This is just what I needed in our guest bedroom to display some more family pictures and make the space feel homey without breaking the bank. The surface is rustic, neither sanded smooth nor chipping/flaking, but does lend to an organic feel. I think ours is also a smidge greyer than pictured, but not too much that it doesn't still work in the space. I planned the room to have multiple shades of white/ light brown furniture and decor on purpose so it still fit nicely.