Farmhouse Shelves- Should I stain, paint white or weather the wood?

Ok what else is in the room? More stained wood furniture or painted wood furniture, or a combination? Any of the finishes would work. Just depends on what look you are trying to achieve. With the brackets you are using they will "stand out" more if you paint them white. If you stain them, the brackets will blend in. Depending on how "weathered" you go they would probably blend nicely too. Hope this helps and gives you some direction!

As long as the wood is sealed well any of your choices would look good. How much painted furniture is in the room, or different wood tones? Go with the method that you have the least of. Don't forget about some pop of color too.

Your pop of color should not be used on any permanent structures in a house, to include shelves etc. Pops of color should be used on items that are easily and cheaply changed, like vases and artwork and lap blankets and ottomans etc. NOT shelves or shelf brackets. I'm jus sayin...

Decorating ,painting etc.is very personal...take a piece of scrap wood and test it to help you with your decision

Depending upon the style of the rest of your home and furniture, I would either paint white (a little more formal) or weather/whitewash the wood (a little more rustic