The item is much darker than Expresso. Almost black in color.  While I did receive it in a timely manner, I noticed that there were several areas where chunks were missing in the wood.  Since I had already unboxed the entire item and started assembling it, it was 'unreturnable' at that point.  While I really love most of the items I have purchased the past month (essentially and entire household full of furniture and artwork) I am extremely disappointed in this purchase.