It really is beautiful. Personally, I think it looks great that way, but can see where you are coming from. It's very hard to go back after it's painted...

Do not paint it. You could sell it for $400.00 and get one from Pier One already painted.

Oh, since it has been in your family for years, I wouldn't paint it! Or restain it either. I suggest wallpapering the area behind it to give it some wow. Grass cloth with some copper sheen?

If you are really tired of it, pass it on to someone else in the family? Or give it a spot in another room?

thanks for the comments. here's the table and chairs - i think i'll dress up the chairs by chaning out the seat pads for something in a print...

i am an atypical in my thinking i know. it's not giving you great satisfaction the way it is. you do not have a responsibility to anyone else. if you like it, then paint it if you want to. yes, it takes away from the dollar value. but, so what? unless you are a fine antiques collector or dealer, it doesn't matter. the cheap painted stuff out there doesn't compare with the quality of this piece. so, don't sell it and buy a piece of laminated pressed wood.

btw: this was my great great grandmas' so not sure if that makes it old or antique but regardless I will never sell it. Just wanted to update the look a bit. Thanks for the suggestions!

I would paint the walls instead...I think this is a great piece and its ok to mix an antique in with modern. If you feel you must do something get one the new stain gels you can do it yourself in no time and it will look amazing...my daughter just gelled her vanity from light oak to espresso and it totally modernized it

I also like it as is, and don't know that changing the color would really update it that much. If you decide to change it anyway, I would take it to a professional to refinish it in a darker stain; it will look much better than if you try anything yourself and it often costs less than you might think.

Oak does look old, so I'd paint it. I painted a black and white square faux marble on the top of my bar and put three coats of sealer on it, and have always had compliments. Maybe shinier brass pulls.....

Don't paint it. The mission style is perfectly presented in oak. If it's not your style, give it to another family member.