Thank you all for responding! I emailed a professional and he gave me some history on it. Very interesting. He said it is definitely from 1900-1920's. It is a Spinet desk and more decorative than most. There used to be a lid which is now missing. =( My dad said he let my uncle borrow the desk and upon it's return the lid was gone. He is still mad about it. Now that I am researching them, it appears that was one of major appeals to the desk. The history of these desks is that in the late 1800's Spinet used to make pianos and when the piano stopped working, people converted these into desks. So during the depression era the appeal was strong and desks were made. I do not think I am going to paint it now since I have learned the history. The professional I spoke with told me it will be a big task refinishing this desk. He gave me tips on how to do it myself. I am a bit concerned but I think I may give it a try. I do not have the funds to hire a professional since the cost of this restore would run between 400-1200 dollars! He told me fully restored the desk is valued around 450. As is, 50 - 100 dollars. After so many years it is cool to find out the history of this piece.

One idea I'd like to throw out there if you're trying to add visual interest. We are adding a curved valance, just because I think it looks more finished with the crown molding that is in our kitchen. We also have light fixtures in the room- no cans. In order to "disguise" the 2 fixtures over the sink (so it doesn't look like an excess of fixtures in the room) yet not block the light, we are just using wood to "frame" the valance and placing decorative glass inside this frame. If you have ever visited a glass shop- the kind that stained glass artisans visit, and the bigger the store the better the choices-you will be blown away by the beautiful options. You do not need to do a stained glass mosaic for this idea, you can just put in a large single piece of your choice. I was just there today and I have yet to make a final decision. It's a simple way to do something a bit unique.

If it is solid wood the tops can be sanded down. It may be more expensive than a traditional refinish. A good flooring person can tell you what would be involved. Sanding that much should be done by a professional. Also, you need to be sure it really is solid hardwood and not engineered - which probably could not be sanded very deep. The bevel groves are put on pre-finished floors to prevent uneven edges showing bits of unfinished floor- it just looks better with pre-finished to have bevels, but if sanded down and site finished, it would be fine.

Someone re-upholstered my parents’ old set, and the loss of the caning is what was heart-breaking. is it the color, seat condition, back shape you don’t like? If it’s the caning, the back frame is glued together, and can come off, if you want to put an upholstered back in (see my photo of the purple beast). I’ve seen a painted version of the same set that looked very nice, too. in my case, I want to sand out the heavy rounded edges on the table & china cabinet at some point.