I use it to store shoes in our little apartment.  I was really happy to find that it includes hinge springs that control the movement of the bench top pieces-- they slide well and stop exactly where you put them.  No crashing!  Also, it took me about 1 hour to assemble with no sweat.  It is easy to put together.  I wish the height of the bench was a few inches taller, but it's a very good piece of furniture.