I absolutely love this bed! It’s light grey, not taupe, so that disappointing. Headboard is heavy and a little hard to do alone. Prop up the middle and you’ll be fine. The wooden slates did not line up flush to the side rails, so I’m eager to see how it stands up overtime. Overall this bed is so plush and expensive looking. Velvet is soft. Bed it’s a low platform, so large box spring and mattress is recommended.