What can I do to cover the front of the furnace?

One of those 3 panel folding room dividers? Saw gorgeous ones at Home Goods this week.

Don’t cover it!

really needs good air circulation around it and access to filters to cahange them also if it needs worked on so needs to be easily moved. louvered doors on hinges like room divider

Maybe a folding screen... you would want to have clear access for servicing. Just be sure that you keep the folding screen or whatever you put there far enough away for proper clearance for safety.

You. Outdoor get a tension rod and hang a curtain