I like this bed. It's pretty easy to assemble. It's a muted gold that isn't too bright or brassy but it is gold. Part of the headboard has screws exposed which is okay but design-wise, the screws should be in the back of the frame for aesthetic purposes. It does require a box spring. I purchased a 9" which puts my mattress almost flush with the footboard. It's too much work to return the box spring so I can live with it but FYI, a 7" or even a 5" low profile might work better if you have a pillow top mattress like I do.