How do I decorate a 5 foot tall 1 foot wide wooden shelf piece?

Books, framed photos, knick knacks.

Paint?

A large skinny vase

Candles?

Hi LInda, do you have special ceramics or pottery or anything you want to display and set them on shelves. I would use variety in color, texture, even a plant on top. OR if you need more storage in a small area like a bathroom, you can get wicker looking baskets to set things on the shelves to store small items in the bathroom. OR if you need extra storage in your laundry room or even an entrance way or hall way. Hope this helps.

Pictures, cds, dvd's, glassware, stoneware, vases, plants, lava or glitter lamp, carvings, statues, awards, etc.

Here are some beautiful ideas. https://lifeonsummerhill.com/styled-shelves/