If I were you, I'd paint the exterior and pick a really fun wallpaper for the interior. It could be subtle (grass cloth, for example), retro hip (David Hicks wallpaper, although I think it may be an example of going, going . . . ) or crazy. Heck, for $5, use the earlier chalkboard paint post as inspiration and go crazy. Fun project.

T8
http://www.strangeclosets.com

When design takes priority, the result is often strange closets.

I'd paint it (outside darker color, inside lighter color) and use it as a sideboard for a dining room. Or use it for a TV if it's not too high. Or take off the glass and use as a bookcase. It has a good shape, just needs some paint.

This would be ADORABLE for books/collectibles or an entertainment credenza, or even a entryway table if you put a fresh coat of paint on it (since it is not a "quality" piece of furniture). I would suggest either a bright white, or a light color, such as turquoise or yellow or grey, whatever suits your current situation best. And then line the inside (or just the shelves) with a vintage paper, or contact paper. I would keep the glass sliders the way they are, that's such a great feature! This really is just adorable, it was totally worth the $5! Congrats!

Paint it, use paper or contrasting paint on the back and, if you want to hidden storage, contact paper or spray frost a design on the glass and use it as:

a bar/liquor cabinet

storage/display for serving pieces

office storage/printer stand

media center

linen storage

craft center

remove the glass and insert baskets for pull out drawers

shoe storage

if you have a single rod closet and its deep enough, put it under shorter hanging items for extra protection for purses and shoes

I think the wallpapered back is a great idea - but I have the feeling that all this piece needs is some polish/varnish and it would brighten right up.

If the top is that laminate stuff, make sure you rough it up with some steel wool or light sandpaper, and prime it before painting with your finish coat. I found a neat desk at the St Vincent dePaul & I did the above plus topped it with a sheet of plexi to protect the finish cuz it gets a lot of use.
I think you found a great buy! It will look great using any of the suggestions above.

Leave the back of the interior walnut. paint the case white (inside and out). paint the legs black. it will look like a million bucks.

Yeah, if it's laminate, get a high-adhesive primer and rough it up.

congrats! and totally paint it... i would paint it something to pop out from the wall it will be resting against, and paper the inside for sure. good luck, and keep us posted on what you do!

My first thought was to paint it white with a turquoise interior...but I like the other ideas too! with or without the glass, it's a great shape...

Remove the legs, and put black hairpin legs on it. I think a 9" would look fabulous. I have a very similar bookcase, and it looks wonderful with hairpin legs.

hairpinlegs.com

You can order them there.

bar cabinet, anyone?

Sand it, paint it glossy white. Paint the inside a great contrasting color or wallpaper it. Go buy those wine glass holders that you mount underneath cabinets. Make sure you use screws that are more shallow than the top or bottom shelves. Install those for your glasses, then get a freestanding wine rack to put on the inside to hold bottles of wine. Put a great lacquered tray in there to corrall all your liquor, an ice bucket and bar tools.

The top would be great to display some cool photos, maybe just leaned up against the wall in various sizes, and when you have a party you can set out appetizers, napkins, plates, etc. on it.

i love the idea of papering the glass!

I love the idea of papering the inside back, but i'd get the faux (i.e. cheaper) silver leaf to do the outside. It would look like a DWR piece!

whatta find! I've been looking for a piece just like this to display vintage dishes/glasses/barware in our dining area!

That is really cute. Great find!

I would paint it Like All the above said but make a bright color to match some fun decals to put on the glass like from threadless or from this Etsy person
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13646989

and you can always changes the decals easily.

I'd Paint it. Possibly paint the legs a contrasting color.

Then I'd put that fake frosted glass contact paper on the doors and some low-voltage lighting inside so that it glows.

I'd go along with those who say paint it with a different color inside and out (color choices based on your decor) and possibly put frosted glass contact paper on the back of the glass.

I had a cabinet with very similar sliding glass doors and liked it much better with frosted contact paper because I found the shadow of objects behind the glass to be more appealing than the actual items. Also, if you want to put a lot of stuff in it (or aren't the tidiest person), the frosted effect masks everything quite well.

I'd probably ditch the glass entirely if I wanted to leave the objects on open display since it looks really old-fashioned (though the glass does make it easier in terms of not having to dust).

$5!! You're a genius. I love it. Books! Books! It is crying out for books!

My first thought was--"Why can't I find something like that for $5?" I have the perfect spot for it and would paint it black with the back in some lighter color and use it for my mid-century pitcher collection.

I would try and bring back the wood color, if possible.
Then paint the middle shelf black and the bottom shelf black and also the legs black.
It would make a great collection cabinet for all the fun things you pick up here or there. Or start a new collection.
If you do not collect stuff then do whatever sug. you like above.

You did good! I like the idea of the frosted glass look..somehow looks 40's/60's..painted a color from 'that' era..a creamy white or the turquoise..it is fun...have fun with it..the bar is a good idea:retro it up with vintage martini ware/napkins..etc..makes a fun sat/sun flea market/antique shop day!

Yay $5! What a good find!

I'm going to buck the trend, though, and say For goodness' sakes don't paint it. If it's solid wood, it's probably walnut and painting mid-century-modern walnut is a travesty; if it's laminate, no matter how much you sand, it's not going to hold the paint well and it'll start to look crappy after a while.

I do like the idea of wallpapering the back of the inside though (although if it's solid wood I would use the removable paste-the-wall kind they have at Graham & Brown now.) It would look quite period authentic if you had some grasscloth wallpaper back there, or you could go with a funky retro print to match your decor.