to restore or not to restore

This was passed down from my grandmother and my father had it stripped many years ago but neither he nor I got around to re-staining it. Recently I have reached out in the hopes of finding someone to clean and refinish it, but my question is, should I? It's a little more than I can afford but it is a lovely piece. Would a proper cleaning be sufficient to leave the wood bare?

OK, more than one question.

 

the wood is lovely.....
polish, wax or oil........after a light cleaning.......and enjoy it as it is...imo

 

It needs some sort of protection. Clean and apply an oil or wax finish. The original was probably a dark mahogany stain.

 

Are the drawers gone ? Its a mass produced run of the mill item from the 30s. If not sentimental,I wouldnt do much.

 

Thank you, I just need to know how to clean without hurting it. But I like the wood as well.

 

Yes, but can I do it myself since my budget won't allow for a professional?

 

Also, yes the original was a dark color. The bench was not stripped so that gives me an idea of the original color. See attached...

 

do not go back to dark brown......it'll be 2076 before that color makes a comeback !!

 

Thank you. The the drawers are there, on either side, and the doors for the bottem, while not pictured, serve as the base for the two cubbyholes underneath each drawer.
The sentimental value is that it was my grandmothers. I've never found another one like it while looking at vanities online. Would be nice to see another.

 

heehee. good point.

 

The hard work is done. The finishing part is easy. Get a can of stain and go for it. Seal with varnish or polyurethane afterwards. If you like the light color, skip the staining step.

 

I second that emotion. If you like the light color, sealing is relatively easy. I think it’s lovely, and I totally understand enjoying a link with the family past. If you are going to keep it, though, you need to protect the wood.

It really isn’t that hard to do. There are a million YouTube videos. The main thing is to make sure it’s absolutely clean before you start, and plan on doing several coats.