This bookcase does the trick for a first apartment. I feel like the price is aligned with the quality of the bookcase. The "wood" was peeling on one side of the shelf upon delivery which I wasn't pleased with but luckily you can turn that side against the wall. It seems pretty sturdy, I would guess I have about 20-30lbs of items on here. The pieces don't perfectly line up during assembly, but again, you get what you pay for.