Refinishing my Sideboard: An exercise in uncertainty

Last year, when we moved into our new home, we bought this antique sideboard (was told it was a Welsh sideboard...anyone know?) for our dining room.
 

I had always intended on refinishing it, mainly because there was a lot of damage to the finish, and I wasn't too keen on the dark, thick, chipped stain.

Now I know that a purist would leave it as is, since it is an antique (again, was told from late 1800's but I have no way of confirming this, although it is constructed using square nails) but I wasn't loving the way it looked. Also, I don't think this is a valuable piece (at least we didn't pay much for it!).

I was unsure on the type of wood the sideboard was made of, since the old stain was so dark and thick. I spent days stripping off the old goo. This is not a job I enjoy...stinky, messy, not fun!

After:

The stripper worked great, but smells a wee bit like vomit, which is rather unfortunate when you're working in the heat!

The wood ended up being oak (I think) and very grainy-not what I had hoped for.

Now I was really unsure what to do. Should I just paint it? Afterall, I do love painted furniture, and happen to have a few cans of chalk paint. On the other hand, I also love wood, particularly when an antique piece. Should I just get over my Oak snobbery?

I decided to apply 2 coats of Tung oil and live with it in place for a while.

I may still paint it (I'd likely leave the top stained wood), or the wood look may grow on me. We shall see!

I hope to one day replace my dining room table and chairs, so they aren't a factor in my decision to paint or leave well enough alone.

So, what say you????

Would you:

1. Leave it as is

2. Paint the bottom (likely a cream or warm grey colour which would fit in best with the surrounding decor) and leave the top wood

3. Stain the whole thing darker, but not paint it

4. Other suggestions?

I'm all ears!

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