The color is the perfect color gray its neither to harsh or to soft. As far as assembly goes I wasn't sure when I opened the two boxes If they shipped the correct bed, but quickly realized the two side wings would need to be atached. It does take roughly 1 1/2 hours to assemble for one person. An extra pair of hands would be helpful and make assembly a bit more seamless. However, once put together I am 100% satisfied.