This headboard looks exactly like the picture. It's well made and very sturdy. The hardware is easy to install to the bed and everything is well labelled in the box. I would describe the red as a dark red. The material is velvety soft and is quite plush against the head. Definitely nice and soft if you like to read in bed. While my order did take 5 weeks to arrive at my door step, I was notified of this before I submitted my order. If you like red, and a headboard that has a bit of a retro vibe to it then you will like this.