Stain + Polyurethane vs Amber shellac

Submitted to Product Chat

I have some 40 year-old pine in my kitchen as accessories - some spice racks, a table, and a little catch all whatnot. They have aged to a beautiful mellow yellow amber color.
I would like to make my kitchen island not look so new, like it also has aged. I have never used shellac, but it comes with an amber finish.
should I stain or just go with the amber shellac? So you make a small sample size?