Thick blocks of antique glass in different colors, shapes and sizes are eye-catching decorations for bulkheads. They are scattered throughout thrift stores and garage sales and are good light refractors near the ceiling. Old crystal-style punch bowls also stand out on the high shelves above cabinets. Large, hand-painted porcelain platters displayed upright in plate stands or leaned against the wall behind the shelf are good bulkhead additions.
Displaying a collection of photos and pictures on the bulkhead gives the room character and inspires conversation. You can use family photos, reproductions of famous artists’ work, or a combination of black-and-white and color photographs in metal frames. Choose extra large pictures and photos with details that are clearly visible from a distance. To create a culinary motif, select photos or pictures with a theme such as wine varieties, favorite foods or famous restaurants.
Displaying hand-woven picnic baskets, serving trays and other bamboo or wicker items adds a homey atmosphere to the room as well as provides storage for these seldom-used objects. Mix and match natural hues and patterns with bright colors, and fill some of the baskets with dried or silk flowers or high-quality plastic or satin fruits and vegetables.
Nearly everyone has a collection of odd bric-a-brac accumulated over the years and stashed in the garage or attic. The assortment may lack appeal when individually viewed but looks good displayed on a high shelf. Choose oversize straw hats, big antique toys, retro candles and vases -- be imaginative and daring with your selections.
You can increase your storage space and keep the bulkhead neat and tidy by lining up crates and cubicles on the shelf and filling them with items you rarely use. Wooden crates placed open-side up present a rustic look, and cubicles with outfacing openings give a clear view of the contents. Storage solution stores sell wire, mesh and solid-walled boxes with doors or drawers that hide what’s inside and give the bulkhead an organized appearance.
