This is a very good looking shelf.  Assembly was easy if you're used to this type of project. The sides are actually glass; for the price I had thought they might be plexi).  Using this in a preschool age kid's room.  It is the perfect height for them to pick out their bedtime books. The only downside is that the shelves aren't adjustable/don't fit some of their bigger picture books easily - better suited for standard book sizes.