I need to know what sort of stain to use for my desk. I want it to be shiny and to match this particular bed room set. IKEA | Beds | Full/Double bed frames | MALM | Bed frame (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69849241)
The medium brown.;)

Go to a local store, and find a helper, then ask them to match the color of the wood! (take a high-def or color-accurate close-up picture) and match the stain.

Remember that layers of stain will change the darkness of it and to wait for it to dry before each new coat. And remember too tape every-attaching item you don't want stained!!

(I once worked for a painter who did several stain jobs :) )

I'm sorry that I didn't notice your question sooner ChihuahuaMomma, because one of the things that I have done for years in order to make a living is that I apply finishes to unfinished furniture and also refinish furniture. If you haven't already finished the job, would you please tell me what kind of material such as maybe wood your desk is made of? And, if it is wood, what kind of wood is it? Thanks!

I have no idea what sort of wood it is...

Then, let's work on what type of wood that it might be. Okay? Do you have a digital camera?

Then, let's work on what type of wood that it might be. Okay? Do you have a digital camera?
I do... it's already been stained, so I don't think it would be visible..

Do you mean that you have already stained it to match the bedroom set?

NO I stained it before I got the bedroom set and it doesn't match, it was a matte stain. I'm pretty sure I can get sort of a close color to the set, but what do I look for if I want it to be shiny?

If you would provide a close-up image of the top of your desk and also one of your whole desk, as well as a close-up image of the bed frame that you are considering, that would give me a much better idea as to what we are dealing with here.

Deft makes a spray lacquer that is available in either a semi-gloss or gloss finish. Using it on whatever stain you have on the desk should solve your problem as to how to make it shiny. When I look at the image that I can see on the site for the bed frame, I am seeing just black. But, maybe it's not really black.

If you would like to use the Deft lacquer, I can guide you in how to use it. I use it a lot on any number of existing types of stains.

I am wondering how things worked out for you with this project, ChihuahuaMomma, if you wouldn't mind letting me know, please?

I bought a new desk!

Cool! Does it match the bed?

It does, so does the new dresser that I just got off Craigs list for $40!!

Not a bad deal! Years ago, I talked some people who wanted $70.00 for a dining room table, chairs and buffet down to $40.00 for the set.

Are you still having any problem with the shininess that you were wondering about matching to the bed set?

Nope, it matches perfectly.

Cool! That's great then!