The desks are just like in the pictures.  It is true they can be assembled either left 'L" or right "L".  I purchased two of them on sale and made it into a mega desk with two distinct work stations.  Each one took maybe 35 minutes to assemble.  They provide a video link to instructions.  I didn't need to watch it, the written instructions were great.  Everything was in the box, organized well.   Just a heads up, there are screw holes on the top of the desk where the top shelf goes.  So if you plan on purchasing to use without the top shelf, just know there will be visible silver screw holes.