This bed was $1000 cheaper than one I liked at Pottery Barn so I thought I'd try it. I was ready to send it back if it was just too cheaply made.  The metal is covered in a brown paint.  I scratched it a little upon assembly but was able to use a brown furniture marker to cover it up. It didn't seem that sturdy upon assembly (which requires two people) but it holds our Tempur-pedic bed and box spring without any movement or squeaking.  The bed sits up high but I like it. The headboard is a nice neutral light beige/cream color. The side rail is black not brown like the rest of the bed so it is meant to be covered with a bedskirt. I am very happy with the overall look of this bed and will use the extra thousand dollars I saved for new bedding, new rug (that I've already ordered from Wayfair) etc.