My Dad made several fake fireplaces out of wood. I used to help him chisel out the bricks he made out of 2x4's for around the opening. We had a ball.
This would look great in one. I wish I had a picture of one to show you. You could go buy an old fireplace front at an antique store if you don't have a fireplace it really makes a room. That is why he made so many every time someone saw his they wanted one too.