How can I make this manufactured cabinet look better

Beautiful piece! I'd add stained-to-match molding strips on all edges( see pic). maybe a few plate rail molding pieces (see pic) and maybe a large decorative piece of molding for each side (see pic).

Decorative molding around the edges. I've gotten some at Joanns.

You could start by removing everything from the cabinet. It looks crowded and haphazard. Too much stuff just makes it look cluttered.

If you want to make the cabinet itself look more interesting then paint the outside one color and the inside including the shelves another color.

Color combos could be dark purple outside and plum inside.

Or red outside and orange in.

The paring down and painting tips are spot on, but if the curio cabinet is used strictly for storage, decorate the door with etching spray or contact paper which comes as plain frosted glass or prism/refracted glass. If you want to highlight the contents, put mirrors or a reflective finish on the back wall of the case and add some fairy lights to brighten up the contents! I have a dresser/wardrobe cabinet and a bookcase my grandfather made made for me when I was a baby which I treasure because they are 74 years old!

If you don’t want to paint the furniture try contact paper Onthe back wall of inside shelves . $4.99 at Walmart.

I use a turquoise design on my book shelves in my office. It matches decor and brightens the room.

I changed out the wood shelves in a cabinet for glass shelving purchased at a local shop cut to my measurements. That made a big difference! Adding wood trims, mirrored backing, painting - all would transform - I think adding short legs - screwed into the bottom corners would also perk it up.

I took my old bookcase and turned it on its side. Went to Lowe’s and got retro legs and angle brackets. I drilled little holes to stick the shelf holders in and turned the shelf’s around. I also cut a new shelve, and Wow. This came out nice. Please don’t mind the mess on it, I’m moving it to my grandsons room.

First, would raise it up so most of the shelves are at eye level. Then I would -paint it to blend in with the wall so it looks built-in. You can paint the back wall a different color or use mirrored tiles or even wall paper it for contrast. Finally, I would take some of the things out of there--- too many items detracts from them all. Rotate them seasonally so they all get attention.

We have the same stereo stand... It looks great with all the stereo components in it.. They make inexpensive shelving for the items you're displaying.. The size and glass door will scream stereo, no matter what colour you paint it..

A simple idea is to buy some poster board at the dollar store and cut it a little smaller than the back of each shelf. Cover the board with fabric, wall paper, lace or whatever pleases you. Then just push it into place at the back of the shelf. Probably something light or bright in color would show off your treasures more than the dark wood. Also, you can change it any time you want.

I would put legs on it so it's a little taller. Put a nice design wallpaper on the back and paint the shelves and the inside sides and outside a contrasting color. I wouldn't touch the glass door.