This is the window

Does the fireplace really look worse than this cover?? It would have been better to have a nice solid cover that looked like a built in and painted the same color as the wall. I would paint that bookcase too or move it elsewhere.

Is the window to the right of the tv? If so, drapes the same color as the wall would help it blend in.

Can you take pictures so that we can see the whole room? It would help us to answer your questions better.
Diane

That is an adjustable radiator cover over your fireplace. I would at least paint if, if not replace it for starters.

Can you drywall over the fireplace?..since you mentioned removing it.

Do you need to cover the window for privacy? If total privacy is not needed you could do a cafe type curtain in the middle. If you need privacy a top-down shade would work or even a Roman shade.

For the fireplace - Yes -- for the quickest fix -- paint the cover fresh white -- and depending on your room -- hang a tall poster or artwork over it. Other ideas depend on the state and safety of the fireplace itself when you remove the cover - you may be able to find a replacement mantel and then add tiles ....

For the window -- yes -- depending on your need for privacy -- check around the shops for a soft Roman-type blind .... or for now -- check around for a matchstick or bamboo blind .......

Cant take the fireplace off because we're renting at the moment and the bloke said he didn't want it removed. This is the fireplace that's underneath it.

We've literally just moved in and all the walls are white but there's so much stuff I want to change! I hate the blinds, I don't know if it'd the colour of them or not... We kinda need something covering over there as we get the sun directly in. I know everything doesn't go. Trust me I can't stand it as my old place was very shabby chic but we needed a bigger place asap as we've just had to settle with the design of this room.

Just any ideas for quick fixes would be great. Or anything else I could cover that hideous gas fire with.
Can't really paint at the moment coz of the baby over wise I would.

Thanks everyone for your help so far

This is the whole room. I can't stand it. Literally any suggestions would be so much appreciated. If I could I'd redo the whole room.. colour scheme and everything but right now I'm just not in the position to, hence quick fixes is what I'm left with.

I can buy a new cover and shelving but I just don't know what!

by the way - i love the roman blind idea. would look a lot better than these manky things. thanks so much x

I'd take the cover off the fireplace and put the sofa on that wall. Place a console table between the fireplace and the sofa for display, place for drinks and a lamp, and to keep the sofa from not touching the fireplace. I know it's not on, but you can't be too safe. Like this:

{{!gwi}}

Then put the TV on the wall where the sofa is now flanked by bookcases. Or bookcase on one side and chair on the other.

I think the mantel is nice. I would remove the cover and put a painted fireplace screen over the fireplace box,

Here is a link that might be useful: Fireplace Screen

Or if that didn't work, how about finding an attractive but inexpensive cabinet with doors, removing the back, painting or refinishing to suit, and sliding that up over it as if it weren't there?

I'm with Lucy. Nice Mantle.

I'm with Rosie. Thrift store cabinet/dresser of some sort that you slip over the fireplace and set the TV on.

Those chairs look huge for the small room. Are they up against a wall? Can they even recline?

I agree the best would be to somehow put the TV atop the rad cover or other unit so that you can place an occasional chair on either side of the TV, so should you have company, you can still have a conversation.

Also window treatments of any kind will certainly help warm up the space. I would prefer drapes on the outside with blinds on the inside, but it doesn't matter much...just get some fabric to soften the look of the windows.

Then some lamps, even if floor lamps, would be really helpful.

Perhaps you can check out some ideas for you living room design here: http://www.yoursprouts.com/living-room-decorating-ideas

There are some pictures which might give some inspiration