There is no match for the beauty and longevity of wood when it comes to furniture for if you treat it well and give it a splash or two of paint/varnish from time to time, it’ll last forever. Most wooden furniture will get a beating with normal use but for some it is the spice or what gives a certain furniture character that makes it unique in it’s own right. The nick when your child first walked and tipped the vase. The knock from you’re child’s toys and more are records of your life and can be used for memories, besides they make good story time references when you’re talking with your grandchildren.
Some furniture that cost a lot may need more attention than most with waxes to keep them shiny and fresh with others simply being nice the way they are. Clear finished wood can be revived and brought back to life with some sanding and re-varnishing to give it the beauty it once had. May you paint it or re-varnish it, it’s up to you on how you wish it treated. Use cleaners that are mild and contain wood protecting agents such as waxes and natural oils that keeps it shiny naturally.