I love this piece, very pretty! I would do a glossy black and then check out the hardware at Restoration Hardware. You may need to buy a couple samples to hold up next to the piece after it's painted to get the best one. Don't go to modern though with the hardware, this is a beautiful traditional piece and keeping a little more on the traditional side will update it but still make it look cohesive. If you find something you like but it's to expensive you can go online to another hardware store and find something similar. Post pics when you finish!

Before doing anything seek a professional in the antique world and get this piece appraised!

Seriously! Antique Roadshow!

This is a beautiful piece and I can see some damage or wear on the finish. It would be beautiful sanded down and stained with a cherry finish or painted black. I have done both and have had best results sanding to the bare wood before painting or staining. I agree with ellechris to check with Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn to shop for new hardware. Be sure that the new hardware will fit the original holes unless you plan on filling them and drilling new holes for the new hardware. I always use satin finish for painting wood and have used spray paint and gotten excellent results. Minwax has a wipe on polyeurthane that protects a stained or painted finish, love this product even though it takes 2 or 3 light coats to fully cover, looks like a hand waxed finish! I hope you will post the results once you finish your project !

I meant to say that I would suggest a brushed nickel finish if you decide to paint the piece black.

I have used a product called Restore a Finish found at Home Depot. This product rubs on like oil with fine steel wool and restores damage if it is not too bad, something to consider if you want to keep the current wood finish.

Not to worry it is not antique. It looks just like one I sold in my shop last year and painting won't hurt it

No paint

I would think just new hardware might give it a fresh new look. If not, I think it would be gorgeous stained or painted black.

While I've refinished a number of pieces, I tend to shy away from painting...but if you wish, I might suggest a two-tone type finish by keeping the top "natural" or if in poor shape refinish the top and keep it wood looking and paint the bottom black.

To preserve the beauty of vintage mahogany pieces, Danish oil or French polishing are other options worth considering.

I have this EXACT sideboard. I hope you didn't paint it. Restoring it would give you a beautiful piece in your dining room.