I would add some nice books. Some laying down with some of your pottery sitting on top. Others could be standing.

Hi Jeannie, I would start, by clearing everything off all the shelves and taking down everything from the top, as well as the 3 pictures above the wall unit. You have many very similar small-medium sized items in similar shapes which gives it a bit of a cluttered look. You want to make some of your favorite items or collectibles stand out, rather than get lost in the over all look. I would suggest you have a look on this site at some of the inspirational photos for shelves and built ins to see how they items are displayed to help you get some ideas. Let us know how you do and repost with some new arrangements. Sorry I did not have a chance to find you some inspirational photos, but my dinner needs attending to before it is overcooked : ))

I agree---nothing on the top of the unit. Nothing hung above it.

Actually, I would paint the unit black before adding-back decorative items. I think black would give a dynamite contrast with your wall paint and go well in that room.

Just a suggestion… Something to think about….

Happy Decorating!

Actually Sally is on to something with her suggestion to paint it. Is that a white armoire to the left of the photo? Now you have nice white crown molding and baseboards so I wondered about painting something like this, or even using the color of the wall behind of the shelving? If you consider this, then be sure to paint a poster board first and put behind to see if you like it.

I would also paint it!

IF you decide you want to paint it, I've heard Chalk Paint (which is nothing to do with blackboards--it's an English woman's product--google it) is great to work with. NO PREP! Just paint it! Durable. Just a suggestion...

One more thing: no item on a shelf should look like it's wedged in. If it touches (or even comes near) the bottom of the shelf above, it's too tall.