If you have any collections of anything you could put them up there. My shelves on my walls have a few pictures of my husband and children, candles and unique candle holders, i have one with some books on it, a small bamboo plant in a decorative vase with decoritive rocks in it. Just experiment with things you already have and see what you like. You can always buy a few neat looking nick nacks at the local dollar store and see what you like best!! Good Luck and I really hope this helps!!

You have not described your living room, but it is so happens that whatever is on display on the cabinet will either enhance or mar the beauty of the room. Glass is very pretty and can also be difficult to keep clean coz shows up dust very quickly. Don’t keep anything utillitarian in it. and you can explore your decorating options by placing things in a descending order ( like a pyramid) more at the bottom, less at the top. or have the same number of items on each shelf. No matter how you do it, try choosing coordinated items ( by colour or theme). and think of what you would like guests to see when they enter your house. Crystal is a nice option, so are things that reflect the light. That etched glass thing sounds interesting. You could to consider keeping it behind something else thats glass for a subtle, and arty effect unless it ends up looking too garish or 80′s !