Hi,
You could add a decorative screen on top of the fireplace that goes to the ceiling and splits the fireplace in half so to speak. But that doesn't totally block your view. I'm thinking iron.
Tried to find you some examples of what I mean. You could have something custom made, curly shapes or more square, whatever you like.

Totally agree, you need something that goes from the top of the fire place to the roof as in a wall or a screen :)

Unfortunately, no matter how you dress it up, it is still a fireplace in an odd location. So, compromise- there is no need for a open fireplace in this location. I would tile/stone over the entrance door side.

You could create a more defined, functional and perhaps aesthetic divider by having a column built up to the ceiling and glass shelving hung in between it and the wall. Then you could display some cool colored glass vases that would catch the light.

The iron scrollwork is beautiful as well.

- This may run counter to your instinct about this, but hear me out.

Please do not decorate the top of it.

Part of the problem with unvented fireplaces in these locations is that the treatment is minimal, and they don't really look like fireplaces - they look like immovable pieces of furniture. They lack raison d'être.

It would make it look more like part of the house if a wall extended from the top of the fireplace to the ceiling. It will give you three sides to place artwork and make it more of the fabric of the house instead of something that you try not to look at.

Frankly, before you spend a bunch money "putting lipstick on a pig", that is, investing in fixing up an inexpensive and dated unvented fireplace, I'd see if the hubby would soften up and allow a newer, more elegant vented fireplace in that spot, or at least let you get it up off the floor,like one of these:

Thanks to all of you. After seeing these comments, my husband is a little more cooperative in getting rid of it. His reasoning is, if the power goes out, we have a good, reliable source of heat. We have only lived here through 2 winters and have not needed it. One day we will, but when??? I say, buy a generator and forget it.

I think your comment of "putting lipstick on a pig" may have hit home with my husband. he really might consider getting rid of it now. Thanks!!!!

Taking out a fireplace is a little like removing the heart of the home, even if it is an oddly place, poorly designed heart. I'm working on a project now that has a fireplace wall that can be seen from the back - from the entry and stairs. I used a battered wall above the fireplace to give it some character. This one is stone, but I could see something like this in your situation. The batter is only on the sides on this one.

Maybe I missed somehing here, but where is the other 'side'' of the fireplace? It looks like it's broken or one side got cut off.

I think the idea of bringing the wall up above the fireplace is a great idea. Make it look like part of the house, not a pice of old furniture. Or take it out altogether...

Parisgirl, just illustrating an idea for above the fireplace. I showed the other side so you could see that it's ok to only see one side of the batter, Similar to what it would look like in the first picture. A plan view of what's going on in this house would be helpful to see if something like this would work there.

Bringing up the wall to the ceiling and covering the side by the door as Margo suggested would allow you to keep the fireplace and not have it look so awkward. Glad the husband was amenable to reason!

Are you suggesting covering the face of one of the sides of the fireplace? You can't do that unless you replace the fireplace with another model. I don't think this fireplace is either cheap or unvented as stated above. It's the surround that's cheap.

Kindly- Doesn't he (hus) or anyone else think it's ridiculous to have a fireplace counter by the front door? Can't it at least be on a wall where he can sit there in front of it, and pretend it looks good? Wait!! I just got it! The counter was there already --and husband put that black fireplace box in there!!! I thought the whole thng was one piece and ergo- thought the side was missing! Is this gel fueled or electric? Not just 'for show'.....

ooooh I've never heard of that or seen one--at least not in this size! I just don't find it appealing or understand why, it's in this area or place. It's like putting a chandelier in my closet. Pretty--but why?? The pix that are shown here, are of beautiful proportions in the proper sized rooms. This house here, doesn't seem to have 12 or 18 feet ceilings. or mammoth room sizes. The view behind this fireplace in jknight's house has stunning windows and lush greenery. That's-- a beautiful focal point imo-.

Have you considered covering the fireplace with a veneer? It can really update the look. Also it would be neat as a place to add a built in shelving area or even just build up the fireplace towards the ceiling to create a more appealing focal point and a small room divider. Here's a few examples of similar styles that did this.

Turn it into a bookshelf? Considered doing that with mu unfortunate fireplace...

Hi, I have a friend that has the same situation: what I would suggest is to add a tile around the fireplace that matched your living room/kitchen scheme. Hope that helps!