"Sean" wrote in message
Before I dive in with some random finish, I wondered what the thoughts
might be for putting a finish on this so that the pine and MDF don't
appear too different, but that it's still a bit of a feature. If it's any
bearing, the person who this is for has primarily got quite dark colour
furniture.

Also, I need to note that my local area lacks a "serious" hardware store
so finishes need to come from the standard "off the shelf" type products
that you might find in somewhere like B&Q, for instance.

Only finish that will make them look the same is paint. Available at many
stores.