Shelf was shiny material and I don't think that was explained in description however now it's together It looks better than I expected with the shiny look - however no holes were pre-drilled so my husband had to drill them - not a great job to leave with him so some spots don't look perfect and although it says it comes with plug covers for drilled spots there were none included.    Generally though I am pleased with how the shelf looks now it's up in it's place.