I purchased the distressed black and the tray is an interesting color. Sort of dark charcoal and it's not so much distressed as it is uneven in staining. It has a very strong chemical smell that seems to be from the stain that isn't really dry on the product. When I put it together, my hands became black from the finish. I wiped the wood down and my cloth was black. I'm going to need to let it cure, wipe it more and then seal it. I had no idea I was getting into a craft project with this item. Not exactly what I bargained for. The tray is a bit wobbly and not straight, but once it's decorated, I think it'll be ok. It's not the best product and I suspect it'll become this decade's fad, but I guess I'll keep it anyway.