I really like this headboard. The studs are more shiny than matte, and the fabric is more velveteen than I had anticipated, but I like it. Very sturdy, very solid quality at a great price. The color is rich and deep and could easily coordinate with multiple color schemes and decorating styles. I was a little leery of ordering gray, myself, since that's not one of my typical choices, and I knew the size of a king headboard would dominate the room, but it's great. Don't be scared of it! I would definitely buy this again if I had it to do over.