Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Fireplace Help

We have a red brick fireplace in the corner of our livingroom. It is old and dull, covered with paint splatters and no longer has a mantel only bricks that jet out where the mantel used to be. On top of this, it has 4 black vents (2 on top and 2 at floor level) which make it look even worse. We would love to keep the brick if only there's a way to clean and refurbish it. Other than that, the only idea we have is to paint over it. We are going to build a new mantel regardless of what we do with the brick. Here's what we'd like to know...
1) Is there an important reason for the vents? And can we cover them without fear of the house burning down?
2) Is there a way to clean and add luster to the bricks?


If anyone has any other ideas for what to do please let us know. We have done so much to that room but it never looks complete because of that ugly, old fireplace.

Thanks for the help!

Do NOT block those vents!
It would be a very dangerous fire hazard whenever you or anyone in the future tried to use the fireplace.
They are either for forced-air heat or convection heat from a double firebox. You can replace the vent covers.
You can try muriatic acid to clean the brick, but it is very caustic, so be careful.
You can cover the brick with paint, or 2X4 framing and drywall or paneling. You can look in fireplace stores and get kits to cover old fireplaces and replace mantles, or have them custom built.
Good Luck!
Mike