this is a really nice bookcase! I wanted it in white. I bought it, with the intension of painting it white. When it arrived and my husband and I put it together, (although it was simple enough for me to put together myself), it looked so nice I decided not to paint it, because I didn't want to mess it up. I like it so much I'm thinking about buying another one! The shelves are nice and deep, and it's very sturdy.