thanks for these!

I'd suggest removal if one wants to re-stain a different color without obscuring the wood surface with a more opaque finish. For removal of grime I like scrubbing the surface with 0000 steel wool and boiled linseed oil, a method picked up from a refinishing class at the Smithsonian. Mineral spirits would be a little more aggressive, and is probably a good choice to start with for this project. Testing the less aggressive/difficult approach first to see if it gives a good outcome certainly makes sense. I haven't yet found a finish (including wax and silicone-based polishes) that I couldn't remove with a 2:1:1 mixture of methylene chloride, methanol, and lacquer thinner, followed by methanol rinses. Toxic as heck, no doubt, so plenty of ventilation and PPE required.

It is being used in that manner because it is functional to have some form of storage at the front door. Many people deliberately put functional furniture there - especially extended storage. The issue isn't the use of space - it is that the current furniture isn't providing hidden storage so there is clutter. Swap out the current simple bench for a unit that provides storage for whatever is being left there. It is the nature of human beings to leave things at the front door and appropriate storage solves the issue and prevents unsightly clutter.

Not a pro. Just "food for thought": If the room is small and your impression of it is dark, consider painting it all white or off white or another pale color. Lighter color for bedding with a pair of matching pillow shams would also lighten the room while making it feel more complete. On a full sized bed, you could choose a queen bed spread, preferably reversible, and it would likely cover the bed frame, too -- but you might need to stitch or pin up the bottom corners or tuck them under the mattress. Two extra shams that coordinate but not match -- two solids and either two different solid colors or two print could help complete the decorating look. If you like the mountain picture, see if you can choose a solid color from with that picture for your bedding and a second color for within the second pillow shams. When you cannot have a pair of nightstands, you might consider a (bed width or a pair of smaller) box shelf -- a shelving board DIY project, with or without the back -- https://www.homedit.com/box-shelves/ and you could certainly put art over box shelves unless your headboard is high. In a small room, you might even consider not using a headboard or foot board ... just a metal frame with wheels/casters so it can be easily moved to enable you to walk around the bed to more easily make the bed. Adding casters to your night stand(s) could help with them moving them for cleaning, too. on the wall over the head of the bead for a (preferably all metal w/adjustable goose neck) clamp light or two https://www.lampsplus.com/products/black-adjustable-gooseneck-arm-headboard-clip-lamp__74412.html and an alarm clock and/or cell phones and charger -- things you'd ordinarily keep on your night stand. Sometimes a floor lamp table combo might fit where a night stand would not -- but if you choose one, make sure it is heavy/sturdy enough not to easily tip over. https://www.google.com/search?q=narrow+floor+lamp+table+combo&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwizn7-sj5nqAhXslHIEHYGFByIQ_AUoAnoECA0QBA&biw=1366&bih=654i Choose mid-large white lamp shades to let out as much light as possible. Take a close look at your night stands and see if they could be stacked (held together with a vertical board on the back of both the length/height of the backs of the stands) might be possible if the legs of one is removed and then they could be used for lingerie storage rather than as a night stand. Over the inside of the bedroom door shoe racks might help with a place to store those. Pics would be needed for more suggestions from the Houzz pros.