Need help/advice!!

So I moved into my apartment last summer and I was not expecting the fireplace… the whole corner is just odd. The fireplace is kind of an eyesore. I’d like to find a way to maybe cover it up? or just make it less obnoxious? I’ve thought about maybe a screen? or a shelf? I don’t want to spend too much but I would like to try SOMETHING. I’m not too good at all this so any suggestions would be helpful!!

(Also ignore the mess, I’ve been cleaning things out)