I helped my Dad build a fire pit in his garden, he made wooden seats to sit around the metal fire pit with old stone columns for extra seating (unfortunately you can't see the actual fire-pit as behind the stone bench). Lots of stories and fun are had around it until deep into the night. If you have the space it is a great addition to put in! Shannon

I personally do not like TVs over a fireplace. I know it’s very popular but they are not good for watching TV as they are too high and can cause neck pain and headaches. I wonder how many of those people visit the doctors complaining of neck and head pain! A TV should be at eye level or below when you are sitting down. Also wouldn’t the heat from the fire cause possible damage to the TV? Have your fire by all means, but the TV is better on a low unit on one side of the fireplace, depending on where your sofas are placed. Don’t discard electric fires. There are some really nice modern ones available and you just plug in and go. Here’s some examples.

I don’t think it will look and good. The coal pieces are big and sit on a burner that is open at the bottom and glass beads found with contemporary fires are small and designed for a burner inset into a flat bed. Keep the coal- it’s easier

I am just going to paint the chimney breast & chamber