

If removing the surround feels like too much work, another option is to simply board up the front of the fireplace. You could use a panel or piece of timber, but keep in mind, the existing fireplace surround might still look a bit odd and could give off the vibe of a cover-up rather than a polished solution.

Another idea could be to turn it into a faux fireplace—a stylish frame or shelf that can hold decorative items, making it part of the room’s new aesthetic without the need for a functional fireplace. You could also conceal those dangling wires in the process, creating a more streamlined look.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell