Since it is non functioning I would take it out.

Congrats on the new home!!

I think you would have a few options. Below is a link to a Pinterest post. The teal accent wall could be the fireplace. You could also white wash it, as pictured, and place either candles or wood to "stage" a fireplace.

https://pin.it/ywpadhodxdoubf

When you do paint the brick, whatever color it ends up being, make sure to properly prep the brick.

I think you can find fireplaces that are painted black also. With teal that could be really striking. Gray would also be nice. It is curious these "fireplaces" that aren't, that never were. A design idea from back in the day. Does anyone know the history/why of these things?

I would like to keep it since it’s adds a little something to the room.

Anyone know anything about the faux stone panels that could be installed or is that dated?

I would look for a an iron register grate to put in the recess.

Google “fireplace summer cover.”

I LOVE that yellow fireplace Olychick posted!!

Have you thought about making it into a working fp again? And it’s hard to tell from the picture, but it may have been a coal-burning fireplace.

In any event, I think it’s fun to have something like that!

There are many pictures/ideas at this link - decor in front of non-working fireplace

I like the idea of painting the brick a light color, filling the middle with sawed off branch pieces to simulate logs, and adding lights of some kind (twinkle, candles, etc.). That would look lovely!

My son is in a vintage apartment with that kind of fireplace. If it ever functioned, that was decades ago. It had previously been painted white, and he uses it only as a textural backdrop for the furniture. Basically, ignoring it, has a piece of furniture in front of it, using the mantle kind of like a sofa table, for display and a lamp. It actually looks fine that way and doesn't control furniture placement.

I wouldn't add faux stone to a non-working fireplace - you've got brick already and a faux stone, faux fireplace, just seems wrong.

I would paint it in white or gray.

A mirror filling the inset with candles in front gives off a nice glow....

@celerygirl how did you do that?? Change the wall color and fireplace?

I would cover it with sheet rock and make it an architectural feature...there is nothing right about it ...as is...

And if you have new furniture in blue..I would not match the wall to the couch....that would just detract from the special couch color...if you just love the idea would go lighter or darker...depending on how big the wall and how much natural light you have

Ritasj I was going for natural/tan color furniture with pops of the accent color in pillows rugs and other accessories.

Sounds good....

I would want to open up that area in the center bottom and see what's there.

Gray .....”curiosity killed the cat”..... no telling what is under there ...even if it is a functioning fireplace the hole is too tiny!....

I would paint (not whitewash) it in a heartbeat. Benj. Moore White Dove would be my color choice.

Old coal burning fireplaces were made with small openings. K.D. do you live in an area that coal is common?

Yes. Coal was common at one point. In the basement there is the old door where it was delivered. There are two other chimneys in the house so it was very popular years ago.

Yep, that is why the opening is smaller than usual. It burned coal. At one time you probably also had a coal furnace. Be prepared if you take down any walls there will be black coal dust in them.

I’ve decided to paint the fireplace white. And will be sure to post picture of the finished product which will be done by September hopefully.

@functionthenlook At some point I plan on taking the chimney stacks out of the walls. My next door neighbors have the exact same house as me and did it 10 years ago and stated that they were covered in black dust every day. Every. Day.