It is arrived in one super heavy box. If you have stairs and are single keep this in mind! It took me  and my friend about 2 hrs to get it done. Just like everyone else said the gold is not shiny it’s definitely a muted “antique” gold. The stickers all over the bars was SUPER ANNOYING like everyone else stated in their reviews as well. We used Acetone and razor blades to get them off. But once it was assembled and I got my linens on,  it was gorgeous! I have a 14” mattress. I added Edison bulb string lights across the top and 2 Canopi sheers I bought from Wayfair as well. Niiiiiice touch if I do say so my self. There was one question I didn’t see answered here...NO IT DOESN’T SQUEAK! )