Varnish or paint pine wood chairs or something else?

Someone else had suggested above to apply the glaze first and then clear coat over it. I'm not sure if that's necessary or if just the glaze is sufficient in case of doubt. I wouldn't just apply clear coat on top.

Oak on the floor, oak as a table, and both not matching… in my opinion, there should be some contrast in between so that both wood elements harmonize (even if both are oak, it doesn’t look the same). And even if it were the same oak, the same tone again would be monotonous and lifeless. I would boldly paint. And even if it is only light gray – it serves as a connection between the wood elements. But ultimately, taste counts. Personally, I would work with a thick-layer glaze or lacquer glaze. It is richly colored and yet the grain still shows through somewhat.