I got the bookcase in the black finish.  The shapes of the shelves in that finish make this a visually striking piece. The bookcase is large enough to feel substantial in the room.  I positioned it vertically, but I may get a second one to put next to the first one horizontally underneath an adjacent window for an almost built-in look.  The shelves make it easy to set stacks of books alongside decorative items and not look cluttered.  I was pleased that I was able to fit 2 smaller bookshelves' worth of books, plus several framed photos and some souvenirs from travels, all without having to cram the space.