The assembly wasn’t that hard I did it myself. It took me about 2 hours maybe. Definitely sits up much higher then expected I have a box along  mattress both are 6inches. I don’t think the headboard is shorter in person I think it depends on mattress and box spring night. So I wish the headboard was taller…yes lol! Overall I love it! 4 stars because of the drawer being unattached. I purchase the queen.