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Hi Seven, thank you for your message. I am new to Houzz and it won't let me add a photo to the main post for some reason but I can to this comment :)

*Sven

Bit of a shame it’s not complete, but it’s still a lovely fireplace.

Do you intend to use it for heating?

I agree! I don't think we would use the open fireplace for heating but we did think a wood burner for some winter nights.

We have central heating so it's not necessary for heating. Initial, we just want to make it look nice over functionality.

Thanks

Try gumtree or Facebook Marketplace as local sellers are more likely to have inserts that fit. They are also cheaper than ebay if you want one cut to size.

We've been through a few fireplace dilemmas over the years. The main thing is that making it in any way usable will usually involve quite a bit of cost - a sweep of the chimney and any repairs to the flue are just the first, and then it's not just the cost of an inset but also a proper hearth to meet regulations. So in your position I would dress it up for now and then when savings permit, get a specialist who can advise about safety and regulations. So to make it look prettier - I reckon you've got a stunning surround under that white paint. If you're happy with it being black, then strip the paint off (with one of the gels) and then polish it up with some "black grate polish". All the detailing on the surround will look stunning. I'll send a photo of one from my last house. With all that detail, I'd then just cover the bare bricks with some ply and paint it black. You could do a fake hearth with some wood painted black if you really want a hearth. I'd then get some nice big candles to go in the recess and forget about it. If you start getting a lot of dirt coming down, you will probably need to get the chimney swept.

These are photos from my old house-they are plain surrounds but you can see how the pattern shows when polished. The first was originally under thick white paint. Actually, you'd better knock on the surround first to check it's metal, but I think it must be with that detailing!

I've just noticed that you have a gas pipe nearby so have the option of a gas insert when you get round to it - we were determined to have "real" fires originally and never used them (hence the candles!). Now have gas inserts which look really authentic and we use all the time.

Wow yours look lovely. I think we will go with the gas insert idea! We didn't think of that. I'm assuming we'd still need the chimney swept for that?

It is cast iron and my partner is up for stripping the thick paint off so we're going to try what you recommend. Do you have any tips to get it off/what worked for you?

I have just been back to the flat to pull up the flooring and there is actually a hearth underneath. I haven't exposed it fully yet but it's defo there.

Thanks for all your help!