My son's room does not have a closet and I did not want to purchase an armoire to shove into an alcove in the bedroom (nor did I want to take on any kind of remodeling task). This shelving provides excellent space for a teen and I really like that it is exposed, forcing him to keep it organized instead of just throwing stuff on the floor of his closet as he had done in the past. This is a good piece of equipment to teach organizing a wardrobe to (with a small dresser as well). I did not stain ours but think it could be very attractive with a redwood or black walnut stain.