We decided to get this gate after moving into our new house and realizing we didn't want to use the ugly, plastic doggy gate for the rest of their lives.  Since we block of the dogs in the basement every day, we didn't want to have to put the ugly gate away every time and this is so nice looking that it can be left out all the time.  However, if guests come over you can fold up quite nicely.  Also, it can fold and bend to block off almost any opening.