Updated an80's China cabinet?

I found some ideas from our Hometalkers, check them out for smoe inspiration

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=china%20cabinet

I have one like you are describing and I often considered painting it gray or white. Updated backing can really update a look. That can be accomplished with inserting panels wrapped in fabric or wallpaper to give you a new backdrop. Or, you can paint the back and see how you like it. Good luck and stay safe!

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/china-cabinet-makeover-44260945

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/rustic-farmhouse-china-cabinet-11466325

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/q-old-wood-china-hutch-how-to-update-it-interestingly-6002486

You could chalk paint it

I would paint it and maybe a transfer.

Where are you going to use them ?

This is a stunning makeover! https://www.homeroad.net/2015/01/the-monster-hutch-is-finished.html

Is it melamine or foil faced (super thin plastic - sometimes wood grain, sometimes solid color)?

That will effect your prep work (especially primers), so that whatever you do to it, doesn’t flake/chip/wear off.

chicken wire always good for me

If you don't want to paint it, you can try adding wallpaper or contact paper to the insides of the cabinet: https://www.3littlegreenwoods.com/home-decor-ideas/china-cabinet-makeover/

This tutorial shows how to update a China cabinet: https://sondralynathome.com/china-cabinet-chalk-paint-makeover/

Hello painting your furniture can get a nice update if you think that would fit your Decor aesthetic.

A lot of the bloggers tend to use chalk paint.

Here’s an example for you to refer to typically the furniture paint choices are lighter colored or white as the bloggers preferred aesthetic. The other colors certainly can be used.

I believe she recently painted her mothers hutch.

Certainly you get an idea of what you can do with paint and thrift store or older dark wooden furniture items.

https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/diy-gallery/