It can stand alone and is super cute with a variety of books and/or a vase or other small items you may have gotten on a trip abroad. I am happy with it and won't be parting with it for a long time. It's a classic piece in my living room....my "library."

Pros: easy assembly, beautiful wood color
Cons: the screws for attaching to the wall make no sense since there are no holes in which to screw them. I looked over the piece several times and still can't figure it out.