I had a problem staining two nightstands. Had to paint over them as well. I'd say lightly sand it and paint it a darker color. Just a little darker. On the right side, find a small bookshelf or something for that space so you can put books, a printer, etc.

I meant the left side, the empty space underneath.

What about lacquering or painting it white instead? I'd add something traditional like a hooded pull to the drawers - but with a shiny finish.

My second choice would be black paint with brass accents.

I'd also put a new top on this desk. Damask wallpaper covered with glass or something to your taste.

Hope this helps!

Lacquering it the *traditional* red would look good I reckon with new drawer pulls.

Red, good! Marigold with swanky white and pink chevron-patterned-paper-lined drawers, even better!

I wouldn't mind painting it, nothing too dark though. I wanted to stain it because I wanted to keep it around it's natural color.

For the painting, what kind/type of paint would you recommend? Also, any good places brick and morter or online for modern drawer pulls?

Lastly, I really like the idea of nice wall paper, I was actually going to use a sort of retro periodic table of elements placemat to cover the opening (where my laptop is sitting) over the top. It needs to be removable since I would use the sewing maching (just not all of the time). Any good sites?

i'd leave the painting to the professionals and ask my local body shop to paint it with car paint -- high gloss white, black or red perhaps (depending on your decor) and then have the handles dipped silver or brass (again, depending on your decor) over at west la plating on pico.

I've had failed experiments with stain, too. Problem is, you need to get all the stuff (glue, varnish, oily spots) off before the color will stain the wood evenly.

I've had better luck with using a "glaze" in order to get a stained and finished look. Do pay attention to the seams... everyone is very nice to point out that furniture may not close properly; but, aside from that, on the non-joining surfaces, I've had very good luck with a poly varnish/sealant with coloring additives in making a nice shiny piece with new color.

Sandpaper before and after are a must... I've heard as a primer Liquid Sandpaper works really well and avoids any dust/toxic chemical combination, but I have no idea how bad for you that stuff might be. Anybody?

i had this done for my landing strip piece and oh so awesome.

oops, just realized you are not in la so no go on west la plating. i'm sure there's plenty in sf though.

well if you wanted to try staining it first, you could try that "circa 1850" (or is it 1860) gel. it's pretty great, doesn't drip and pretty much peels everything off. Then a good sanding would probably prep it for staining. If it doesn't work on a little patch, you could still paint it.

I would sand it down carefully and paint it orange with white accents, 2-3 coats with sanding in between, finished off with a semi-gloss clear lacquer.