...

Try to sand it more and stain it with a stain that goes with your other wood work

Black.

You could go just about any direction you like...you could and it like latifeh suggested and stain it any shade you like or paint it oe ven apply a sealer and varnish (or poly) and keep the "rustic" look it has now. With your more contemporary furniture I would suggest a dark finish like a coffee or an expresso, good luck!