It's very attractive. The charcoal color is a little darker shade than I hoped, but I like it regardless.
The headboard is adjustable to five heights. The middle height has the bottom of the headboard at 24" and the top of the headboard (on one side at the lowest point of the curved top) at 55" inches.
Our standard box spring sits up about 3 inches above the bed frame.
Once assembled, the bed is very stable. There is no creaking or shifting when laying down on it.