(amended to say that, like other reviewers, i also noticed splitting in a shelf and have requested a replacement part.) Literally my new favorite piece of furniture. I love the fact that this shelf both holds lots of books and knickknacks while also appearing very open, allowing it to feel more integrated into my living room space. Shelves feel durable and smell nice, like the wood they're made of. The X bracing in back feels a little wobbly but this doesn't seem to effect the overall stability of the shelf--would recommend to other.