I picked up this gorgeous ornate wooden high chair the other day. It's from the 1880's, in need of a little repair, but on the whole is in great condition. The plan originally was to strip the finish, then re-stain the wood (hadn't decided which colour exactly). Final step is to make some seat cushions in a cute (gender neutral) kids'-themed fabric. BUT.....ENTER THE RUB!

I stripped the wood, as you can see in the later pictures, and am a bit concerned about the slight irregularities / differences in the wood grain colour (most obvious on the very front of the chair in the last photo). I worry this would be highlighted by adding a stain? What do you think? Another option (the lazy option) is to just paint it (yellow or green or whatever)...

Bottom line: I'm after a gender neutral chair, with a healthy nod to its origins (it's an antique after all) but with a modern twist.

Would appreciate any suggestions. Paint or stain????

Cheers!!!