could you measure the room? seems like you should be able to put furniture by fireplace??

Yes! Yes! Yes!....the flow of the space will be so much better....the window seat is the special part of the space I would enhance it!! With the fireplace gone you can bring a sofa past that area with back facing dining room with a gorgeous sofa table....you will feel like your living room doubled in size:))

It's a nice fireplace, I'd think twice before removing it.

Taking it out depends on what part of the country you live in. If the house works better for you without it, then remove it. They aren't needed for heat these days.

It's not the fireplace that is the problem. It is the placement of your furniture. And yes, as JudyG suggested, some newer, more updated or classic pieces would help.

This is a space that was quite similar and this is how we handled it with a DR at one end two chairs angled in between the two spacees

I agree with other comments and would not paint your furniture.
The chair that is partially in the pic appears to have the seat upholstered in a green color. That looks great with your rug. I would upholstered your chairs in something similar to that color ...unless you paint or wallpaper in green. I would then consider using the reddish color in the rug. Love the colors that Tammy and Flo are suggesting. You do need another pic on side of hutch and color on your table.

Hi laurkade- I think you meant your comment above for another OP 's dilemma. See attached. Maybe Houzz is having issues today because I'm seeing other people's comments being added on wrong posts as well.

Look for apartment sized couches. No big arms.

I'm asking people to please report to Houzz support when your comment goes to the wrong place as it has been going on for weeks.

The photos were from the real estate listing for the house I recently purchased. My furniture was relatively expensive and includes a fairly large off-white sofa that was recently purchased.

Photos of your furniture and room dimensions would help.

We live on the Sun Coast of FL. We had a huge, ugly fireplace that had NEVER been used, the house is 30 Yrs old. We tore it out, keep the chimney on the roof (if future buyers want a FP). Gained 24 sqft in floor space. Love the extra space!