Awesome beautifully designed chairs.  Purchased 2 to flank the end of our dining table. Like others, we chose to finish the wood to better protect against wood soiling, fingerprints, etc. Loved the lighter "raw" finish of the wood but wanted to ensure we protected the integrity of the chairs. Utilized Danish Oil in the "natural" finish, a foam brush for legs/larger sections and a small synthetic paintbrush for the tight sections...a bit of patience and dedicated work to get into all of the little crevices between the leather straps but ultimately worth it to protect the wood.  So many compliments on these gorgeous chairs, don't hesitate buying. (Pics show unfinished chairs first, then after we sealed them with Danish Oil)