This is a great shelf with a retro feel.  Minimalist and modern.  The metal is polished but it's not bright silver, but a chic smokey metal.  It was easy to put together.  I picked up two of them.  The first was assembled in 30 minutes and the second a friend and I managed to assemble in 12 minutes.  I used my power drill with an Allen key bit, which made the assembly work easier.  They're sturdy and tall and exactly what I needed.  I may even order a third unit because they look so great.  They appear much more expensive than they actually are.