I bought this stool for my kitchen.  I have tall cabinets and wanted to have something nearby that I could use to reach them.  Most of the time, it acts as a stool for a small kitchen desk area.  Overall, it looks like it does in the picture and the assembly wasn't too difficult although the instructions could have been a little clearer.  Where I which it were better is that the wood screw hole covers fall out almost immediately.  I'm not sure I want to glue them in place incase the stool becomes loose and I need to make adjustments.  The second complaint is a minor one but I wish the stool were wider.  Twice while using it as a step stool, it wobbled on me.  I got used to exactly where to stand but I think a wider step would eliminate this risk.  Overall, it is good for occassional use and decent looking enough to be kept in the open.  The quality could be better.  Good value for the price.