Okay so it's for sure not gray, it looks exactly as it does in the photos - taupe-ish. BUT it was packaged VERY well, everything was labeled clearly including the hardware (I'm an organization-freak and this made me happier than it should have), and it was mostly really easy to put together. I'm 100lbs and the only thing I needed help with was getting the metal frame onto the lifts because you need an extra pair of hands to hold it in place while you attach it. Took about 3 hours to put together, but that's probably because it was 80 degrees and I was whining to myself about how much I was sweating. I LOVE this bed and everyone I've shown pictures to has been impressed with it! More colors, please!