[Snoonyb]

Since most stains are penetrating, and if your existing finish is darker than the finish you are contemplating, you'll find that a lighter finish is quite difficult to acheive. So be prepared to broaden your range of potential finishes.
If, having embarked upon the stripping and refinish process, you find it overwhelming, there are stainable phenolic products in many wood species and 1/32" thich.