I love the tallness of the headboard. Shorter headboards get hidden by your pillows, but the proportions of this queen bed are perfect. Took me just under 2 hours to unpack, assemble and clean up (one middle aged woman). All parts were in the package, even the tools needed for assembly, and everything was in good shape. The stud detailing is very classy. I would definitely recommend this bed. The grey fabric is a weave of medium grey and dark charcoal. Just lovely.