I'll admit that I was skeptical about how this would look, particularly when similar ones are online for $500+ more, but I am very happy with this purchase.  It looks just like the photo, so zoom in if you're unsure of the color of the metal.  It's not shiny bright gold, but rather is a more understated old gold verging on brass.  I'm pleased with the etagere, and pleased to have saved so much money by ordering this over others.