I think t his is a great chest.  I'm using it for a coffee table and will toss throw blankets in it.  The only thing I don't like, is when you open it, you can see where the screws go in, which is a natural wood color, and I purchased the black chest.  But nothing a little bit of black paint won't cover.  It's hard wood, and fits perfect in the square of my sectional.  I think this was a great purchase.  Wasn't hard to put together, but you have to make sure you divide up the screws sent in sections to use the proper screws.  I think for the money it was a great purchase.