I would leave the entire brick area as is except for custom fit pillows to the left and right of the firebox and whatever tools you need if it is wood burning.

If the area is dark, I would add lighting in the form of a torchiere lamp and some table lamps. I would have to see more of the room, but I'm thinking large artwork to the left and right of the brick area, maybe.

Why not paint the brick? A creamy white semi-gloss would look stunning with the barn wood. Then, if there is room, I would choose one large mirror or art piece to sit on the mantle and lean back covering the arch. Again, if room, layer a smaller art piece in front, to the side, and then perhaps some seasonal items to each side of the hearth.

I think your fireplace is an interesting design and I like what you've done with the mantle, but I agree with chocolatesnap; not sure why you aren't considering painting it (unless maybe you are renting?) The brick is so visually busy that anything you do on the mantel is likely to just add more busyness. I think that it would be stunning, too, if it were painted or whitewashed to tone it down and even out the colors some.

Beautiful fireplace and mantle! It has a lot of character and warmth. I think something in the middle that isn't very busy looking. After that you could see if you want to add more. Here is what we did - we've done more to the room since.

My very first thought was to paint it and I see I'm not alone. Seeing the pictures of the painted fireplaces makes it totally convincing. I would also remove the bricks that form the arch over the mantel. After you've done that, assuming you would consider it, you would have to revisit how to decorate it since the look would be so different.

Here are before and after pictures of our fireplace to give you an idea.

Would add a large mirror and green plants. Maybe stain the mantle - darker or lighter for more contrast.

Would not paint. Painted brick, to me, looks like a cheap attempt to hide it. If want to lighten it, would sandblast. You can also stain brick.

It looks like lower part is lighter. Is that the case?

I really like that brick!

And I like the idea of a mirror inside that archway. What about a round one?

It's all the same color tone but it does have kind of a mottled look. The house was built in 1985. I had thought of staining it but was afraid it might be too glossy. It's gas but we've never turned it on so no tools.

How difficult would it be to remove the bricks that form the arch? Even if it would leave behind some mortar or some kind of damage (and of course, it probably would), it could be covered up with a large framed mirror. I like the combination of ideas that mdln suggested - a mirror, some plants and a darker mantel.

The brick pattern changes under the arch, not sure how that would look without the arch.

I'd look for a single large piece of sculpture to put there, maybe something in bronze. The reason I say that is the brick is very busy and something solid will help break up that look. Anything else like a bunch of smaller things or a painting or mirror will only add to the busy-ness. I also think some greenery would look great on either side of the raised hearth parts to bring some softness to the brick.

All the choices in that room are going to be dictated by the fireplace's strong pattern and colors. I know you don't want to paint it but I like the idea of toning down the fireplace a bit. Instead of painting or whitewashing the whole thing, you can just whitewash the darker bricks. I think it would make a big difference.

If you love the pattern and colors and don't want to change it, definitely use just one strong decorative item on the mantel.

Historically, mirrors were used over mantels to brighten up a room (pre-electricity, you'd put your candelabra on the mantel and the mirror would reflect the light into the room). So I think a mirror would be a great choice.

My first thought was to get a mirror custom cut to fit inside the arch, as laughable moments suggested. But think I like carolb's round mirror suggestion even better.

While I would not do the baskets, I like how the mantel surround looks in the "after" below.

It's a cool fireplace. Kind of thing one could either love or hate. I like to work with things in a room. I'd put either a decorative round mirror or clock in the arched space and candle sconces in the niches, and call it a day.

I would see if it were possible to remove the bricks that make the arch. Then you will have endless options for that wall. Next I would think about upgrading the fireplace insert.

I love the fireplace surround; it's so unique. I would lighten the room by painting the wall a slightly creamy white. That would accent the beautiful fireplace. Nice art on the walls would add to the room. Agree with above poster that painted fireplaces often look cheap. Haven't seen a whitewashed or sandblasted fireplace in person to comment on the effect. Painting the walls is a lot easier and can be reversed. IMO that's what I'd try first.

I think it's cool. Agree with a suggestion of a single, striking item..wouldn't do a mirror btw-would go with smth more sculptural and personal. Mirror is a bit predictable..and it will take away from the arch I think. I wouldn't interfere with the arch-personal choice of course, but I happen to love arches. Especially the ones that are not crooked lol)) This is a well-executed arch.

Agree with adding greenery(well I always do). Wouldn't paint it-unless you want to of course; what I would paint instead-the walls..but probably not a lighter color, but darker, mid-range color, so they become of the similar intensity of the brick. Brick will be less pronounced this way, but will be an integral part of this cozy, enveloping feel that a slightly darker tone provides. I understand the room is a bit dark; but it doesn't mean that light wall color will make it into a lighter room. It might, and it might not. I'd run with what I've got, and I must say-you've got a nice fireplace here..nice detailing on the walls..nice window frame..in short-to me, it's a great start.

Wood floors would help of course, there's a bit of disconnect between materials like carpet and brick, imho..in general, whatever space you take. That's much more expensive though. But maybe worth considering, some time in the future.

Again, unless you totally hate it(and then it's silly to make choices based on it)-work with it, not against it. Love that arch, the barnwood piece is fab!!

BTW if you put a mirror not right across the window but on the wall perpendicular to it(the window wall)-that's how you'll get much more light into the room.

I love, love Ingrid's painted fireplace, but it has a totally different character..as with people, you need to find a right..let's call it a key..to different rooms etc. It's not like there is what they call a master key-the one that will work anytime on anybody. Or anything, in that case.

PS and of course agree with the suggestion of art on the walls. I think it can be done so it doesn't compete with the fireplace, but becomes the part of the room's story.

Maybe something like this - from an Etsy seller so different wood options

If the arch can be removed, like I mentioned, you have so many more options. A big bold painting will actually neutralize the busy brick if the painting has black or very dark brown. I also changed the fire insert. The wood floor mentioned above is a great idea. The arch light could go in the corner and fill that blank wall a bit.

I am redoing my brick fireplace in stone when I move into my new house. It doesn't seen too difficult and it instantly updates and modernizes. The stone is veneers-not the whole stone.

I think you've gotten good suggestions so far. I like the brick & design, it's unique. Would love to see the walls painted a creamy white. And 4 comfy distressed leather chairs with round ottoman in the middle. Play with neutrals- warm brass & textures- and let the FP guide you, instead of trying to change what you have. New ceiling fan without the downlights.

I agree with the wood floors and new fireplace insert. However, it's not in the budget right now. I have found several interesting mirrors on Etsy that I think would work. The room is a pale creamy yellow but doesn't appear quite right in the photo. Thanks for all the ideas it's given me a great starting point and seems less intimidating to start.

I have purchased some great, reasonably priced mirrors on Wayfair and Overstock.