How to minimise this gap in the fireplace surround?

[RedAngel19]

We have this gap in the iron fireplace which the previous owner cut out for some reason. We don't use the fireplace and we intend to keep it so ripping it out isn't a solution. Does anyone have any ideas on how we can plug the gap so it isn't as obvious or visible? It's quite big ..a couple of inches high.

Our solution at the moment is to stick a plant pot there!

Thanks

Are you going to have it as a working fire?
If not you could make a mould of the other side with some air drying clay (or something, I’m sure someone crafty could advise) then paint it to match.

It's not a working fire and is decorative really. I love the idea of clay. Can't believe I didn't think of that! Plus clay is cheap enough to buy that if I mess it up, I won't have wasted lots of money. Thanks @RememberedForAllTheWrongReasons - genius idea!

You might need to fix a little board first into the void and paint it in black metal paint, and then superglue your clay moulds onto that.

@NellyBarney thanks. That's a top tip a really good idea.

I would make a false hearth to go over your tiles and deep enough to cover the gap out of MDF, then retile this.