What was it originally made for? Wood Storage? TV? I think I would put either book shelves there or build in some sort of storage with doors. Depends on the rest of your room.

A large, pretty piece of pottery? I see large scale stuff that might work at Home Goods.

I presume with very little doubt It was made to store wood in it. Not such a bad idea. Why not use it for what is was intended.

Is your fireplace wood burning or gas? Can we see a picture of the whole fireplace wall?

A vase with fake lush flowers?

Or glass clear book shelves

Flowers usually really POP in a white space like that (vibrant multicolored flowers)

I do not know your style, but you can do a bigger version of this on a pedistal to fill the white space.

To make it last years I would use silk flowers that are the same as these. Silk flowers can be very cheap on Amazon from my experience.

A silver pedestal Maybe?

Whatever matches with the rest of the room ... simalar materials ect...

I strongly disapprove the use of artificial flowers. Sorry. Better stay with the real ones. A pot of spatiphyllum can survive in dark places.

I have one of those. I found a large basket to fit and use it for throws. I have always treated it as a utilitarian space, not decorative. We don’t use our fireplace or I’d use it for wood.

I would stack wood there

As above, Use Birch logs, the real thing. Seventy percent full is full enough, no board, or glue necessary/

https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/hd0/split-firewood-log-l3747-k~wsne1012.html?refid=GX174901489425-WSNE1012&device=c&ptid=265044513573&network=g&targetid=aud-352581795526pla-265044513573&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=55193739&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnNXiBRCoARIsAJe_1cp2wsZq0ISEliyuCfEjIZwi3lhWoFdCFjPtA_H-MpHr3j0ZIWTz2esaAi-EEALw_wcB

You could also add a picture of Abe. I'm totally kidding! :)

Putting wood there is a great idea guys!

No fake flowers. Ever!

That's a space for storing wood, so go for it.

If you don't want to damage the orange-peel finish (which should never have been done in that space), lay a few 1x2 boards along the bottom and up the sides to minimize scraping the surface with rough logs. Or get a metal firewood rack that fits inside.

No silk flowers, they don’t fool anyone. I like the wood or basket of blankets idea...

Thank you all very much!! I love everyone’s suggestions. I’m leaning towards a basket with throws. Great ideas everyone!!!!

Thank you for replying, I’m very thankful

A timeout space for small children.

following

Yes, you've got it ...if you don't use wood ..the basket with the throws is the best suggestion so far ..have fun !