I LOVE  this bookshelf! I purchased this with the intention of altering it for my specific purpose. I used it to store all of my toddler's kitchen accessories on it. While the side panels are nice for holding things in, they are definitely optional. I also left a level of the tower out and made it shorter for her. I kept all the extra pieces so, I can alter it as we go. Easy assembly, very sturdy and definitely would recommend or buy again.