I say leave as is just refinish the shelves

My friend gave me this as she is moving. I say it is almost perfect enough to leave as is, except the shelves need refinished. What do you all think? Also need the curved glass replaced. Good freebie, huh?
Missing door glass and shelves need done. Otherwise it is in very good condition.
Another pic before it was cleaned and shelves reinstalled. I think for sure it needs to stay as close to original as possible. Do you all agree?
  9 answers
  • Sharlene Dauberman Sharlene Dauberman on Mar 29, 2015
    Yes! I have one and I also need the glass! But they are really beautiful! I think the wood should stay nat!ural
    • Curtis Mikolaiczik Curtis Mikolaiczik on Mar 30, 2015
      Hi Sharlene, I know that's right about them being so pretty even without the piece of glass. I inspected it a lot and there are only 2 iddy bitty pieces where the veneer has broken and both pieces are smaller than a dime so I say just fill it in with stain and no one would be the wiser.
  • Nancy Nancy on Mar 29, 2015
    You may like to try a refinishing kit. Read the directions and find one that ONLY removes top layer of old varnish. I have used it on several pieces of furniture like your cabinet. Then you can apply the stain of your choice. It is not that time consuming. The beauty of the piece when finished will make your friend quite envious and sorry that she gave it away. A little bit of work, time and patience will make this old piece really come to life. Please don't JUST paint it.
  • Curtis Mikolaiczik Curtis Mikolaiczik on Mar 29, 2015
    I don't have any painted furniture except for my 1980s nightstand I had growing up. I love the integrity of the piece. Where do I find a kit at? Home depot or lowes?
  • Drprof Drprof on Mar 30, 2015
    I would leave the outside just as it is. Have you seen where they use something to cover either the selves or put on the back of book cases or behind selves? It has got a pattern on it with a color? I have seen wrapping paper used and it is lovely! otherwise you could do the selves in black with a pale gold edge to them and leave the outside wood. just do a good clean to the outside wood.
    • Curtis Mikolaiczik Curtis Mikolaiczik on Mar 30, 2015
      I REALLY like the gold idea. I think maybe when I restain the shelves I will give it a gold edge. I also like the idea of using paper to cover the back. I am so glad I decided to post my piece.
  • Lois Lois on Mar 30, 2015
    First I would flip,the shelves over and see if the other side is good. If not I would sand then stain
    • Curtis Mikolaiczik Curtis Mikolaiczik on Mar 30, 2015
      Hi Lois, I have flipped the shelves over, the top two shelves are the nicest and don't need more than a fresh coat of stain I think. The last shelf that has all the wear is pretty smooth so I think restaining is a good option as well. The shelves are pretty cool bc one side has plate rails and the other is solid with a nice routered edge.
  • Curtis Mikolaiczik Curtis Mikolaiczik on Mar 30, 2015
    Here is what she looks like today. I used old english lemon oil to shine it up after using murphys to clean her up.
  • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Mar 30, 2015
    Looks as though all it really needed was to have the wood nourished, which is what the oil did for it. Later, if you want to add some dimension to it, you might consider having a thin mirror cut to fit the whole inside back. You'd be surprised how much difference that makes. I can't tell if you have replaced the curved glass in the door. If not, that will be your most costly repair. Curved glass is tricky. I did that with a huge bow front cabinet that is over 100-years-old and everything in it now looks so lovely. The mirror allows all sides of the china and glassware to be enjoyed.
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Apr 01, 2015
    Look great.
  • Mcgypsy9 Mcgypsy9 on Aug 14, 2015
    What a gorgeous piece! Replacing that glass might be a bit pricey but if you can afford it, go for it! If not you could always take the other glass out (if it's not permanently attached) and maybe do like chicken wire in it. I would actually hate that on this piece but it is an option. I sure wish someone would give me a piece like this : ) Great Score!