Darker than pictured, but just about the perfect shade I was hoping for, when I saw another reviewer's photo. Assembly was easy enough, though I wonder if alignment may have been more perfect when getting the seat on the base if I had a power drill. All in all happy with look, size, function, and price given that the ottoman was included meaning I didn't have to go around and find a match on my own. Would have given 5 stars if alignment was perfect.