I bought this bed in the gray velvet finish. It came with no damage and was fairly easy to put together, so long as my husband did most of it. Easy instructions, very sturdy, and does not require a box spring, although you may use one. I like the richness of velvet, and the detail of the nailhead trim. I LOVE the color gray. I figured I could transition to over color schemes and duvets and such. But (lucky for me) the gray actually reads a little bit purple. Like a silvery violet.  This happens to match my colors exactly, but I'm not sure if it would transition well to another color scheme.  I love the bed, it really set the room, colors, and fabrics! And the price included side boards and a foot board (rare).