Well, it all depends on your style. The shelves look nice, you just need to fill them with flattering items. The top middle shelf would be great for books. Just go to a thrift or antique store and look for some stuff that would look good on the shelf. (If you don't already have things to fill it)

Also, try to go for matching items on opposite sides. Symmetry could really spice it up.

Is it big enough for a bar space? I know I wouldn't be comfortable keeping drinks/glasses there, especially considering that the small space between the shelf and the table would make things uncomfortable.

I would avoid clear glass items. See how the clear glass disappears into the background, while the one white vase stands out?

If I had this I would decorate with some pottery, like fiestaware, the T F Green english pottery or all white ironstone pieces. I would limit the amount of colors to no more than 3. Ebay sells these items or you can find some in antique markets. I would also buy two knobs replace the current ones and replace the original ones when you move out.

Hi,
I would advice you put mirrors on the back of all the shelves,It will take time because there are so many spacesbut it will give your shelves some light,plus whatever decorations you put will look so much better.I wouls also change the cabinet knobs to a something bigger and fancier to give your piece a total new look.

Judy M has the right idea.

Jonathan Adler has fab accessories that would look wonderful in that unit.
http://www.jonathanadler.com/Pottery/

bold colors like fiesta ware would look good in it.

Thank you all, great ideas! Really excited to get started!

Melamine was a popular product in the fifties. And still available in lots of funky colours and patterns. And I do like the Jonathan Adler pottery idea.

Is it missing feet? Seems like mid-century it would have had wood feet with brass tips.

You could wrap foamcore board or a very heavy cardboard in fabric, adhere nice paper or wallpaper to sit on the back board of each shelf. White vase collections are a dime a dozen in the thrift sales and garage sales and look very effective especially if you changed out the backboards.

I agree with those who suggested bright fiesta colored glass items or pottery, just don't over fill it. I'd look for retro pieces. I hope you post pictures when you are done.

If you search images on Houzz using the phrase "mid century dining room," you will get some good ideas on how to style these shelves.

I'd post some for you, but I'm on the app and haven't figured out an easy way to do that in the app environment.

Let's see if this works:

Hey, look at me posting photos through the app! ; )

Can only seem to do one at a time, though.

VOP