Hard to be specific without knowing your style and color preferences. From what you say I think you have enough wood so I suggest you use a color for the wood...please prepare the piece well as directed so the paint will adhere properly. I would not use burlap over the speakers unless you are planning to use this as a stereo...even then use a recommended audio fabric. If you are repurposing the piece...like for storage...I suggest a colorful fabric that will go with your paint color...or what I would do if it were mine..I would replace it with mirror. I would also replace the hardware. Of course, it could always fall down the steps on the way to be painted in which case you might have to throw it out..... just saying!

Before you go that route, a few things to consider. Try washing it with a good furniture cleaner, and maybe giving it a quick polish. You'd be amazed at how much better that can make a piece look and it is so much easier than painting it. I"m not a fan of brown/black paint. It usually look like someone is trying to fake wood. If you want to go that color route, have you considered some of the wipe on stains to darken it? It would be easier and look more organic than painting (which will be prone to drips and collecting at the bottom of the vertical pieces on the front.) There are photos on Houzz of kitchen cabinets people have darkened using those stains and they look terrific. A black stain with the existing fabric could be dramatic. With paint I'd go for a light paint or a bright color. Try inserting paper the color of the fabric you are considering so you can get a feel for how it would look before committing to changing this. If you lighten the color or change the color the fabric may be fine, and the patterning on it is consistent with the period of the piece's shape.

FYI, you may not believe it, but these things are collectors items. I restore/refinish many old radio cabinets for a shop that does the radio part. They restore old radios into the 60's, nothing newer, and I've done many of this style. Just keep this in mind while making your decision to paint or not to paint.

I agree with Al above, these items are collectible. I would restore it to its original condition.

Yes, collectable & a good cleaning would be my first step...love the vintage look I would keep it as is & use as a focal point. Retro style is so HOT research a little more before you change something you cannot replace.

Take a look at old stereos on Google...99% of them have been left and see if you like the look. You could strip and restain if in bad condition and I wouldn't change the fabric. Add a silver tray on top and a martini shaker and glasses. You could also retrofit the insides as a liquor cabinet or add a mirror across the top. It will never go with your pine - painted or not, but that's ok I think. If you still don't like it, you could probably sell it and make a profit. [houzz=]

Thanks everyone!

I'm so surprised that most of you think I should leave it as is!

It is really great quality I don't think, the 'wood' is just veneer on wood and most of the record player is plastic, which made me think it is cheaply made. I'll try cleaning it and see if I like it any better!

Original condition is all anyone wants to hear with collectables. If you ever want to send this thing packing (with a nice profit) you will want to keep this in original/mint condition.

If you want to try to "like" it and add paint, you are welcome to try...but it will most likely ruin any possible future sale/attempt to get rid of it later.

If you decide to refinish it, be careful because most of these are veneer. The only ones I've run into that are solid wood are the German Grundig ones. There is nothing wrong with high quality veneer. It has been found in the pyramids. So don't devalue something because it has veneer on solid wood. Veneer on particle board, well, that's another story, but a lot of these radios have particle board as a substrate.

@ Cancork, original condition for collectables is usually the norm. But I have found that the collectors of these radios seem to want them in better than new condition. I usually end up taking them down to "new wood", repairing veneer, and giving them a complete new finish. I know, it's goes against the grain of antique collectors, but that's what they want.

@ Al...I hear you! I was thinking the one thing I would want to do to this one would be to switch out the material/mesh and touch up the finish. It isn't my style...but there are PLENTY of people who love the look...but want a "little update" just like you suggest...such as a different stain or an updated screen...just to give it a "twist" on an old favourite! I haven't heard people wanting a unit that has been "painted".

just take our word for it ........its awesome.

A good cleaning for a great piece that you're very lucky to have. Enjoy!

What if you start by painting just the top/sides/legs your woodwork color and see how it looks.

Thanks everyone, I still think it's an eyesore, but I really appreciate everyone's feedback! I might just move it upstairs so I don't have to look at it all the time!

Since you aren't worry about any resale value, maybe painting it black (leaving the grey fabric) may help you like it more...won't work with your pine but if putting in another room, maybe it will suit there.

please don't paint.

Check around to see if it's some super-valuable collector's item. If it's not, do whatever you WANT WITH IT.