I love this bookcase. I am using it in my craft room. I stained the wood with a weathered gray stain and it is stunning. I love the X's on the sides. I would recommend using the included straps to attach it to the wall to prevent it from tipping over, especially if you have little children at home.

Edited to add: after using this bookshelf for over a year, I have to say that the way the shelves are attached is kind of flimsy. There are little metal pegs under the shelves and they tend to pop out when the shelves get bumped. I still love the look, but for this reason, I'm downgrading my rating to 3 stars.