Before this bench was repurposed it was a light cherry and did not stand out too much in front of the burled, deep cherry bed with a chevron pattern. Because the bed was so beautiful, I opted to not finish it. (one of those situations where the 'before' would remain better than any 'after') Adjacent to this bench is a very large tv table/dresser that is in the same finish. Pics to follow as we wait for drawer pulls and granite top.-Sanded and stained black to an opaque finish followed with crème and liquid gold leaf.