The best way to block off this fireplace

Albermarle

Interested to know why none of the experts have not suggested taking the whole chimney breast out?
Too big a job? having to support the chimney stack etc ? It would have the advantage of creating more room, although would need to be done properly at a cost.

stuart45

I would guess it wasn't suggested because of the difference in cost. Also there could be a flue from the ground floor still in use. 

sand_hun

Thanks for all the suggestions, a few options to think about but I am indeed leaning towards whatever would be easiest to essentially 'patch' it up. Some posters asked to see the surround so here's a wider shot showing more of the fireplace, it's pretty much at the edge of a bed so I had to take it from this angle.

ThisIsWeird

Now, that's actually not at all unattractive - almost Art Deco with the tapering features.

Lots of possibilities to tart it up as it is - closing up and filling in the gaps in the hearth surround, that 'roof' bit, the exposed screws in the base. And then your choice of colour.

Anything else will be quite involved, most likely pretty messy, and - if you cannot DIY it - a fair price.

You just need caulk and paint to largely sort this. You could go more ambitious at any point - that hearth could easily take a contrasting material to the face tiles, for example. But, now't wrong there that a little titivating won't help wonders.

Looks like a sunny spot, too - any chance of an ivy or two tumbling down from the mantelpiece? (even faux stuff... :-) )

Again, Google and Pinterest are your friends.