First off, this definitely does not feel like a $400 piece, but to be fair, it's not.  It does feel sturdy enough for the job and is high enough for my 5'9" self and my 6'6" husband.  It was simple enough to put together in about two hours, and looks nice in the room.  We swapped out the hardware for some Anthropologie knobs I found on sale and it did really elevate the look of the piece.  I think this will last into the toddler years, though it's no heirloom piece, and so is sufficient for our needs.