We recently put vinyl plank flooring in our basement and had to get rid of the small built in bar (that had been framed in and built over carpet...ugh). I sourced a beautiful handmade, stand alone bar on Craigslist in its place (for an amazing price!).

I’m at a loss of what color to stain it though. It is unfinished oak. The floors are a weathered gray, the walls are a blue-gray. The little wet bar behind it will be refinished to match, with a charcoal or black countertop.

I think it should be a darker stain, but almost feel guilty covering up the wood. I also want to avoid a chocolate or dark brown tone. Any ideas? Thank you!

(It’s still on casters from the move, and we will install a foot rail.)

This little wet bar area will be refinished to match the stand alone bar.