Tight Budget - paint

Otherwise concrete over it.

What's your overall style? Do you like rustic industrial? If so, I would rework the shelves using the plumbing pipe you can get at the plumbing supply. They will cut it to length and thread it for you to screw pieces together. The actual shelves could be a thicker, darker and more rustic feeling. What about a mantel in the same material?

Various custom shelving completed · More Info

Reclaimed Barn Wood Industrial Shelving · More Info

Second the paint idea, but make sure you use the right kind of paint (ask the retailer what they recommend for masonry). Depending on what you decide to do with the shelves, maybe a shade of white for the brick, or a dark gray or navy would be dramatic if you like that. Finish with a mantel - maybe a big slab of natural wood? Look at the pictures in Houzz, searching on the word "fireplace" for ideas.

A nice thick mantle

The brick is a nice neutral so I don't think you need to do anything with that. I would add a simple, straight, wood mantle that matches the wood on your shelving, and replace the mirror with a large piece of art.

I agree with Cali— the brick is pretty. I would do a surround mantle or a very thick floating wood mantle. The mirror does not work in the space without a mantle.

I like the brick - are you open to removing the shelving (they make the space look very heavy - I think the fireplace alone would be a beautiful feature). Agree with a simple, think, wood mantel.

I'd be tempted to do no mantel, no art, and just do nice things on the sides. For sure, no mirror, and my second choice would be one piece of art. But it depends a bit on your overall style.

With this color brick, a dark black trim or paint on the mantel/fireplace would bring the color out. Paint the shelves a similar dark color and place a very colorful painting or a completely neutral painting above the fireplace. If you need suggestions for paintings, there are some great ones for affordable prices that might fit your desire.

Perhaps try a thick mantle, as you see in the first image below. Then get a nice piece of artwork you love to hang over the mantle.

Living Rooms · More Info

Hampton Boathouses · More Info