I really like this coffee table.  It is real wood, rustic, industrial and unique.  Since the herring bone pattern is made of individual pieces of wood, it's a bit uneven and rustic.  If that bothers you then take that into account.  I happen to love real wood pieces so it doesn't bother me in the slightest.  I wish it came in a lighter shade-like natural or fir.  It blends into the color of the floor way to much so picture a nice, light jute rug underneath.  I noticed in other reviews that the frame is darker than the picture shown on the website.  This can be so easily remedied by putting it together but leaving the top off.  Then buy a can of your favorite spray paint and it should look perfect.