Have you considered painting the interior? Dove White would set off your china and add crispness to the look. I think this could go a long way toward melding the cabinet with it's surroundings without loosing the textture of the Pine. I'd also add a key tassle to the door.

Why not just paint the inside of the cabinet first, in a light colour, and then decide whether painting the outside is still what you want. I quite like the look of this wood. But of course that's a personal choice and depends on the surrounding furniture.

I'd go for a matte paint on the inside (perhaps something like this?)

Funnily enough I was searching for a paint colour, came across Dove White and wanted to post that one first, but then thought... ehm... maybe more colour.
Then I posted my comment and read Jeffrey Brooks' comment. So here's the Dove White:

You know I am a sucker for painted wood. But this piece of furniture I would leave well alone.

Or White Dove as the case may be :-)

I think your piece is beautiful and would be a shame to paint it. I would definitely paint the inside to showcase your china, a creamy white would look lovely.

It is so pretty..I would try painting the inside, as others suggested.

Beautiful antique pine like that really shouldn't be painted. It is much more beautiful (and valuable) as it is. But it is quite traditional to paint the inside of pine cabinets like that. Whites, light slate blues, and gray-greens are all colors that look would look lovely on the interior in that context.

Thank you all so much. I will start with painting the inside first. It just really stands out in the rest of the room now that I have re-decorated it. And I am not a lover of Pine.

There's cheap pine and there is beautiful antique pine. Totally different beasts. Live with it a bit--it is truly gorgeous.

How about changing the stain color?

You can easily paint panels of foam core board, cut to fit between the shelves. Or you can cover foam core panels with fabric. In this case I'd use a solid color with a subtle texture. Using removable panels lets you change the color as often as you wish, or remove it completely.

Your china collection is beautiful, and if you want to have a "pop" of color in the room, something that contrasts with the blue would do the trick. Consider deep orange, brick, coral....

Hi there you should hire a painter or do it your self and painted white lacquer but w/matte finish I think It would be nice, in case u don't like u can add Brown glaze around the ages
Ask your local Sherwin williams store...

That isn't a stain color and really shouldn't be changed. That is the color pine naturally turns after many years. We have five or six pieces of mid-19th century pine furniture in exactly that wood tone.

I think it is beautiful antique pine. I have grown up with it and I am 50! I just don't care for it any more. I would really like to take care of it though and have it professionally done the right way. Is lacquer a better way to handle this piece?

too hard to sell furniture in nyc AND my sister would kill me lol.

If you paint that cabinet it will be a sacrilege to good design and a huge shame on you. Sorry, but it is beautiful!

If you are tired of it is there another family member who would treasure it? Definietly do not paint the outside.

Pine knots will probably show through the paint even if you Kilz it. If you really have to do something to it consider just putting a glaze on it.

It is beautiful piece! Why not give or sell it to your sister since she has feelings for the piece.

I can't believe,but I have the same piece. I bought it from an upscale furniture store about 14 years ago. When I bought it they said it was 100 year old antique pine. I believe it came from England, whether the wood or the entire piece. So glad everybody says not to paint. I consider it a classic piece to be savored as an antique down the road. I am not a designer but it seems like a special piece.

Perhaps it is time for your sister to have her "turn" with the piece. I have had the same thing happen with furniture I inherited. Beautiful, but after 50 years of dusting it, I was ready for a change. You could get something that you like.

I agree, see if your sister would like it. She might be thrilled at the offer. Or, she could surprise you and let you know she doesn't care all that much. It's worth a conversation.

Have mirrors cut to fit inside the back of the china cabinet. if you don't already have glass shelves, get those too. We did this to our big beautiful pecan piece and it looks fantastic!. Everything lightens up, your nice china or crystal pieces are reflected, adding dimension to the wall it's occupying. It's low cost and if you don't like the effect, no problem to change it. Put the paint away.......the value will diminish greatly. Good luck!

My Grandmother's hutch had veneers and wood...I painted it..b/cuz it was so ugly no one wanted it...I found $500 in the back of a drawer in an old eye glasses case....Confirmation to me that it was meant to be mine...but it was not a gorgeous, solid wood piece like yours is....either way...do what makes YOU happy and feel good....Best Wishes!!! Jayme

I had the conversation with my sister. she doesn't want it and doesn't care if i paint it. She did say my Mom bought it at a very good furniture store and she always said it was from England.

Painting furniture should be reserved for the spruce up--certainly not for this antique piece. Go with the good advice here that you asked for and limit paint to the inside or use fabric. Tastes change, but this is timeless.

Maybe try and sell it? Take a pic and put on ebay. If you don't make good money then paint. It is a piece that goes nicely with the caramel colors.

Don't paint it with Lacquer! Just a nice satin acrylic will work beautifully. If you must paint it at all that is what I recommend.

The pine is beautiful. I wouldn't paint it. Consider selling by contacting an antiques dealer who specializes in pine. They are out there, some within an hour or two radius of NYC.