This was simple to put together for 1 female who is not very strong.  But it would have been faster with two people.  Also, I did have to use some create foot pressure strength to align the bed frame to the head and footboards.  My only concern is that the bolts may loosen but I literally just put the bed together.  I wish the headboard was shorter but I knew what I was getting when I purchased the bed.  As others have noted, the frame is gray.    The bronze is very pretty and does not look black at all like in the picture.  It is a sheeny bronze finish.  Quite pretty.  Bed feels sturdy.