How can i lighten this wood?

[homefromhell]

hi guys,

i'm about to buy the fire surround below, which has a cast iron insert. The problem is that it has a yellow mahogany/cherry colour which i don't like and i want to lighten it. Is this possible and if so, how easy is it to do?

 

[big-all]

your choices are darken or remove coatings to origional lightness level?
you can only darken from the base shade not lighten
you can try bleaching or sanding but hard work for unknown results

 

[foxhole]

Looks like yew which is naturally yellow.
Replacement is only option, a big-all said unlikely to change shade successfully.

 

[ladylola]

Looks like a laquered finish that would require sanding off before recoating with a pale varnish but as said it's a lot of work and it'd be better to replace it.
Does it still need to be timber or is simply painting it not an option? Although if that is an option it'll still be better to sell that one and buy a cheaper mdf one.

 

[homefromhell]

thanks guys,

i've gone against buying this fireplace as we need a lighter coloured one.