Despite what you may read on yellow cans that say "Wood Finish," a stain is not meant to be a final finish. If it has pigment in it, it has just enough binder (oil, varnish, lacquer or acrylic) to hold the pigment in place.

First, I would wet rag with mineral spirits and wipe it over an area. This will simulate what adding a finish will do. Finish generally darkens and intensifies the color in a stain.

If this is pleasing you can simply top coat with a satin varnish or oil-varnish blend (aka Danish Oil, antique oil, etc.) You can also get tinted danish oils that will darken the color.

The problem with oil only or oil-varnish blends is that in a few years they tend to oxidize and dull. But it's simple enough to freshen up by cleaning and re-applying a new coat of the same. (This also may be what is on there now). Oil-varnish blends tend to be "in the wood" finishes and have a low luster (sheen) and minimal film build. You apply them, let sit for a few minutes and wipe off all the excess before it starts to get tacky. The actual time will vary based on ambient conditions and the relative proportions of oil and varnish.

Gel stains should not look "painted" if you do them right.

So there's some options. But remember the first rule of finishing : run some trials on scrap (or an obscure area) before starting your project.

Here is a link that might be useful: oil and oil-varnish finishes

bobsmyuncle, Thanks for the reply and the great information. I will certainly look into the satin varnish or oil-varnish blend products. That sounds like it may just do what I would like. Thanks again!